Tag Archive for: causes

ATLANTA GUYS DINNER GROUP KICKS OFF PANTRY DRIVE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20

NOW COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR RESTAURANT INDUSTRY WORKERS OUT OF JOBS
The Atlanta Guys Dinner Group (#AGDG) is a group of guys who get together once a month to break bread, socialize, and give back to the Atlanta community. Each month the group would support one nonprofit by donating their time, money, or their services. Monthly gatherings used to take place at a different local restaurant in an effort to support local eateries until the onset of the current pandemic.
Due to Covid-19, AGDG has now pivoted their efforts to help support our city’s out-of-work restaurant workers; the workers who have hosted, served, and cooked for the group over the past two years.
“Now it’s our turn to take care of them,” shares #AGDG Founder Sean Palani.
AGDG is currently delivering bags of food to those restaurant workers who cannot make it to scheduled food donation sites due to lack of transportation. Per donations, the AGDG offers contactless porch and curbside pickup and offers the same for delivery to workers.
AGDG is collecting non-perishable items such as the following to help feed Atlanta’s food family.
To schedule a donation, drop off or pick up, please email seanpalani@yahoo.com or valerie@viafailla.com
Items in need include:
Canned proteins (chicken, tuna, SPAM)
Rice, Pasta, Beans
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Soups and Sauces
Crackers, Cereals, Snacks
Powdered Milk, Teas and Coffee
Toiletries
Baby Food and Diapers
For those who cannot get out to shop for grocery items, cash donations can be made to #ATLFamilyMeal – the 501c3 founded by Michael Lennox of Electric Hospitality that delivers two, free meals per week to unemployed hospitality workers in need.
We thank you for your community support!

CHIRINGA’S TAKE OUT INITIATIVES AND PLANS TO GIVE BACK THIS MAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20

Social Responsibility Initiatives to Help Protect and Give Back

Deeply rooted within the community of downtown Alpharetta, CHIRINGA has decided to continue the suspension of their dine-in services until further notice to maintain a safer environment for their patrons and staff and to help enforce the importance of social responsibility. Diners can still dive into the restaurant’s elevated beach food by ordering online for curbside pick up or walk up to the outdoor Fly Up Window, located on the Town Green, for take out orders.

“While we would love to open our doors and help remind everyone of the free-flowing days at the beach, we will always put the safety of our patrons and staff first. We feel that it is too soon to re-open our dine-in services based on the current guidelines set by the CDC. We are so thankful for the continued support from our community, and we encourage our guests to continue practicing social responsibly,” stated Andrew McKoski, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
In efforts to give back in this uncertain time, CHIRINGA will be donating 25% of all online orders during the month of May to non-profit organizations that are helping to supply food to local heroes that need it most, including Atlanta Community Food Bank, Open Hand, Giving Kitchen and Goodr.
“We are all in this together and as a team we strive to support those who are in need at this time. Each week in the month of May, we will be asking our loyal patrons to take all orders online in efforts to give back to those in need around them. Supporting local is not just supporting businesses, but supporting the friendly faces on the frontlines, healthcare workers, first responders, neighbors, family members and friends,” stated Travis Brown, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
CHIRINGA’s full menu will be accessible online and includes whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, available with fresh fish and clean proteins, along with freshly squeezed juices, specialty cocktails, craft beers and full-bodied wines. For more information and to order online, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. For updates regarding hours, ongoing safety procedures and sanitation methods, Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl.

ANNOUNCING FOOD FIGHT GA!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/20

GEORGIA ORGANICS & THE JAMESTOWN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LAUNCH ‘FOOD FIGHT GA,’ WITH A MISSION TO RELIEVE FOOD & INCOME INSECURITY FOR FOOD SERVICE PROFESSIONALS & GEORGIA’S SMALL FARMERS

 

Sourced Directly from Georgia Farms & Root Baking Co., the Initiative Provides Weekly Boxes of Fresh Produce, Eggs & Bread to Food Service Workers

Participating Restaurants in the Pilot Phase include Bacchanalia, BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove, Floataway Cafe, Miller Union, Staplehouse & Star Provisions

Georgia Organics, a nonprofit that connects organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families, and the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, a public charity from the Atlanta-based real estate investment and management company behind Ponce City Market, have collaborated to launch Food Fight GA with the goal of “Championing Our Farmers and Feeding Our Restaurant Family.” The new initiative’s pilot phase is providing weekly grocery boxes to approximately 200 unemployed restaurant workers at Atlanta restaurants with long-standing commitments to local sourcing, all while helping to relieve income insecurity for small Georgia farms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds donated to Food Fight GA by the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, Ponce City Market, the Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation and the USDA are used to purchase fresh produce from Georgia farms and ingredients like eggs and Root Baking Co. bread that are assembled into weekly boxes for food service workers to pick up for free at participating restaurants. At this time, the program is open to current and former staff at Bacchanalia, Floataway Cafe, Staplehouse, Star Provisions and Georgia Organics Farmer Champion restaurant partners, including BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove and Miller Union.

“Restaurants think of their teams as family, not to mention the farmers from whom we source and who become our friends, and the Atlanta food community is doing what we can to make sure our people are safe and cared for during this uncertain time,” says Chris Wilkins, Owner & Head Baker at Root Baking Co., who was instrumental in ideating the program from its inception and is providing fresh baked loaves made from organic, locally sourced flour for every box.

“The food community is at the heart of our city, and restaurants and small farms have been especially impacted by this crisis,” says Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “We are grateful to partner with Georgia Organics to take action now against food and income insecurity in these affected industries, while providing fresh, healthy ingredients for restaurant staff to feed their families.”

By bringing fresh produce to restaurant workers, Food Fight GA is simultaneously helping to support Georgia’s local food system by mitigating farmers’ lost revenue due to COVID-19. Many small Georgia farms derive revenue by selling to restaurants who are now closed or operating on a limited model of takeout or delivery in response to the crisis. The program sources directly from farms who are existing sellers to the participating restaurants or are members of the Georgia Organics Farm to Restaurant Cohort program. Participating farms include, but are not limited to Ellijay Mushrooms, Hickory Hill Farm, Levity Farms, Pinewood Springs Farm, Rodgers Greens & Roots Farm, Snapfinger Farm, West Georgia Farmer’s Cooperative and Woodland Gardens.

“We have this chance to take care of the people that always take care of us,” says Ilana Richards of Levity Farms in Alpharetta, Georgia.

“During the program’s pilot in the last two weeks, Food Fight GA put nearly $10,000 back into the hands of farm partners and has provided approximately 200 produce boxes to Atlanta restaurant workers each week,” says Alice Rolls, Executive Director of Georgia Organics. “Thanks to donors like Jamestown Charitable Foundation and Ponce City Market, we’re hoping to expand the program to feed more food service professionals and support additional farms across the state over the coming weeks.”

Food Fight GA is now accepting donations from the public here via PayPal, and restaurants interested in joining the initiative can learn more here.

DINING IN FOR LIFE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20

Open Hand steps up to support restaurant partners with Dining In for Life, April 27-May 3

With the current challenges posed to the city’s food service industry, Open Hand is turning the tables on its annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser by encouraging locals to “Dine In” with restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery from April 27 – May 3. The change is not only to support Open Hand, but also a step to help support restaurant partners as they navigate the changes necessitated by the evolving COVID-19 developments.


“We find ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times. Open Hand started 30 years ago serving those affected with HIV/AIDS, and we once again find ourselves advocating for the most vulnerable in our community. Our priority is to ensure our clients continue to receive meals they heavily rely on,” said Executive Director Matt Peiper. “A virtual Dining Out for Life event will provide Open Hand with vital funds to help sustain service to our clients while simultaneously supporting the restaurant partners who have remained steadfast proponents of the Open Hand mission over the years. Our current community crisis reminds us of the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis when so little was known about the disease. Open Hand was a comforting force for our clients then – just as we must be now.”

 

Open Hand depends on funds raised by its signature events, such as Dining Out for Life, to continue to operate as one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition education. Open Hand staff and supporters will utilize online peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage their social networks to donate to their mission that Atlanta chefs and restaurant owners had hoped to help fulfill.

The organization has refocused its efforts on a virtual event in hopes to join the community together to “Dine In” and do good for the generous restaurant partners that have supported Open Hand over the last three decades. Many of the restaurants are currently open – offering take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery in various metro-Atlanta neighborhoods. Locals can find a full list of restaurant partners here. Open Hand encourages the community to support local restaurants by also purchasing giftcards or donating to online “tip jars” that support staff members and employee relief programs.

Open Hand continues to serve the community during this crisis by preparing, packing and delivering nutritious meals to the most vulnerable in our community empower neighbors to live healthier, more independent lives.

Ways to Support Open Hand:

  • Make a donation to Open Hand online at org/donate.
  • Connect with Open Hand via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share posts, information and more.
  • Enjoy restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery and “Dine In” from April 27 – May 3. Post about the experience using #dininginforoh.

For more information on Dining Out for Life and Open Hand, as well as to stay up-to-date on events and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforoh.org and www.openhandatlanta.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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FRONTLINE DINE INITIATIVE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20

TRUE STORY BRANDS LAUNCHES “FRONTLINE DINE” INITIATIVE WITH SPANX BY SARA BLAKELY FOUNDATION TO DELIVER MEALS TO WORKERS AT CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

Starting 4/10, Atlanta Hospitality Group will Cook & Deliver Thousands of Meals to Healthcare Workers 

With meal deliveries beginning this week, True Story Brands (10 Degrees South, Yebo Beach Haus, Biltong Bar) is set to deliver nearly 2,500 meals per week to workers of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as part of new “Frontline Dine” initiative. The initiative is funded by Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, the charitable arm of Spanx that has donated millions of dollars to charities around the world since its inception in 2006.

The idea for Frontline Dine was born as a collaboration between longtime friends Justin Anthony, Founder of True Story Brands, Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx, and her entrepreneur husband Jesse Itzler, who see it as a way to help provide for two communities: the hospitality and healthcare industries. Over the course of two weeks, with hopes to continue longer, the initiative will be responsible for delivering nearly 2,500 meals a week to workers at three Children’s campuses (Scottish Rite, Egleston and Hughes Spalding) during shift change.

Prepared at Biltong Bar at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, the meals will feature traditional South African dishes like Savory and Sweet Curry with chicken or beef and Peri-Peri Chicken. Ideation and execution of the menu will derive from Anthony’s parents, Derek and Diane, who are also the Executive Chef team behind True Story Brands’ flagship restaurant 10 Degrees South. Derek and Diane Anthony, along with Biltong Bar’s Chef plan to serve a menu that honors the South African tradition of convivial, family-style dining while also supplying healthcare workers with hearty and nutritious meals to help get them through this challenging time. In March, Anthony’s young cousin was diagnosed with a severe case of coronavirus and was cared for by the staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. She is now on the road to recovery, but Anthony says his cousin’s experience at Scottish Rite played a large role in his decision to take action. He, along with staff from True Story Brands’ temporarily closed restaurants, will deliver meals to each Children’s campus.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to do our part to help the community and we’re so proud to announce this initiative in collaboration with the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation,” says Anthony. “Not only will it help those on the frontlines battling COVID-19, but this will help provide work for True Story staff who have been temporarily furloughed because of the pandemic.”

Three Piece Suit Football Charity Festival 2020

Date: Saturday, February 1st

Time: 12 pm

About:Spectators are invited to this unique and entertaining festival that features a game of tackle football played by men and women in three-piece suits! Admission is free to watch the game along with VIP Reception ticket options available (see ticket link below). Beer, hard seltzers, and premium drinks (by Tito’s Handmade Vodka) will also be sold at the festival to support the charities. Other exciting aspects of TPSF include a Frisbee dog halftime show by the Greater Atlanta Dog and Disc Club, live music by Wasted Potential Brass Band & The Murphs, and food trucks!

More Information:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/three-piece-suit-football-charity-festival-vip-reception-tickets-84680053319

THE CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES SHOW 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/12/19

January 22 – 26 @ The Cathedral of St. Philip

Metamorphosis…Change is in the Air

Atlanta’s favorite festival of antiques and decorative arts returns for its 49th year!

Tickets and more information at www.cathedralantiques.org

Celebrity Speakers and Event Highlights:

  • Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia from Bravo TV’s breakout show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and their current hit “Get a Room with Carson and Thom” team up to bring their unique brand of hilarity and considerable design talents to headline our Lecture Series. In two highly entertaining talk sessions, Carson and Thom offer their keen insights and advice on current design and lifestyle trends.
  • Putnam & Putnam are NYC’s preeminent floral designers for every occasion, from weddings to fashion presentations, and more. Darroch and Michael Putnam’s arrangements are sought for publication in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Veranda, Dior, Cartier, and many other high-profile editorials. In addition, they offer flower workshops for savvy arrangers, their own product line, and retail sales at their recently-opened establishment in NYC’s Moxy Hotel, and have published their first book, Flower Color Guide, which they will be signing at the Show.
  • Bronson van Wyck is an international event designer and producer with a diverse and enviable client list. From Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama, celebrities Beyonce, Katy Perry and Uma Thurman, famous fashion designers and royalty, to the venerable brands of Hermes, Bulgari, Chanel, and several high-profile non-profits, Bronson is the go-to for the world’s most discerning patrons. Southern-raised and Yale educated, Bronson focuses on the age-old notions of hospitality, graciousness and generosity. He will be discussing and signing his new book, Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality.
  • Joseph P. Brady is a noted Atlanta silver historian, lecturer, author, and professional appraiser and consultant. He will present From Shop to Manufactory: American Silver and the Industrial Revolution.
  • Our wildly popular Iron Floral Competition returns as savvy arrangers go head-to-head to impress judges Putnam & Putnam in this annual feature of our Flower Festival.
  • Acclaimed architect Stan Dixon and renowned designer Jackye Lanham present their collaboration on her magnificent Kiawah Island home in their “Story of a House”

Parties:

  • Preview Party Exclusive first access to the Show. Enjoy entertainment, food, and wine with your friends at this gala party while you shop and browse all the dealers, flower displays, and designer vignettes on Wednesday evening.
  • Speakers’ Cocktail Party An intimate up-close meet and greet with our celebrity speakers on Thursday evening.
  • Young Collectors Party. After-hours access to the Show with food and cocktails for the under-40 crowd on Friday evening.

Home Tours:

  • Young Collectors Home Tour showcases bold design in intimate spaces featuring 3 homes in the Haynes Manor neighborhood of Buckhead, decorated by some of Atlanta’s best and brightest young interior designers and architects. Saturday
  • Cathedral Tour of Homes opens the doors to some of Atlanta’s most extraordinary private homes that showcase the finest in architecture, interior design, and timeless style. 5 exceptional homes throughout Buckhead and North Atlanta will be featured. Sunday

Main Floor and Flower Festival:

  • 28 Curated Antiques Dealers in furniture, art, jewelry, porcelain, silver, lighting, and rugs, including a select collection of Mid-Century Modern items
  • The Flower Festival displays innovative and exuberant floral masterpieces designed by area garden clubs and church flower guilds throughout the Main Floor and sacred spaces of the Cathedral
  • Vignettes by acclaimed Atlanta designers demonstrate their professional takes on integrating antiques with today’s latest home trends
  • Luncheon available for purchase each day, and enjoy Tea Service with our compliments on Thursday and Friday

The Cathedral Antiques Show has raised more than $5 million for Atlanta-area nonprofits since its inception in 1969. An annual community outreach project sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral of St. Philip, 100% of the net proceeds go to a different human services-based beneficiary each year.

The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW www.cathedralantiques.org

Our 2020 beneficiary is Moving in the Spirit, an award-winning creative youth development program that uses dance to teach young people the social, emotional and cognitive skills they need to thrive. Through programs that integrate high-quality dance instruction with performance, leadership and mentor opportunities, Moving in the Spirit helps children and teens to overcome the obstacles they face each day and realize their highest potential. www.movinginthespirit.org

ATL CHEF FOR RAICES DINNER 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/2/19

Gato

Monday, January 20th at 5:30 pm

Four Atlanta chefs – Nick Stinson of Gato, Maricela Vega of 8Arm and Chicomecoatl, Arnaldo Castillo of Minero and Ron Hsu of Lazy Betty – are teaming up to host a seven-course dinner at Gato to raise funds for RAICES, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families and refugees. Beverage pairings will be curated by Tim Faulkner of Octopus Bar. Tickets ($130 per person) are available here, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit.

16TH ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/19

Open Hand fires up fun with annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser, September 26

Mingle with Atlanta’s celebrated chefs while enjoying live music, cocktails and more

The Stave Rome at American Spirit Works

Chef Chairs Kevin Rathbun and Gerry Klaskala, along with Co-Chairs Nan Street and Carmen Titelman, invite Atlantans to mix and mingle with local chefs and fellow foodies during the 16th annual Party in the Kitchen benefit at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works in support of Open Hand Atlanta. On Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m., guests will enjoy delicious fare from more than 20 of Atlanta’s finest restaurants, including Aria, Rathbun’s, Local Three Kitchen & Bar, The General Muir and Table & Main, as well as hand-crafted cocktails provided by top mixologists.

Open Hand Atlanta hosts the culinary-focused event annually to raise much-needed funds to support its programs which provide access to home-delivered, health-promoting meals as well as nutrition education to Atlantans living with or disabled by chronic disease, homebound seniors and at-risk youth and families. As guests enjoy food prepared by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs, the event will also include a live auction with opportunities to win incredible one-of-a-kind experiences, such as exclusive in-home dinners prepared by renowned chefs Kevin Rathbun and Gerry Klaskala, as well as a silent auction which will feature an array of luxury items including travel packages, entertainment opportunities and fine dining experiences.

Open Hand will also host a Patron Party at the Spanx Rooftop Terrace a few weeks prior to the main event which will provide another opportunity to showcase some of Atlanta’s most divine bites as well as a sneak peek of the live and silent auctions. The Patron Party event will take place on Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the main event begin at $250 and include access to unlimited food tastings and an open bar. Patron Party tickets are $1500 and include two tickets to the Patron Party as well as two tickets to the main event. For information on sponsorship packages or to purchase tickets, visit PartyintheKitchen.org.

27TH ANNUAL JEFFREY FASHION CARES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/7/19

Kicking Off Fall Social Season, Atlanta’s Most Philanthropic and Fashionable Affair  Will Descend Upon Phipps Plaza for an Extraordinary Evening Featuring a Cocktail Reception, Fashion Show, and Silent and Live Auctions

Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Atlanta’s most philanthropic and fashionable affair, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, is set to celebrate 27 stylish years on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7 p.m. The annual event, which has become a mainstay on Atlanta’s social circuit, is founded by acclaimed retailer and arbiter of style, Jeffrey Kalinsky, who recently expanded his Atlanta store in Phipps Plaza and is now offering both men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry.  What is always an unforgettable evening, Jeffrey Fashion Cares will kick off with a cocktail reception and dynamic silent auction followed by a high-energy live auction.  The evening’s pièce de résistance, a runway show featuring Kalinsky’s style selections from high-end designers, once again promises to dazzle with looks from Celine, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Sacai, Saint Laurent Paris, Balenciaga, Valentino, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. The 2019 event will be held at Phipps Plaza and benefit Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF), and the Medical University of South Carolina.

New this year, Marsha Archer, CEO and President of M Squared Public Relations, joins veteran co-chairs Lila Hertz and Louise Sams to continue Kalinksy’s mission to raise as much funds and awareness for the event’s beneficiaries as possible.  Selling out year after year, guests will slip into a completely transformed and private environment in the Monarch Court at Phipps Plaza located in the heart of Buckhead.  Last year’s event raised nearly $625,000 for the organizations, and in its history, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has grown into one of the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country. Sponsor and patron packages are currently available. A limited number of single seat tickets will be on sale beginning July 15, 2019.  For more information, visit jeffreyfashioncares.com.