Community

Non-Profit Startup Stay Together Furever Aims to Reduce the Number of Pets in Local Animal Shelters

Published

1 year ago

January 31, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Stay Together Furever aims to help reduce the number of pets being surrendered to local animal shelters by providing temporary foster homes.

Vicki Chin and one of her first “foster fails,” Jimmy

Our pets are our family, and sometimes families fall on hard times, which often means furry friends tragically end up at local rescue centers or shelters. These heart-breaking surrenders are usually due to circumstances beyond the owner’s control.

But what if a pet safety net fostering program could provide short-term support and reunite families with their pets once they are back on their feet?

That’s what Vicki Chin thought when she had the idea for Stay Together Furever (STF), a non-profit startup launched in October 2023 that focuses on helping lower-income and fixed-income families facing a life crisis retain possession of their beloved pets.

From left, Karen Bates (STF Chief Financial Officer) and Vicki Chin at a 2023 benefit gala

“I got started in dog rescue in 2007 and have served in numerous volunteer roles over the years, first with Small Dog Rescue and then Angels Among Us Pet Rescue,” said Chin. “In that time, I have fostered over 80 dogs, most of which were rescued from local animal shelters. Most recently, I served on the board of directors for Angels.”

“The idea for Stay Together Furever came about unexpectedly in July 2023 when a friend and director of a local community charity contacted me to inquire about temporary help for two cats whose elderly owner was being evicted,” she recounted.

Chin was familiar with Paws Between Homes (PBH), a nonprofit that provides foster services to pets whose owners are facing a housing crisis. Unfortunately, the cats’ owner resided outside PBH’s service area, so they could not help.

However, the incident opened Chin’s eyes to the widespread need for pet safety net fostering. PBH invited her to join its Steering Committee and learn more about the organization.

“[PHB has] been extremely supportive in helping me launch STF,” she added.

Overcrowding in local animal shelters is placing undue strain on county animal shelters, resulting in increased euthanasia rates in kill shelters while forcing traditionally non-kill shelters to reevaluate their euthanasia policies.

The mission of Stay Together Furever is to help reduce the number of pets being surrendered to local animal shelters by providing temporary foster homes for dogs and cats whose owners are facing a non-emergency crisis that could put their pets’ security or well-being at risk.

From left, Don Rorabaugh (STF Chief Technology Officer), Vicki Chin (STF Founder and CEO), and Kay Smarr (STF Board Secretary) at a 2023 benefit gala

Examples of applicable crisis situations include an eviction notice, a critical illness or a messy domestic breakup.

“Animal shelters are overrun with owner-surrendered pets, and overcrowding in animal shelters has led to a three-year spike in euthanasia rates,” Chin explained.

“I know first-hand that rescue groups are struggling to save as many lives as possible, but what I have learned from my 17 years in pet rescue is that we cannot simply rescue our way out of the animal shelter overcrowding problem,” she stated.

Through its network of foster homes, Stay Together Furever will provide up to ninety days of pet care. During that time, the non-profit will cover the costs of necessary veterinary services, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations and other routine medical care.

The goal is to reunite the pets with their loving owners. The non-profit is targeting the second quarter of 2024 to begin helping local-area families in need.

The non-profit will initially concentrate on assisting families residing in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, Duluth and Berkeley Lake.

Stay Together Furever is actively recruiting foster homes to provide short-term fostering of cats and dogs to local-area families in need.

If you are interested in becoming a short-term foster volunteer, email fostering@staytogetherfurever.org or visit www.staytogetherfurever.org/foster.

This 501(c)(3) non-profit also accepts monetary donations and gently used pet supplies. To help or for more information, visit www.staytogetherfurever.org or follow them on Facebook.

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A Look at this Year’s Memorial Day Challenge and Ceremony

Published

3 days ago

June 10, 2025

Shawne Taylor

Veterans and city officials in front of a veterans' monument on memorial day 2025

On Memorial Day last month, Peachtree Corners residents, officials, veterans and business leaders joined together on the Town Green to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

The day started with a special 9 a.m. ceremony at the city’s Veterans Monument to recognize that sacrifice and honor the lives of those who died while serving. As in previous years, the ceremony was organized by the Peachtree Corners Veterans Association and included the raising of the flag, placing of the wreath, remarks from city officials and a moment of silence.

For this year’s event, three keynote speakers — each connected to the community and now at a different place in their journey of service to our nation — were also invited to address the gathered crowd.

The 2025 keynote speakers

Sean Balderas (Norcross High 2025) — Sean was accepted to the Naval Academy and begins his military career there this fall.

Kellen Grave de Peralta (Norcross High 2020) — Kellen graduated from the Naval Academy in May and will attend flight school as a 2nd LT in the Marines.

Justin White (Wesleyan School graduate) — Justin graduated from the USNA in 2014 and completed his service commitment a few years ago as a Marine Officer. He now works as a consultant for Bain & Company.

Each speaker talked about what Memorial Day means to them and also shared their thoughts on the importance of service.

Memorial Day Youth Challenge 2025

Following the ceremony, the city and the PCVA hosted the Memorial Day Youth Challenge.

Held at Town Green’s Fort Pain, the challenge is a thrilling obstacle course-themed physical competition for kids and teens ages 9 to 18 with the purpose of increasing the knowledge and appreciation of Memorial Day and those we honor.

Each participant was paired with a veteran who served as their judge, safety spotter and cheerleader as they worked their way through the course. Family members and spectators also added to the excitement of the challenge, cheering on the competitors as they gave their all to complete the course in the fastest time.

According to Alex Wright, former U.S. Naval officer, Peachtree Corners councilmember and a founder of the Memorial Day Challenge, the event had a full field of 45 on race day (with eight no-shows), and 37 racers completed the course.

Each competitor received a t-shirt, dog tags and refreshments for attempting the challenge, and first and second place finishers also received awards during a short ceremony following the race.

Community contributions

Several local businesses also contributed to the success of this year’s Memorial Day Challenge with both material donations and volunteer support. King of Pops Peachtree Corners was on hand to give out popsicles for participants, and Vox-pop-uli provided the challenge t-shirts and signs.

Photos courtesy of Jim Stone, TYTAN Pictures.

Community

Peachtree Corners Festival Awards Debbie Mason Drama Scholarship for 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A young woman wearing a long, floor-length dress receiving a $1000 scholarship for drama. She's standing on stage with two men, holding a large version of the check. The background is a dark blue curtain.

On May 9, the Peachtree Corners Festival awarded the Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama to an outstanding Norcross High School drama senior. The recipient was Elizabeth “Ella” Armes, a student who has been involved in the Norcross High School drama department for four years and was most recently the primary stage manager directing the high school’s performances.

According to Terry Gabbard, director of theater at Norcross High School, Ella “was vital to the success of our program. She is an incredible young lady who will be continuing her studies in media and the arts in college.”

In fact, Ella plans to continue her education and work in theater and communications at Kennesaw State University starting this fall.

This marks the third year that the Peachtree Corners Festival has awarded the drama scholarship in the name of the late Peachtree Corners Festival co-founder, Debbie Mason.

In addition to being the first “First Lady” of the city of Peachtree Corners, Debbie and her family were long-time supporters of the drama program at Norcross High School. After her passing in 2023, the Peachtree Corners Festival established the Debbie Mason Memorial Scholarship for Drama as an appropriate way to honor her legacy.

About the Peachtree Corners Festival

The Peachtree Corners Festival is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to bringing a safe, wholesome and family-friendly festival to the city of Peachtree Corners each year.

The organization’s goal is to foster community pride and civic involvement, not just through the weekend-long festival, but by giving back and supporting education and beautification initiatives within the city and recognizing deserving members of the community.

This year’s Peachtree Corners Festival will take place on the Town Green, September 20–21.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersfestival.com.

Community

The PCBA Awards $500 to Light Up The Corners at After-Hours Event

Published

2 weeks ago

May 28, 2025

Shawne Taylor

A group of people standing together at a business event, holding a large check made out for $500 to Light Up the Corners

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to Light Up the Corners at their May 2025 Business After Hours event.

Light Up the Corners, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, organizes the annual Glow Run and Twilight Trot — a nighttime, community celebration that’s equal parts race, fun run, party and fundraiser.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum in Peachtree Corners. The 1K Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run will begin at 8:30 p.m. After the runners have crossed the finish line, a fun, post-race party will follow.

All proceeds from the Light Up the Corners event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in the community by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA.

A history of charitable donations

PCBA’s donation to Light Up the Corners will help the organization meet its goal of assisting struggling families through their Why It Matters campaign. It’s the latest in a series of donations that PCBA has made over the years through their community outreach program.

“We are so proud that the PCBA has awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding future business leaders and donated in excess of $173,500 into our metro Atlanta community over the last 13 years,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA board president.

Funds for PCBA’s community outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorships and Tailgates and Touchdowns, an annual charity event they hold each August. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their Business After Hours events so that their members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

The Peachtree Corners Business Association 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 that want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.

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