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50TH ANNUAL CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES SHOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/17/21

50th Anniversary Cathedral Antiques Show: A Virtual Show Reimagined for 2021, January 21 – 23 benefitting City of Refuge

Tickets and details at www.cathedralantiques.org. 

The Cathedral Antiques Show presents its 50th Anniversary Show in a new and exciting all-virtual format. Enjoy Atlanta’s favorite festival of the decorative arts in a safe, accessible way in the comfort of your own home.

All proceeds benefit City of Refuge, located in one of Atlanta’s most impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods. City of Refuge helps individuals and families transition out of crisis. Services include meals, childcare, education, safe housing and vocational training for victims of sex trafficking, homelessness, and more, all under “one roof.”

Events:

Tour of Homes invites you to take a virtual stroll through three of Atlanta’s most stunning private residences on a personal guided tour by the homes’ architects and designers. These homes showcase the finest in architecture, design, art, and gracious living.

All-Star Design Panel presents Alex Hitz, “the very best host in the world,” live streaming an intimate gathering of friends for “The Silver Lining – An Evening of Grace: Celebrating Hospitality and Comfort in the Era of Physical Distance.” Alex will be joined by fellow designers, tastemakers, and lifestyle experts Lisa Fine, Richard Keith Langham, Frances Schultz, and moderator Margot Shaw for a lively, enticing, and entertaining discussion.

Flower Friday brings world-class floral designers for master classes and live Q&A. Direct from the UK will be Shane Connolly, whose clientele and accomplishments are among the most exclusive in the world. He was Artistic Director for the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, floral designer of the 2005 wedding of the Duchess of Cornwall to the Prince of Wales, and counts London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts as two of his most valued clients. From British Columbia, Hitomi Gilliam‘s biggest passion is ‘Sharing Everything She Knows about Flowers’ through presenting and teaching. She is the recipient of many international awards and the author of 8 books. Christin Geall is a Canadian floral designer, writer, photographer and gardener who trained in horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Her writing and floral work focuses on the intersections of nature, culture and horticulture. Also offered are presentations from Garden Clubs and Flower Guilds around the country, and the always popular Iron Floral Competition.

Verbal Appraisals of your personal treasures will be available in person and by appointment at the Cathedral, where our talented team of appraisers will be happy to evaluate your items.

Antiques Dealers from around the country will be presented to you in a virtual format designed exclusively for our Cathedral Antiques Show. We will showcase their unique antiques, fine art, silver, rugs, jewelry and more. Browse at your leisure or shop by appointment.

FEED THE CREW FOOD DRIVE TAKES PLACE FRIDAY 12/11

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/7/20

ELEKTRA GIVES BACK & ATLANTA’S CENTER STAGE HOST “FEED THE CREW!” FOOD DRIVE IN PARTNER WITH MUSICALLY FED
CONTACTLESS EVENT TO BENEFIT LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBER 11
10AM-6PM EST AT CENTER STAGE
Elektra Gives Back and Atlanta’s Center Stage have teamed up with Musically Fed to host the “Feed The Crew!” holiday food drive on Friday December 11, 2020. The contactless, drive-through event benefits Atlanta music industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and touring shutdown. According to NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, the Independent Venue and Promoter Industry is experiencing 95% revenue loss, while 95% of employees are furloughed and 90% of venues are at risk of bankruptcy. Elektra Gives Back recently launched as a philanthropic, employee-led resource group at Elektra Music Group, and “Feed The Crew!” will be its first, official charitable undertaking. Musically Fed is a 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to mobilizing the music industry in the fight against hunger by donating unused backstage meals to community organizations that feed the homeless, hungry and food insecure. Since the pandemic, Musically Fed has shifted their focus to taking care of those in the music industry who are out of work without live events.  ENTERCOM has signed on as the radio partner for the charitable event.
Adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines, safety requirements, and social distancing protocols, “Feed The Crew!” is scheduled to run 10am-6pm on December 11 at Center Stage (1374 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309). During this time, volunteers will accept donations of non-perishable foods to be distributed among the local music and production community responsible for live gigs in the area. Those interested in donating may pull into the garage free of charge and leave their items with staff. For completely contactless drop off, industry volunteers can alternately pick up items from your trunk. A list of items suggested for donation can be found below. Donations are set to be distributed the following Friday by Musically Fed.
As organizer for “Feed The Crew!”, Elektra Music Group Regional Director of Promotion Darrin Schnur said, “Music fans aren’t the only ones who miss live shows and concerts. Tens of thousands of support staff who bring these shows to life are missing them just as much, and they are in need of a lifeline right now. When COVID-19 put the touring business on pause, box office employees, stagehands, caterers, lighting and sound design artists, production staff, and security teams lost their chief source of income, struggling to keep food on the table. We couldn’t just sit by, so Elektra Gives Back joined forces with Musically Fed to help out our friends and family who make concerts happen. If you’re in Atlanta, we hope to see you on December 11. If not, please donate what you can. Hopefully, we’ll all be back in the crowd soon.”
 
Josh Antenucci from Center Stage adds, “2020 has been unimaginably hard on the workforce that makes live music happen. The pandemic response has prevented our workers the opportunity to work, earn and provide for themselves and their families. As the holidays approach, we are honored to partner with Elektra Gives Back and be able to work for our crews and help put food on the tables of those in most need.”
Musically Fed Founder Maria Brunner concludes, “Musically Fed is excited to partner with Center Stage to help raise much needed food items for gig workers…the staff people who are the life blood of making concerts happen. They are usually the givers, helping so much in the Atlanta Community. Now it is time to help them.”
Online donations may be submitted to Musically Fed – a $10 donation provides 5 meals! Event information and details are enclosed below.
Be on the lookout for more announcements from Elektra Gives Back.

SUGGESTED DONATION ITEMS

  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Canned fish/meat
  • Canned fruits/veggies
  • Soup
  • Rice
  • Peanut Butter
  • Dry beans
  • Nuts
  • Cereals
  • Quinoa
  • Chips
  • Bottled Juice
ELEKTRA GIVES BACK PRESENTS “FEED THE CREW!” WITH CHARITY PARTNER MUSICALLY FED
Event Date: Friday, December 11th
Time: 10am – 6pm ET
Location: Center Stage (1374 West Peachtree Street. Atlanta, GA 30309)

GAGIVES ON GIVINGTUESDAY 12/1/20

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

Strengthening Our State by Connecting Georgians with Georgia Nonprofits

GAgives on GivingTuesday, Georgia’s biggest giving campaign, is coming up quickly: This year’s campaign kicks off on Monday, November 2, and culminates on December 1, GivingTuesday, as part of the worldwide celebration that takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

In this time of widespread and mounting need, GAgives aims to bring attention to the work and worth of the nonprofit sector, highlighting the thousands of organizations that work tirelessly for positive and lasting change. Since its founding in 2012, the GAgives movement has rallied 284,000 individual contributions and raised more than $41.5 million for nonprofits across Georgia.

GAgives is organized by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN), with invaluable support from a range of corporate, foundation, civic and media partners.

Aprio is one of this year’s returning corporate sponsors, funding Power Hour contests that inspire outsized giving. “We’re thrilled to be supporting GAgives again this year,” said Melisa Beauchamp, Aprio’s Nonprofit and Education Industry Leader. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results from our Power Hour investment last year, which made an incredible return on behalf of Georgia’s nonprofits.”

Also funding donation-incentivizing contests this year: longtime GAgives partner Arby’s Foundation and new partners Marshall Jones (an Atlanta-based accounting firm serving nonprofits) and Brooks, McGinnis & Company (specializing in nonprofit audits). “At Brooks, McGinnis, we have a passion for serving those who serve others,” said Partner Karen Grosvenor. “By using our donation to generate even more giving, GAgives furthers our commitment to help nonprofits grow their missions.”.

Economic impact and giving trends

Nonprofits make up Georgia’s fifth-largest industry, employing more than 277,000 people. “These people pay taxes and buy local goods and services, and so do the organizations they work for,” said GCN President and CEO Karen Beavor. “All this activity is critically important to local economies.”

Some 80% of all nonprofits operate with budgets under $500,000 annually, doing their work in neighborhoods and towns throughout Georgia, and the lion’s share of their revenue comes in small gifts from everyday people. Currently, however, only 53% of households report giving to charity, down from roughly 67% in 2002.

“On December 1, Georgians have an opportunity to support their local community by supporting the nonprofits that make them thrive,” said Beavor. “Historic places, community gathering spots like parks, river walks, and arts groups need our support. So, too, do the local people who benefit from nonprofit work – whether that’s nursing a stray animal to health so it can become a loving pet, facilitating a support group for a family member dealing with cancer, or providing job training and placement for an out-of-work friend. Where there is a need, there is a nonprofit. Your gift, no matter how small, makes a big difference to your local community.”

This year, Georgians can get engaged with the campaign by going to GAgives.org, where they can search for nonprofits, donate directly, and start their own fundraising campaigns for the causes they support; or by following @GAgives on Facebook, and using the hashtag #GAgives on Twitter and Instagram, to share the call to give.

Get in touch with GCN for exclusive, inspiring stories from nonprofit GAgives campaigners.

You can also help the movement by sharing the GAgives on GivingTuesday date and call-to-action; pointing people to the nonprofit giving portal at GAgives.org; and encouraging your audience to spread the word about GAgives, their favorite nonprofit, and why they donate. Georgia’s nonprofits, and the communities they serve, thank you.

About GAgives

Led by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, GAgives on GivingTuesday aims to bring attention to the work and worth of the nonprofit sector. Since its founding in 2012, the GAgives movement has rallied 284,000 individual contributions and raised more than $41.5 million for nonprofits across Georgia that work tirelessly for positive and lasting change. Learn more at www.gagives.org and Facebook.

About GivingTuesday

Launched by the 92nd Street Y in 2012 and housed in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, GivingTuesday is a global movement inspiring people to take collaborative action for their local communities and contribute to the causes they believe in. The movement reaches millions of people, with campaigns and activities in all 50 states and 150 countries, throughout the year, culminating on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

About the Georgia Center for Nonprofits

The Georgia Center for Nonprofits builds thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. Through a powerful mix of advocacy, solutions for nonprofit effectiveness, and insight-building tools, GCN provides nonprofits, board members, and donors with the tools they need to strengthen organizations that make a difference on important causes throughout Georgia. Learn more at gcn.org, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

STAR GRAZING ALONG THE GREEWAY 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/13/20

Saturday, October 24

Peachtree Creek Greenway, Brookhaven, GA

Sit down to a top notch tasting menu brought to you by some of the very best restaurants and eateries in the Brookhaven area. Draft cocktails, wine and beer will be flowing from the taps of the Bubbles and Brews vintage beverage cart. Our family of participating restaurants will also be showcasing featured wines and specialty cocktails that are near and dear to them to keep you further hydrated. Coffee and espressos will be at the ready from Bean in the Burrough.

Local music will be front and center from flamenco guitar from the La Candela Company to roaming fiddle from Melody Duncan Music. Chalk artists will be whipping up some great walkway art and visit the intuitive painting station for your very own creation.

Our charitable partners for this one of a kind event are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Salvation Army who will be receiving a portion of the proceeds while the participating restaurants receive the rest!

A variety of fun ‘thank you’ gifts are included with the ticket price of $99. Tickets and more information here.

The Brookhaven Epicurean Society is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and worry-free outdoor gathering. COVID rules of the road apply.

ATLFAMILYMEAL PRESENTS FEED THE FAM 2020 A VIRTUAL EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/4/20

SUPPORTING THE METRO ATLANTA HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 

Online Event Will Bring Together Atlanta Food, Music, & Art Communities to Help Feed, Nourish, & Support Hospitality Workers in Need

ATLFAMILYMEAL, the nonprofit supporting Atlanta’s hospitality community, announces Feed the Fam – a virtual experience celebrating the Atlanta food, music, and art communities and benefitting metro Atlanta hospitality workers – on Sunday, October 18 beginning at 7pm.

 

Held entirely online, the fundraiser will present a lineup of programming live-streamed on the Feed the Fam website. Comprised of some of the city’s most beloved creatives and culinary talent, Feed the Fam will feature standout musical performances from local artists like Omni, Lunar Vacation, Mattiel, and more, plus dynamic cooking demos from acclaimed Atlanta chefs and bartenders featuring dishes included in the once-in-a-lifetime seven-course dinner, available for pre-order on Feed the Fam’s website and delivered on the night of the event. The menu will showcase unique dishes prepared by participating chefs like Kevin Gillespie, Virginia Willis, and Todd Richards to celebrate the Atlanta dining experience. 

 

ATLFAMILYMEAL will kick off the online festival by pre-selling tickets to a raffle that will include one-of-a-kind items, entertainment, and experiences with all proceeds going directly to ATLFAMILYMEAL. Guests will have the opportunity to live-stream the raffle throughout the virtual festival on Feed the Fam’s website as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. With San Pellegrino as the marquee sponsor, additional sponsors include Creature Comforts, Scana Energy, and Scofflaw Brewing.

 

Since launching in March, ATLFAMILYMEAL has delivered more than 100,000 chef-prepared meals to hospitality workers in need from over 200 metro Atlanta restaurants, breweries, and hospitality businesses facing joblessness due to the COVID-19 crisis. Founded by Michael Lennox, CEO and Founder of Electric Hospitality (Ladybird, Golden Eagle, Muchacho), the nonprofit has created a network of chefs, restaurant owners, hospitality workers, and business/nonprofit leaders since inception to prepare and deliver meals to hospitality workers across metro Atlanta.

 

ATLFAMILYMEAL is actively seeking donated items and experiences for the fundraising auction, as well as corporate sponsors, artists, and businesses. If interested, please email info@atlfamilymeal.org with any inquiries or visit www.atlfamilymeal.org to donate and learn more. Stay tuned for a full list of event programming, scheduling, and select auction items.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PRESENTS HOPE BALL @ HOME THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020  

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/26/20

Annual Gala Benefiting Childhood Cancer Research Goes Virtual; Honors Arthur Blank  

 

This year, Atlanta’s social and corporate communities will gather virtually for American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, the Hope Ball gala.  Presented by Delta Air Lines  on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m., the Hope Ball @ Home will stream live on the American Cancer Society’s YouTube channel at  www.youtube.com/AmerCancerSociety.   Mike Moore, senior vice president, Maintenance Operations at Delta TechOps, returns as 2020 Hope Ball chair and Latanza Adjei, sales vice president at Georgia Power Company and Ken McCue, vice president, Delta Air Lines, and president, Delta Material Services, will co-chair the event. The hour-long live stream will feature stories of hope, special guests, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. 
“Like many nonprofits, the American Cancer Society has had to cancel all its face-to-face fundraising events, putting millions of research and patient program dollars at risk,” says Brant Woodward, executive vice president for the American Cancer Society Southeast Region.  “Postponed events, coupled with a dramatic dip in charitable donations, have led to a revenue shortfall no one could have predicted.  Despite the daunting circumstances, the mission of the American Cancer Society must continue.”
Among the event’s highlights: 
• Fred Blankenship & Linda Stouffer, WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News morning anchors, will emcee.

• Best known as co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta UnitedFC, Arthur Blank will be presented with the 2020 Hope Award. Blank, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, is an advocate for men’s health and early detection of the disease.

• NFL Player’s Choir performs “This Little Light of Mine”

• Mission Moment will feature Jenn Hobby,  who shares the cancer journey of her young daughter Reese, along with pediatric cancer researcher Dr. Ryan Summers, who works in the laboratory of ACS grant-funded researcher Dr. Douglas Graham at Emory Winship Cancer Institute.

• Mixology break with Mercedes O’Brien, former cocktail director at Atlanta’s Gunshow restaurant and founder of Sippn’ at Home, a cocktail kit service. Mercedes will demonstrate how to make “Helen’s Hope” in honor of her grandmother who passed away from breast cancer.
• Experience a gala dinner from the comfort of home as Southern Belle’s Chef Joey Ward serves up a delicious to-go feast. Order for Friday or Saturday pick-up. A portion of proceeds benefits ACS.

• Auctioneer Magen McRoberts will conduct an actual live auction. Five live auction items include East Lake Golf Club & PGA Superstore experience, Delta Air Lines getaway, Blalock Farms Hunting & Sporting escape, Silversea luxury cruise, and a dinner at the St. Regis for 12.

• PK in the Morning show featuring PK, Denise, Duryan, and DJ Babey Drew from Power 96.1 will host the Hope Ball at Home after party.
 
Up to and on event night, funds raised during the Hope Ball Mission Moment will support childhood cancer research in partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. After accidents, childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death in children, and the leading disease-related cause of death for children ages 1 to 19. 
“We are pleased to be a part of the 2020 Hope Ball @ Home honoring Arthur Blank and supporting the American Cancer Society and St. Baldrick’s Foundation,” says Mike Moore.  “During this difficult time, our gifts are more important than ever.  We hope to have record numbers of people join us and virtually raise their hands to donate to the fight against childhood cancer.”
“The generosity and ongoing support of Delta Air Lines through the coronavirus pandemic speaks to their commitment to our mission of saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer,”  Woodward says. “Never before in ACS’s 107-year history has the mission been more at risk than it is now however, with the support of Delta and all our wonderful partners, we have been able to pivot and devise a plan for how we engage and serve communities with a greater focus on digital connections like we’re doing with Hope Ball @ Home.  With courage, determination, and some innovation, the mission will not stop on our watch.”

 

A live and silent auction featuring travel packages, jewelry, sports collector’s items, and spa packages is now open for bidding at https://atlhopeball2020.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse.  For more information, visit www.hopeball.org.  

GUSTO! TEAMS WITH THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY TO FIGHT FOR A CURE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/9/20

Chastain Shop to Match Guest Donations During July 11 Fundraiser

WHAT:

Nate Hybl, creator of gusto!, is thrilled to partner with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for an impactful fundraising event at its newest shop near Chastain Park on Saturday, July 11.

Supporters who visit gusto! Chastain on Saturday, July 11 will have the opportunity to add a donation at checkout, and gusto! has pledged to match every donation dollar raised with all funds benefitting LLS. These funds will impact the lives of the 1.3 million patients living with or in remission from a blood cancer, who are patiently waiting for better treatments and ultimately for a cure.

“We are very grateful for generous partners like gusto!,” says Kristen Ryan, campaign manager for LLS Man and Woman of the Year. “This year is especially important since COVID-19 has impacted so many patients. These patients have seen delays in treatment, transplants and research due to the global impact of the virus. Now, more than ever, we need support to ensure their lives are not put on hold.”

WHEN:

Saturday, July 11, 2020
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

WHERE:

gusto! Chastain
4365 Roswell Road
Suite 4371
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-549-2584
www.whatsyourgusto.com

HELP CHIRINGA CREATE MAGICAL MOMENTS FOR BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE BY ORDERING ONLINE IN JUNE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/20

25% Of All Online Orders Placed In June To Benefit Bert’s Big Adventure


Nestled in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, CHIRINGA is excited to announce that 25 percent of all online orders placed in the month of June will benefit Bert’s Big Adventure, a nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. Established by famed radio host Bert Weiss of “The Bert Show”, Bert’s Big Adventure also provides year-round support through countless initiatives such as the Reunion Adventures, the Fairy Godparent volunteer program and additional charitable services. 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. Imbibers looking to sip into the summer season can also order freshly squeezed juices, speciality cocktails, craft beers and a variety of wines, online with proof of identification upon pick up. To maintain a safe environment for the patrons and staff, CHIRINGA’s dine-in services will remain closed, but guests are invited to dive into their elevated beach food and drinks on their spacious patio overlooking the charming Town Green Fountain. For more information and to order online, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl. CHIRINGA is also a proud sponsor of the upcoming Fourth of July Your Space Virtual Race benefitting Bert’s Big Adventure. For more information about Bert’s Big Adventure or the Fourth of July Your Space Virtual Race, visit www.bertsbigadventure.org, instagram.com/bertsbigadv, facebook.com/bertsbigadventure and twitter.com/bertsbigadv.

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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