Tag Archive for: causes

23RD ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/26

Atlanta’s Culinary Community Comes Together for Open Hand Atlanta’s
23rd Annual Party in the Kitchen, Sept. 24
Beloved culinary fundraiser brings together the city’s top chefs, exclusive experiences
and supporters to advance Open Hand’s mission

Open Hand Atlanta invites supporters to its 23rd annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s premier culinary fundraising events, Party in the Kitchen will bring together Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, an exclusive auction experience and hundreds of supporters for an evening that fuels Open Hand’s life-changing nutrition programs across Georgia.

Guests will sample signature dishes from some of Atlanta’s most acclaimed chefs, enjoy live entertainment and bid on exclusive silent auction opportunities. Returning as Chef Co-Chairs, renowned chefs Kevin Rathbun and Peter Kaiser are joined by Event Co-Chairs Robert Candler and Charles Mendez III, as well as a lineup of participating chefs from some of Atlanta’s most celebrated kitchens, including The Deer and The Dove Chef Terry Koval, KR SteakBar Chef Jessica Gamble, and Tiny Lou’s Chef Jason Stern, with additional chefs and culinary talent to be announced.

“The impact we’ve built over the last two decades with the Atlanta culinary community is extraordinary,” said Open Hand CEO Matthew Pieper. “Party in the Kitchen continues to celebrate the best of our city, from delicious food to incredible generosity. It’s a cornerstone in supporting the life-changing nutrition services Open Hand provides to thousands of Georgians every year.”

The event’s silent auction will feature coveted packages ranging from luxury travel experiences and premier Atlanta entertainment experiences to exclusive chef-curated dining opportunities.

Ahead of the Main Event, Open Hand will host an exclusive Patron Reception on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at its Westside headquarters, the James A. Carlos Family Community Nutrition Center. Patron Reception guests will enjoy an intimate evening of culinary tastings from acclaimed Atlanta restaurants while touring Open Hand’s state-of-the-art facility and seeing firsthand how community support powers the organization’s mission.

Proceeds from Party in the Kitchen directly support Open Hand’s programs, which provide medically tailored meals and nutrition education, free of charge, to individuals facing chronic or severe illness across Georgia. Individual tickets to the Main Event are available for $400. Patron Reception admission packages begin at $1,250 and include access to both events.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OpenHandAtlanta.org/PITK.

ONE RECORD. THOUSANDS OF LIVES. GEORGIA FUNDRAISER AIMS TO TRANSFORM CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE IN LIBERIA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/21/26

Family Fun Night, Community Celebration, and Historic Golf Marathon to Raise Funds for LIVE2540 Children’s Healthcare Programs

Local golfer Mike Woodard will attempt to break the current world record for the longest continuous game of golf, playing for more than 37 consecutive hours to raise awareness and funds for life-saving children’s healthcare programs in Liberia. Hosted by LIVE2540, a Georgia-based nonprofit providing healthcare access to vulnerable children in West Africa, “The Record” aims to raise $150,000 to support treatment for children suffering from malaria, typhoid, dysentery, malnutrition, and other preventable illnesses. The event will kick off with a community Family Fun Night featuring live music, family activities, games, food, and opening remarks before Woodard begins his historic attempt.

WHO:

  • Mike Woodard, World Record Attempt Participant
  • Daryl Roberts, Founder, LIVE2540
  • LIVE2540 Leadership Team
  • Community Sponsors and Supporters
  • Local Families and Community Members

WHEN:
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Family Fun Night: 5:00 PM
Opening Ceremony / First Tee-Off: 6:00 PM
World Record Attempt Begins: 6:00 PM
Media Interviews Available: Time TBD / Avails flexible based on media needs
Record Completion Expected: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 8:00 AM 

WHERE:
Cartersville Country Club
1310 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE, Cartersville, GA 30120

WHY IT MATTERS:
While this event centers around a world-record golf attempt, the mission extends far beyond the course. According to LIVE2540, just $38 can provide healthcare for a child suffering from common but potentially life-threatening illnesses. Through local partnerships and healthcare initiatives in Liberia, the organization has helped provide medical care to more than 25,000 children and delivered over one million malnutrition supplements. The event seeks to raise awareness about the global healthcare crisis facing children in underserved communities while inspiring local residents to become part of the solution.

TASTE OF GENEROSITY RETURNS AUGUST 14 TO POUR PURPOSE INTO THE COMMUNITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/26

Mark Your Calendar for a Fundraising Experience Benefiting the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society

Tickets On Sale Now

Third annual – Taste of Generosity: Exploring Bourbon + Botanicals.
Friday, August 14 | 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange | 199 Armour Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Tickets are on sale now – visit here to purchase. 



 Get ready to sip, savor, and support a powerful cause: the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to present the third annual Taste of Generosity: Exploring Bourbon + Botanicals, where every sip is a step closer to a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. This immersive evening will bring together tastemakers, philanthropists, and flavor seekers for a bold night of cocktails, community, and giving back.

“Taste of Generosity is a powerful reflection of what makes this community so special,” says Rachael Fenich, President & Executive Director of the National MS Society’s Georgia Chapter. “In just a few short years, it has become one of the most significant events in our market, with ticket sales growing more than 40% year over year. It’s a testament to the grit, heart, and connection driving progress toward a world free of MS.”

This year’s event takes center stage with curated tastings from 24+ national and local brands, plus handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, and zero-proof elixirs that ensure everyone gets in on the experience. Guests can expect Southern-inspired bites from standout Atlanta restaurants, along with pours from top beverage partners. The evening will also feature live music, a live and silent auction, a bottle pull, a photo booth, a spotlight on this year’s Honorary Chairs + special guests, and a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that’s anything but ordinary, filled with plenty of surprises.

Tickets are now available with three elevated tasting experiences designed to deliver endless flavor throughout the evening:

  • Classic Admission: Jump on the Classic Tasting Trail with pours of premium bourbons, spirits, and wines from top beverage partners – plus a custom Taste of Generosity souvenir tasting cup to remember the night. ($175
  • VIP: Enjoy all Classic perks, with early access, exclusive high-end pours from 6 p.m.-7 p.m., access to special silent auction items, and a souvenir rocks glass to elevate your home bar. ($250)
  • ASW Reserve Experience: For the true bourbon buff – early entry at 6 p.m., entry to ASW Private Tasting Room, private ASW distillery tour, and all VIP benefits included. ($400)

Sponsors and restaurant or beverage partners play a key role in bringing Taste of Generosity to life. To get involved, visit Become A Sponsor / Tasting Table Partner.

The event is co-chaired by Tara Murphy, founder of 360 Media and publisher of The Atlanta 100, who is a chapter Board of Trustees member, lives with MS, and brings her fierce energy and creative drive to the cause. “Taste of Generosity is about more than bourbon,” says Murphy. “It’s about raising our glasses – and our voices – for people living with MS. It’s about joy, connection, and impact to help raise awareness, funds, and hope for a different future. The progress made through research, disease-modifying therapies, and support by donations from events like this will absolutely one day put an end to MS. This isn’t just a tasting – it’s a movement.”

Taste of Generosity is made possible by the unwavering support of Barrel Proof Presenting Sponsor RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company) and Mara and Bill Holley, Small Batch Silver Sponsor Infosys, as well as a host of other sponsors and restaurant and beverage partners who share the vision for a world free of MS.

MOVE FOR GRADY 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/8/26

Move For Grady supports programs at Grady Hospital, one of the region’s largest health care providers. 

📅Saturday, April 25

📍Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium

🚴‍♀️20-, 45-, and 62-mile cycling routes

🏃‍♂️5K/10K running routes

🎉Finish line celebration with food, open bar, music and giveaways.

More information: Move for Grady!

FOURTH ANNUAL SPARK 5K

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/3/26

Fourth Annual Spark 5K Unites Atlanta for Fun, High-Energy Celebration of Community, Inclusion and Friendly Competition

Race raises funds to empower people with disabilities and transform child literacy

The Spark 5K, presented by Roark, returns to Piedmont Park on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET for its fourth annual celebration of community, movement, and purpose. More than a race, this high-energy evening combines fun, fitness and a spirited corporate challenge all to raise funds supporting two impactful nonprofit partners: The Kyle Pease Foundation and Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation.

An event that has continued to grow in both number of participants and amount raised over the last three years, the Spark 5K welcomes runners, walkers, in-chair athletes and supporters from across the Atlanta area to enjoy an inclusive course through Piedmont Park. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, strolling with friends, simply enjoying a night at the park, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is designed for participants of all abilities.

The event will also be continuing its tradition as a dynamic corporate challenge, rallying Atlanta-based companies to show their team spirit while connecting employees outside the office to make a lasting difference in our community. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to join forces, register their teams at Spark5K.com, and compete for awards recognizing the most spirited, creative, and engaged groups.

Race beneficiaries, The Kyle Pease Foundation continues to champion opportunities for inclusion, ensuring in-chair athletes have a place in sports while working to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, and Share the Magic Foundation remains dedicated to changing lives through literacy, bringing joy and educational empowerment to children facing challenges.

“The Spark 5K represents everything our foundation believes in – inclusion, teamwork, perseverance, and the power of community,” said Kyle Pease, Co-Founder and Director of Inclusion at The Kyle Pease Foundation. “We’re excited to be part of this annual event yet again, and seeing our athletes, corporate teams, families and friends is incredibly powerful. It truly shows how much stronger our community becomes when we rally for a shared purpose.”

Atlanta natives Kyle Pease and Malcolm Mitchell, along with former University of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, as well as other local athletes and corporate representatives will all be on hand to celebrate the event. All registered participants will receive a Spark 5K branded tee and enjoy refreshments at the finish line, with prizes awarded to standout individuals and company teams, and delectable offerings from McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken awaiting participants at the finish line.

“The Spark 5K continues to be a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose,” said Malcolm Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Share the Magic Foundation. “Each year, this event grows not just in size, but in impact—helping us reach more children, inspire more readers, and create more opportunities through literacy. We’re proud to once again partner with Roark and The Kyle Pease Foundation to turn collective energy into meaningful change.”

Registration is open for individuals, school teams, run clubs, and corporate teams at Spark5K.com, so lace up your sneakers, rally your team, and join Atlantans for an evening where every step matters. See you at the starting line on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET!

“At Roark, helping people and companies reach their full potential also means investing in the communities where we live and work,” said Allison Hill, Chief Social Impact and Content Officer at Roark. “Last year, more than 700 participants joined the Spark 5K and helped raise $172,000 for two incredible Atlanta nonprofits. Just as meaningful, the event brought colleagues, partners and friends from across the business community together outside the office. We’re excited to build on that momentum this year and welcome even more teams for an evening of connection, camaraderie and impact.”

GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY’S CANOPY SOIRÉE RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OUT IN SUPPORT OF ATLANTA’S OLDEST PARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/3/26

An Evening of Music, Dancing, Cocktails and Community at Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta

Friday, March 27, 2026 | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Spring in Atlanta comes with a certain energy. Windows open. Music gets louder. And on Friday, March 27, the sixth annual Canopy Soirée brings that energy straight to Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta for a night dedicated to Grant Park, the city’s oldest public park and a cornerstone of the community.

Hosted by the Grant Park Conservancy, the 21+ celebration is equal parts dance floor, cocktail party, and community love letter. Expect music that keeps the room moving, an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle that raises the stakes, all while overlooking the zoo’s popular African Savanna.

Behind the music and celebration is a clear purpose: ensuring the park continues to thrive long after the last song ends. In the past year alone, the Conservancy has delivered meaningful improvements across Grant Park, from a new playground and signature Southeast Quadrant entrance to the reclaimed Abana Courtyard and expanded greenspace at Erskine Fountain. Athletic spaces have been revitalized with resurfaced basketball courts and a vibrant plaza serving basketball, pickleball, and tennis players. Native gardens now flourish at Constitution Spring and Loomis Plaza, while habitat restoration continues at the Cherokee Wetlands and the Pond. Newly installed interpretive signage shares deeper stories about the park’s layered history.

Funds raised at the 2026 Canopy Soirée will support the Milledge Fountain Outdoor Classroom and Theatre, the new GPC Park Care Center, year-round ecological care, and the beloved Summer Shade Festival. Community fundraising events like this make transformative projects possible while ensuring that Atlanta’s oldest public park remains vibrant, welcoming, and resilient.

Individual tickets, Host Committee packages, and VIP tables to the 2026 Canopy Soirée are now available for guests ages 21 and older. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.gpconservancy.org/events-programs/canopy-soiree. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nikki Zimmerman at nzimmerman@gpconservancy.org.

THE 42ND ANNUAL HUNGER WALK RUN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/26/26

STEP UP TO FIGHT HUNGER WITH THE ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK


Registration NOW OPEN for the annual Hunger Walk Run happening on March 15

Prepare to get in your steps and fight food insecurity with the annual Hunger Walk Run, benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank and five other local hunger relief organizations. In its 42nd year, the community event is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, from Noon to 4 pm at The Home Depot Backyard (1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313). The hybrid 5K event also offers a virtual option. Registration and donation opportunities are now open.


Every registration makes a big impact. Each person who registers to walk is helping provide 90 meals, and each runner is helping provide 120 meals for their neighbors. Since its start in 1984, the Hunger Walk Run has raised more than $16 million for hunger relief, enough to provide more than 48 million meals. Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in the family-friendly 5K. Participants may join as an individual, family, group, or team. The Walk Run festivities
include music, food vendors, warm-ups, and more! A dedicated Kids Zone offers bounce houses, slides, interactive characters, age-appropriate learning opportunities, and other fun for the youngest attendees. The event happens rain or shine.

“Hunger Walk Run is a highly anticipated event that rallies thousands from our community to take steps toward fighting hunger,” said Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Every person who participates, whether on-site or virtually, helps make a difference, and their support enables the Food Bank and other benefitting organizations to connect our neighbors in need with nutritious food and vital resources.”


The Atlanta Community Food Bank is facing the highest demand for food assistance since the pandemic, making this year’s event more critical than ever. Participants can join in person or virtually to support the cause.

Go Virtual

The virtual Hunger Walk Run allows you to participate anywhere, anytime. Every step counts on March 15 or whenever runners and walkers want to get involved. The event page features outdoor trails that participants may visit — or walking in your neighborhood, on your treadmill, or spinning on your bike are other great ways to show support!


Participants are encouraged to keep the energy of Hunger Walk Run going by posting photos, tagging the Food Bank (@ACFB on Instagram and Twitter), using the hashtag HRW2026, and sharing why you support the cause.

Register Now


Online registration is available through 12 pm on Friday, March 13. The rates for online registration are $30 for walkers, $40 for runners, $25 for virtual participants who pick up their shirts, and $32 for virtual participants who wish to have their shirts mailed to them. Walk-up registration will also be available for an additional $5 per entry type. For more information about the Hunger Walk Run, email hungerwalk@acfb.org or call (404) 419-1723.


The Atlanta Community Food Bank is the Southeast’s largest food bank and, throughout the year, connects thousands of people with healthy and nutritious food. The organization works with more than 700 nonprofit partners to help fight food insecurity in the communities its serves. For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, including how to help, visit https://www.acfb.org or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/23/25

We invite you to join us for the Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, December 6, at Cheney Stadium. This event celebrates the girls who participated in our program this season, recognizing their growth, the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the confidence they’ve developed.


The 5K is an untimed, non-competitive event where participants are encouraged to run, walk, jump, or skip their way to the finish line in an atmosphere of excitement, positivity, and celebration.


More importantly, your participation supports the Girls on the Run Georgia Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from this uplifting event allow more girls to participate in our program next season, helping to keep the Girls on the Run spark alive for girls across the metro Atlanta, North Georgia, and Athens areas. We are confident this event will leave you feeling inspired long after you’ve crossed the finish line.

Location: Cheney Stadium, 741 Connally Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

5K Festival opens – 8 am

Girls on the Run 5K – 9:30 am
Tot Trot – 10:45 am
5K Festival ends – 11:30 am
Link: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/GOTRGA-5K-Fall-2025 

DRAGON CON SELECTS NAMI GEORGIA AS ITS OFFICIAL 2025 CHARITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/13/25

Significant Mental Health Issues Across Georgia

Demands Increased Investment in Awareness and Support

Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, sci fi, fantasy, and gaming convention, has selected mental health advocacy and education organization NAMI Georgia as its 2025 official charity.

Many Georgians struggle with mental health challenges without access to the care they need, making it critical to invest in resources that support well-being, resilience, and recovery across our communities. In fact, approximately 1.4 million adults in Georgia experience mental illness annually, yet only 41 percent receive treatment.

NAMI Georgia is a leading voice on mental health in the state, working to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for those affected by mental illness. They empower more than 18 local affiliates to offer advocacy, education, support, and public awareness to improve the lives of individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges.

Through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention, Dragon Con raised $300,000 in 2024 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Over the last decade, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities – and more than $200,000 in each of the past four years – for a total of more than $1.48 million donated to Atlanta-based charities since 2015.

“What makes Dragon Con truly remarkable isn’t the costumes or the panels – it’s the heart of our community,” said Pat Henry, president of Dragon Con, Inc. “Every year, our fans rally behind a new cause, showing up with incredible generosity and a spirit of giving that inspires us all. Their support for local charities is a powerful reminder of what this community stands for.”

Dragon Con 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 in downtown Atlanta. The convention attracts more than 75,000 pop culture fans from all 50 states and several foreign countries who come to Dragon Con to meet their favorite actors, creators, and experts, show off their latest cosplay, make new friends, and revel in the joy that is Dragon Con.

For more information about NAMI Georgia, visit https://namiga.org/ or follow them on your favorite social media platform.

OPEN HAND RETURNS WITH 22ND ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN FUNDRAISER

Thursday, September 25th

Celebrated chefs, curated bites and one powerful cause come together for Open Hand Atlanta’s signature fundraising event

Open Hand invites supporters to the 22nd annual Party in the Kitchen on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. One of Atlanta’s most anticipated culinary fundraisers, this dynamic evening will spotlight the city’s top chefs while raising vital funds to support Open Hand’s mission of building healthier communities through nutrition.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of culinary talent, craft cocktails, chef-curated tastings, live and silent auctions and musical entertainment by The American Flyers. Returning renowned chefs Peter Kaiser and Kevin Rathbun will serve as chef co-chairs, joined by new event co-chairs Marc Castillo, Heather Froy and Victor Macias.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have some of Atlanta’s most talented chefs come together once again in support of Open Hand’s mission,” said Open Hand CEO Matthew Pieper. “Their generosity and passion help fuel the vital work we do — delivering thousands of nourishing meals to the neighbors who need them most.”

Guests will enjoy signature bites from celebrated chefs, including Terry Koval (The Deer and The Dove), Pat Pascarella (The Porchetta Group) and Tyler Haake (Indaco), along with the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction packages—ranging from luxury getaways and private dinners to one-of-a-kind experiences and more.

Prior to the main event, Open Hand will host a VIP Patron Reception on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at its recently opened headquarters, the James A. Carlos Family Community Nutrition Center. Patron-level guests and sponsors will enjoy cocktails, light bites, the chance to bid on an exclusive live auction item and an opportunity to see first-hand how their contributions make an impact on their community.

Proceeds from Party in the Kitchen directly support Open Hand’s programs, which provide medically tailored meals and nutrition education to individuals living with chronic or severe illness, food insecurity and social isolation across Georgia.

Tickets to the Main Event are $300, while the Patron Reception Package (includes two tickets) starts at $2,000 and provides access to both events. Main Event ticket price increases to $350 after Aug. 25.


For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OpenHandAtlanta.org/PITK.