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.

Rainbow Village is no exception.

Benefit gala info

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 to Light 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.

“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.

For more information, call 678-969-3385, email membership@peachtreecornersba.com or visit peachtreecornersba.com.

PCBA revises its football themed annual fundraiser for three local charities. 

Following up with its success of last year’s inaugural event, Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) will once again use the tailgating theme for its annual fundraiser. The PCBA Tailgates & Touchdowns Annual Charity Party will take place 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 24 at Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners.

Similar to the previous year, guests are encouraged to wear attire celebrating their favorite college and professional football teams. It was no surprise that a lot of UGA, Georgia Tech and Falcons gear was on display last year. 

Additionally, there will be business networking, a silent auction where participants do not need to be present to bid, a live auction, music entertainment, tailgating cuisine and vendor tables. The important part of the evening, and the reason for the party, is raising money to support local charities.

“Last year, based on the generosity of our sponsors, members and community support, we were able to award a check for $4,000 each to our three charities. These three checks were the largest checks the PCBA has been able to donate based on the net proceeds of the event — a total of $12,000 in net proceeds,” said PCBA President Lisa Proctor. 

By the end of July 2023, the PCBA had donated in excess of $134,000 and awarded 17 scholarships in the last 11 years.

“All of the money we have donated comes from a portion of our membership dues, annual sponsorships and the net proceeds from our annual charity event. Since we do not have any paid employees and are a volunteer organization, we are able to give more back to the community and those in need,” said Proctor.

“This year, we are hoping to meet and exceed our 2022 charity event proceeds, but we still need a few more sponsors and donors to get there. The checks for the three charities for this year will be awarded in October, November and December, so we can make sure each of the three charities is provided recognition and time to talk about their charity.”

Sponsors still needed

Proctor added that there is still time to provide sponsorship.

“If we can drive turnout for the event and get more people involved in donating and bidding on silent auction items, we should be able to hit a strong showing,” Proctor said. “Community engagement always has a powerful impact on our event.”

Proctor stressed that participants don’t have to wait for the tailgate party to secure auction items. “If someone sees an item that they’d like now, instead of waiting for the auction, they can see if it has a “buy now” option,” said Proctor. 

For example, the DynaTrap ½ Acre Mosquito & Insect Trap might be an item that someone would like to put into use now. So, instead of waiting until August 24, they can purchase it and have a month of use before the auction takes place. 

Proctor added that a charity auction isn’t necessarily a place for bargain hunters even though good buys exist.

“We’re hoping to raise the most we can for the people in our community that need it the most,” she said. “Through the generosity of sponsors, members, donations, etc., we’re making a difference.”

Charities benefitting from fundraiser

The three charities that will benefit from the fundraiser have already been announced.

“We are focusing our fundraising efforts on health, education, providing food, necessities and community assistance to these three charities,” said Proctor.

Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett offer general medical and dental services for the poor and uninsured, according to its literature. It aims to meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of patients by:

• Providing quality low-cost primary healthcare and dental services to the uninsured to eliminate health disparities for poor and uninsured populations.
• Decreasing the demand of the uninsured for non-emergent medical services on the emergency room to help reduce the cost of indigent care on the public healthcare delivery system.
• Providing a venue for matriculating future medical professionals to advance their educational goals while serving the poor of our community to help disadvantaged students prepare for employment in the health and dental fields.

Rainbow Village programs focus on building self-sufficiency. The organization strives to turn the tide on homelessness.

It is a traumatic event and healing requires both guidance and time. Rainbow Village programs are each tailored to meet the needs of residents throughout their journey, according to its literature.

• The ASPIRE program provides safe, stable housing for families experiencing homelessness for up to two years.
• The THRIVE Alumni Program provides an additional three years of support to families after completing the ASPIRE program.
• The ACADEMY Academic Enrichment and Afterschool program provides support for children of ASPIRE and THRIVE participants.

Corners Outreach offers three paths to impact its community — volunteering, donating and becoming a customer. All three paths change lives, according to its literature.

These paths are accomplished through: 

• Corners Academy (early learning, elementary tutoring, teen development);
• Workforce Development (basic needs, life skills, job skills, educational advancement);
• Family Engagement (adult workshops, food assistance, health services); and
• Corners Industries & Staffing (sustainable living wage and career advancement certification). 

PCBA Tailgates & Touchdowns Charity Party

Thursday, August 24

5:30-8 p.m.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

475 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

Visit peachtreecornersba.com for more info.