The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (SWGC) has completed a local food drive to help area students who experience food insecurity. In many cases, the only meal of the day the children are sure to receive is the one that’s provided at school.
These students face hunger while school is closed during the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks.
SWGC’s Executive Director Beth Coffey joined forces with Terri Hoye, director of the Alliance of Norcross-Peachtree Corners (Alliance NPC), to collect food and donations and fill boxes with food items.
Before the school breaks, volunteers will deliver 365 food boxes to students at Beaver Ridge Elementary, Give West, Norcross Elementary, North Metro Academy, Paul Duke STEM High, Peachtree Elementary, Pinckneyville Middle, Simpson Elementary, Stripling Elementary and Summerour Middle schools.
Those who advocate for those in need find it necessary to reach out to the community for assistance. While numerous nonprofits receive generous grants and other forms of financial support, the majority host at least one major event a year to keep the lights on and the aid flowing.
The 2023 “We Are Family” benefit gala is set for a 6 p.m. start on Saturday, October 7 at Atlanta Athletic Club. This annual event supports and celebrates Rainbow Village as it works to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness, one family at a time.
The black-tie optional affair includes a champagne reception, a seated dinner with complimentary wine, silent and live auctions, a famed wine wall and a raffle.
Besides the entertainment, guests will also hear an emotional account from a Rainbow Village graduate, detailing the impact the organization had on her life and the lives of her children.
The work at Rainbow Village is crucial because every day there are families with children who find themselves in unsafe environments with no place to turn, no one to turn to and no place to call home. Through the provision of transitional housing and transformational programming, Rainbow Village is endeavoring to change that.
According to its literature, the nonprofit utilizes a model that takes different goals and starting points into consideration. This allows residents to see their progress and build confidence in their individual journey towards economic self-sufficiency.
“Our gala is a night filled with great food, lots of laughter and the occasional tear as we are reminded of the ‘why’ that has brought us all together,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village, in a press release.
“With housing prices at historically high levels, affordable housing is harder than ever to come by. Homelessness is at crisis levels in many communities, including our own,” she continued. “By arming families with the tools, they need to not only survive but thrive beyond our village, our organization, along with the individuals and partners that support us, is paving the way for them to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency.”
Goals past and present
As it has for the past few years, Rainbow Village is hoping to raise at least half a million dollars to further its mission. Even the pandemic couldn’t keep local wallets shut. The nonprofit has met and exceeded its fundraising goals for the last few years.
Nobody wants this to be the year that it isn’t successful. Last year, 2022, saw a total of $501,970 raised and in 2021, $500,030 was raised.
While every dollar is precious, major sponsors such as Northside Hospital are leading the charge. The medical provider is the presenting sponsor.
Both ticketed and non-ticketed sponsorships for the event are always welcome. All sponsorships can be purchased online through the Rainbow Village website at RainbowVillage.org.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 toLight Up The Corners at its July 27 Business After Hours event.
Light Up The Corners, a 501 (c)(3) volunteer organization, is a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining, night time running party and fundraiser in one. All proceeds from the event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in the community who are struggling by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA.
“The PCBA is looking forward to participating at Light Up the Corners on August 12, 2023,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA President. “Join Team PCBA at our booth and walk/run as we Light Up the Corners.”
Charlotte Hinton, The Forum, and Amy Massey, Light Up the Corners
She added that the PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to Light Up the Corners so the group can continue to positively impact the surrounding community.
“Our Outreach Committee and Board are impressed with their mission and their ability to continue to provide a quality event for our community. We are committed to continue to support ways to engage and bring our community together,” Proctor said.
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership and sponsorship as well as its annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at monthly events so PCBA members can learn more about these organizations.
Over the past 11 years, the PCBA has awarded 17 scholarships and donated an excess of $134,600 back into the Peachtree Corners community.
Pictured: Suzanna Martinez, PCBA Board; Allison Reinert, PCBA Board; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Amy Massey, Light Up the Corners; Charlotte Hinton, The Forum; Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; and Michael Pugh, PCBA Board
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 toLight Up The Corners at its July 27 Business After Hours event.
Light Up The Corners, a 501 (c)(3) volunteer organization, is a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining, night time running party and fundraiser in one. All proceeds from the event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in the community who are struggling by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA.
“The PCBA is looking forward to participating at Light Up the Corners on August 12, 2023,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA President. “Join Team PCBA at our booth and walk/run as we Light Up the Corners.”
She added that the PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to Light Up the Corners so the group can continue to positively impact the surrounding community.
Pictured: Charlotte Hinton, The Forum, and Amy Massey, Light Up the Corners
“Our Outreach Committee and Board are impressed with their mission and their ability to continue to provide a quality event for our community. We are committed to continue to support ways to engage and bring our community together,” Proctor said.
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership and sponsorship as well as its annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at monthly events so PCBA members can learn more about these organizations.
Over the past 11 years, the PCBA has awarded 17 scholarships and donated an excess of $134,600 back into the Peachtree Corners community.