);
Connect with us


Community

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Hosts Fundraiser Luncheon

Published

on

Captain Paul Ryerson, commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, thanks guests, donators and staff for supporting the mission of the Salvation Army.
Photos courtesy of the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County

Executive producers of the hit TV series “The Chosen” discuss the inspiration behind retelling the life of Jesus Christ.

Everyone knows that the Salvation Army is one of the largest non-profits in the world, with its main mission to offer life-sustaining services to families who need an extra hand. Among its charitable services are arranging emergency housing, rent and utility assistance; providing groceries; and disaster response.

But the giving comes at a price. That’s why its various divisions hold fundraising events. 

Last month, the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County hosted its 9th Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta in Norcross. This year marks 158 years that the Salvation Army has been serving the needs of humanity, and 36 years in Gwinnett County.

As its major fundraiser, the luncheon supports year-round services such as housing, utilities, groceries and emergency disaster services to local families in Gwinnett County. In addition, local youth are served all year long through a free year-round School for Performing Arts, a summer camp and by providing school supplies to those who need them.

“The Doing the Most Good Luncheon is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County. “The funds raised through this event each year allow us to serve as a resource for the community and bring hope to our neighbors in need.”

In 2022, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County provided 60,843 pounds of food to 1,018 households and 2,717 nights of shelter; 267 households received rent / mortgage and utility assistance. Additionally, 566 families and 1,464 children received gifts at Christmas through the Angel Tree program, according to data shared during the luncheon.

“The Chosen” connection to Salvation Army

The afternoon included a discussion about the TV series “The Chosen” with Chad Gundersen and Chris Juen, the show’s executive producers, as well a live and silent auction and a seated lunch. One of the top items in the live auction was an opportunity to visit the show’s location, a Salvation Army camp in Texas that turned out to the be the perfect spot for filming.

“The Chosen” is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ. The creators shared that it would have a total of seven seasons, with the fourth season beginning production in the spring. The free show is streaming on Angel Studios’ platforms with tens of millions of viewers.

Season 1 was the No. 1 highest crowd-funded entertainment project of all-time, raising $10 million from over 19,000 people. It raised over $40 million in production costs for Seasons 2 and 3 via the fan-supported model.

To date, “The Chosen” has been translated into 50 languages and offers viewers a new perspective of the life of Jesus. The story it tells dovetails perfectly with the mission and message of the Salvation Army.

“I have the privilege of putting this uniform on every single day, overseeing the operations of the local response here in our beautiful county. Our mission is simple — to be the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs, in His name without discrimination,” said Ryerson. 

He thanked the attendees and contributors for believing in the Salvation Army’s mission, and thanked the staff and volunteers for keeping it alive.

“Reaching these milestones doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when an organization stays focused on its purpose and that happens when a community captures the vision and pours themselves into the cause,” said Ryerson.

“We are in the business of giving,” he added. “The hope that we offer is not only for the physical needs of the body, but it’s also for the needs of the soul.” 

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.

Continue Reading

City Government

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting

Published

on

Flyer for a community meeting regarding law enforcement in Peachtree Corners.

The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.

This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.

The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.

In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.

After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.

Meeting details

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners

Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Continue Reading

Community

Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025

Published

on

The starting line of a community race with green, inflatable start archway and dozens of racers and specators.

It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!

Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.

This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.

All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.

Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.

Sponsorships available

In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.

T-shirt logo contest

Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.

The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.

Continue Reading

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

on

Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, wearing a white button up shirt and blue blazer

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

Continue Reading

Read the Digital Edition

Subscribe

Peachtree Corners Life

Topics and Categories

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Mighty Rockets LLC, powered by WordPress.

Get Weekly Updates!

Get Weekly Updates!

Don't miss out on the latest news, updates, and stories about Peachtree Corners.

Check out our podcasts: Peachtree Corners Life, Capitalist Sage and the Ed Hour

You have Successfully Subscribed!