Doing Good

Rainbow Village Hosts Annual ‘We Are Family’ Benefit Gala

Published

1 year ago

August 25, 2023

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.

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

Community

PCBA Accepting Scholarship Applications for Class of 2025 Seniors

Published

1 week ago

February 14, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Peachtree Corners Business Association log with dark green tree on a light green background and PCBA in white type.

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) continues their philanthropic work with an annual scholarship opportunity for local high school seniors who demonstrate community spirit and initiative and meet the requirements. The scholarship program was established to raise awareness among high school students of the need to give back to the local community and their school.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Student Scholarship Program. The PCBA will award one $1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior.

Students are invited to apply now by completing the scholarship application. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025.

Application details

Applications should be emailed to scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.

Sealed transcripts may be sent to the PCBA office at
4989 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 200
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Click here for the current scholarship application for eligible graduating seniors.

Qualifications include:
Must be a graduating senior & meet at least one of the following to qualify:
– Resident of Peachtree Corners
– Senior at Norcross HS, Wesleyan HS, Paul Duke HS, or Duluth HS
– Child of PCBA member

Applications must include the application form, a copy of the student’s sealed or official transcript showing cumulative GPA and an essay of 500 words or less describing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship, including three (3) things you’ve learned that you believe will help you in the future.

A separate page listing any of the following the student has been associated with, along with a brief description of your involvement is also required:

School organization affiliation
Sports affiliation and extra-curricular activities
Areas of community involvement
Personal time donated to charitable/humanitarian causes
Activities completed or participated in to support the community, healthcare workers, first responders and others.

“The PCBA is proud to continue this scholarship opportunity, which recognizes local students who have positively impacted the community,” says Donna Linden, PCBA board member. “In previous years, we were impressed at the dedication to community service we saw from applicants. We look forward to honoring the deserving student who receives this scholarship.”

Funds for the scholarships are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and the organization’s annual charity event.

For questions regarding the scholarship program, please email scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.

Doing Good

Peachtree Corners Festival: A Tradition of Fun and Philanthropy

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2025

Shawne Taylor

An older white man in a blue shirt holding a giant donation check with a young, dark-haired woman from Simpson Elementary School

Over the past 13 years, the Peachtree Corners Festival has become a favorite fall tradition for local residents and city visitors alike. Held each September, the family-friendly celebration brings the community together for a full weekend of fun that includes vendor booths, arts & crafts, food, live music, a car show and more.

Though the festival itself takes place once a year, the volunteer organization behind it works year-round not only to plan for the big event but to give back to the Peachtree Corners community in other ways as well.

The Peachtree Corners Festival mission

According to the festival website, the organization is “dedicated to bringing a safe, wholesome and family-friendly festival to the City of Peachtree Corners,” with the goal of fostering “community pride and civic involvement in our diverse city. … To the extent that the festival experiences positive cash flow, the funds will be dedicated to supporting two areas: Education and Beautification.”

An older man in blue shirt holding a giant donation check with a representative of peachtree elementary school

Two men holding a large donation check from Peachtree Corners Festival to Pinckeyville Middle School

“We generally give anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 total each year to the public schools in our area and to local nonprofits like Bridges Peachtree Corners for school and teacher supplies,” said Dave Huffman, president of the Peachtree Corners Festival.

Community donations

In 2024, the organization donated funds to several local schools, including $500 each to Peachtree Elementary, Simpson Elementary and Pinckneyville Middle School and made a $1,000 donation to Norcross High School.

Other recent donations have included:

• $20,000 for landscape plantings in the Hwy. 141 medians near Chick-fil-A and Walgreens

• $20,000 donated to the city for Christmas light displays at the Town Green

• $15,000 for the City Hall flag plaza

Three flags on poles in front of PTC city hall — photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

In addition, for the last few years, they have also awarded a drama scholarship in memory of Debbie Mason, Peachtree Corners’ former first lady.

Last year’s winner was Norcross High School senior, Pavin Jones. The next drama scholarship winner will be announced in spring 2025.

For more about the Peachtree Corners Festival, visit peachtreecornersfestival.com.

Doing Good

Peachtree Corners Business Association donates $3500 to Spectrum Autism

Published

2 months ago

January 2, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A group of people holding a large check to represent a $3500 donation from the PCBA to the Spectrum Autism Support Group

The Peachtree Corners Business Association awarded a check for $3,500 to Spectrum Autism Support Group at their December Business After Hours Speaker Series and Year End Holiday Celebration event.

Established in 1998, Spectrum Autism Support Group provides support, education and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. The organization currently serves over 1,500 families in Gwinnett County and the surrounding metro Atlanta area and has become a well-known resource in the autism community.

Support group meetings, summer day camps, overnight camps, social skills groups, respite, community training and family events are offered for all ages and abilities.

“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $3,500 to Claire Dees, executive director and co-founder of Spectrum Autism Support Group and the Spectrum Autism Support Group board in support of their efforts to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president.

“Our PCBA board members are impressed with Spectrum Autism’s commitment to provide support to the autism community through their many programs, events and resources. With the PCBA’s continuous commitment to supporting our community in a meaningful way, we are excited to be a small part of their efforts,” she continued.

A tradition of giving

The PCBA has donated $170,000+ to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in the metro Atlanta community since the inception of their community outreach program.

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at PCBA’s monthly events, so their members have the opportunity to learn more about the organizations they are supporting.

“Where businesses come to grow”

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.

For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.