Tag Archive for: charity

DINING OUT FOR LIFE 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/5/24

Over 60 participating restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to the cause

Wednesday, April 24

The Atlanta restaurant community is proud to rally behind Open Hand’s 31st Annual Dining Out For Life event on Wednesday, April 24. With a robust roster of over 60 participating restaurants, Dining Out For Life offers Atlantans the chance to enjoy their favorite dishes across the Atlanta area, all while supporting meal delivery to individuals living with nutrition-sensitive chronic diseases, at-risk youth and families and homebound seniors. Among the notable restaurants participating this year are beloved Atlanta establishments, such as Word of Mouth Restaurants, Sorella Vicina, Tiny Lou’s, and Buena Vida Tapas Bar. For a comprehensive list of all participating restaurants, please visit the Dining Out For Life website.
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“Through this annual event, we witness the community coming together to support those in need of Open Hand’s healthy and nutritious meals,” said Executive Director, Matthew Pieper. “Dining Out For Life is a simple yet impactful way for diners to savor their favorite restaurants or venture into new culinary experiences, all while making a difference and giving back in the process.”

Since 1993, Atlanta’s culinary community has banded together, raising over $3 million in support of Open Hand’s mission to furnish healthy meals and nutritional education to local residents who are struggling with chronic illnesses or food insecurities. Each year, thousands of supporters dine out with the understanding that participating restaurants will donate a portion of the bills. Funds raised during the one-day event help Open Hand deliver 5,000 nutritious meals daily and support neighbors better manage their chronic diseases and disabilities.
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Ways to Support Open Hand:

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 openhandatlanta.org/dofl and openhandatlanta.org.

“TOSSED OUT TREASURES” KICKS OFF ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND OF SALES WITH SPRING FLING LAUNCH PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/13/24

The Luck of the Irish Isn’t Needed for Fantastic Finds When The Sandy Springs Society’s “Upscale Resale” Fundraiser Returns March 14-17

Forget Black Friday. Each year crowds gather in line to be among the first shoppers to see what amazing items await at Tossed Out Treasures, a bargain hunters’ extravaganza. The annual shopping for a cause event, hosted by the Sandy Springs Society benefits nonprofit organizations throughout the community. Last year’s record-breaking sales raised more than $100,000, with hopes for this year to break that record.

The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 and Saturday, Mar. 16, and from noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 17. In partnership with Jamestown, this year’s sale will be held at 5920 Roswell Road, Suite C203 in Sandy Springs. This is in the former Tuesday Morning location in the Parkside Shopping Center, above the Sandy Springs Cinema & Taphouse.

Admission to Tossed Out Treasures is free and open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For those wanting to be first to discover this year’s finds, a
‘Spring Fling’ preview party, including a festive dinner buffet and silent auction, will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Tickets are available for $40 through March 10 and can be purchased at the door for $50.

As The Sandy Springs Society’s longest-running fundraiser, Tossed Out Treasures, is an extensive sale featuring new and gently used items donated by members of the organization as well as the community. First held in 1992, the event’s sales showcase the reuse and repurposing of antiques, fine China, silver, glassware, designer clothing, high-end accessories, jewelry, books, upscale home decor, electronics, children’s items and more. So renowned is the quality of the merchandise, that the event has become a must attend for many antique and consignment retailers for items for their own retail outlets. Remaining merchandise is donated to area charities at the conclusion of the event.

“Inflation is continuing to have an impact on pricing on all nature of products. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase high quality “new to you” items at exceptional prices, while knowing those proceeds are going to benefit the community vs. a large retailer,” said Kim McAfee, chair of Tossed Out Treasures. “Each year, our members and community come together with the most amazing ‘treasures.’ So much so that the lines for both the preview party and opening day seem to grow longer each year. Our ‘Spring Fling’ Preview Party is the perfect way to launch this wonderful weekend of shopping and St. Patrick’s Day festivities. You don’t need the luck of the Irish to get an incredible bargain here!”

The wide array of community donations are reviewed, sorted and displayed in a setting equivalent to an upscale department store, with sections including men and women’s clothing, antiques, children’s items, kitchen, home and garden, art, home décor and more. All items are new or gently used (all donations are carefully inspected before being included) and available for purchase at significantly reduced prices. This event gives shoppers an ideal opportunity to “go green” by upcycling and helping the environment, all while making extremely budget friendly purchases.

Guests at this year’s event will also have the opportunity to purchase the Sandy Springs Society cookbook, Savor Sandy Springs, a collection of recipes from members as well as restaurants, businesses and notable members of the Sandy Springs community. Proceeds will go towards the Society’s philanthropic grants.

Since it began in 1992, the event has raised up to $100,000 annually. These funds help more than 30 nonprofit organizations in the community through The Society’s philanthropic grants program, which supports various nonprofits that promote the arts, education, heritage, environment and social services in the city. In 2023, the Society awarded $300,000 in grants to 32 nonprofit organizations serving the Sandy Springs community. To date, the Society has awarded more than $4.8 million in grants to support the community in the past 35 years.

For more information on Tossed Out Treasures and The Sandy Springs Society, visit sandyspringssociety.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK MAKES STRIDES WITH 40TH ANNUAL HUNGER WALK RUN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/7/24

Sign up to help end hunger in the community on March 10 with virtual and in-person events

The Atlanta Community Food Bank is inviting the community to take steps together to fight local hunger. The 40th anniversary Hunger Walk Run is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024, and is a hybrid event offering in-person and virtual participation. This year, Laila Ali, Former World Champion Boxer and CEO of Laila Ali Lifestyle, will be in attendance to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering our community.

The in-person event will occur from 12-4 pm at The Home Depot Backyard – 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313. Virtual supporters may join any time on March 10. Online registration is now open and available through 12 pm on March 8, 2024.

“We are thrilled to kick off this year’s Hunger Walk Run that now spans four decades,” said Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “The event initially started to help bring various faith communities together and has expanded over the years to unite people of all walks of life and across ages to raise awareness and critical funds for local hunger relief. It’s such an honor to offer this amazing event that enables us to make significant strides in our fight against hunger.”

Every registration makes a significant impact. Each person who registers to walk is helping provide 90 meals, and each runner is helping provide 120 meals for those in need. Throughout the history of the Hunger Walk Run, more than $14.5 million has been raised for hunger relief.

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 at a higher rate.

The 5K event is open to individuals of all ages and abilities. Participants may join as an individual, family, group, or team. In addition to the Walk Run, a family-friendly event livens up the day and features live music, food vendors, warm-ups, and more.

Participants may stay up-to-date on the events by downloading the Hunger Walk Run app. The app is free and may be used on iPhone and Android devices. For more information about the Hunger Walk Run, email hungerwalk@acfb.org or call (404) 419-1723.

DANTANNA’S CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH FAN-FUELED OFFERING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/17/23

Beginning Tuesday, October 17 through Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, Dantanna’s is celebrating two decades of success with an array of special offerings, givebacks, a raffle, and more. An Atlanta dining institution founded by restauranteur David Clapp, the go-to destination for sports, steak, and cigar enthusiasts is bringing back fan-favorite classics like the Frueben, Salmon BLFGT, Dirty Bird, and Short Rib Loaded Fries along with the Scallop Lobster Risotto where $5 from every purchase goes to The Kyle Pease Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports. Patrons are invited to raise a glass with limited-time specialty 20th anniversary giveback libations, the Double Decade Dantini and Citrus Slam Paloma. Not only will $1 be donated to The Kyle Pease Foundation for each cocktail sold, but guests will automatically be entered to win an anniversary gift basket. Additionally, the restaurant will reveal surprise offerings on Facebook and Instagram at @dantannas. Dantanna’s is located at the Shops Around Lenox at 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326 and is open for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873. 

ATLANTANS COME TOGETHER FOR THE SPARK 5K

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/21/23

Inaugural event supports The Kyle Pease Foundation 

Introducing the inaugural Spark 5K, a race with 100% of registration fees and proceeds benefiting The Kyle Pease Foundation’s Inclusive Employment Program. Taking place in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park on Thursday, May 4, the event is hosting more than 30 in-chair athletes, the most participating in any Atlanta 5K to date.

“Partnering with The Kyle Pease Foundation to bring this vibrant 5K to life aligns with Roark’s mission of helping people and companies reach their potential,” Allison Hill, Head of Diversity & Social Responsibility at Roark, explained. “This run is for everyone and we are excited to see so many community members come together for such an incredible cause.” 

With a heavy focus on using the power of sports to create an inclusive experience for all participants, The Kyle Pease Foundation designed the event with the main goal of inclusion taking center stage, allowing the city of Atlanta, in-chair athletes and their push-assist athletes to come together and work towards a common goal.

“Since we created The Kyle Pease Foundation in 2011, we have sought to use sports as a way of providing inclusive opportunities for athletes with disabilities,” Kyle Pease, Founder and Chief Inspirational Officer of The Kyle Pease Foundation, stated. “Thanks to this wonderful partnership with Roark, we are able to achieve our goal of bringing Atlanta a race centered on inclusion and provide tons of athletes with the opportunity to experience the thrill of being part of the competition.”

Participants are encouraged to register at Spark5K.com in order to show their support towards an important cause. The event, which begins at 6:30pm, is a race for everyone – no matter their abilities – so it’s time for the Atlanta community to show how it rallies behind a worthy cause.

Click here to learn more about The Kyle Pease Foundation. 

Sponsors include Roark, The Coca-Cola Company,  Rabobank, Truist and more. 

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S ANNUAL HOPE BALL RETURNS SEPTEMBER 10

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/21/22

A Black-Tie Evening Including a Cocktail Hour, Silent and Live Auctions, Mission Moment, Dinner, Music and More
Hope@Night After Party Keeps the Festivities Going Into the Evening

The American Cancer Society’s annual signature gala and one of Atlanta’s premiere philanthropic events, Hope Ball, returns on Saturday, September 10 hosted at The St. Regis Atlanta. The black-tie evening brings together influential leaders in Atlanta’s social, philanthropic, and corporate communities to help fund critical cancer research and support the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Since 2016, this evening of inspiration has raised $4.7 million supporting cancer research and the Atlanta Hope Lodge. 


ATLANTA HOPE BALL 2021 VIDEO


Hosted by WSB-TV2 anchor Wendy Corona, the soirée will begin with an elegant cocktail hour and silent auction, complemented by the sounds of the Joe Grandson Quartet. Patrons will enjoy an exquisite, multi-course dinner from Executive Chef Jordan Barnett of The St. Regis Atlanta before an exciting live auction and donation presentation. Additionally, American Cancer Society CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen will be in attendance to celebrate innovation in cancer research and a mission moment from cancer survivor Julia York and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory researcher Dr. Curtis Henry. This moment serves as a reminder of why the Atlanta community has gathered for a night of elegance. New this year, the Board of Ambassadors will host The C-Suite at Hope Ball for platinum sponsors as an opportunity before the main event to network with other top executives and strengthen business connections in the private setting of the Maisonette at St. Regis Atlanta.


The evening will continue with the Hope@Night after party. Guests can dance to DJ Era, mingle with young professionals and corporate leaders, and party with a purpose. There will be a premium open bar, late-night bites, and a 360 photo booth experience to capture the fun. Individual tickets to the Hope Ball are $750 and grant Hope@Night entry. Tickets to attend the after party are on sale now for $125. All ticket and donation options can be found at www.HopeBall.org.
Hope Ball is presented by Delta Air Lines. Funds raised at the Hope Ball benefit the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer. They fund and conduct research, share expert information, support patients, and spread the word about prevention. 

DINING OUT FOR LIFE 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/31/22

Open Hand Atlanta encourages the community to dine-in and give back for Dining Out For Life, April 27

 Annual fundraising event Dining Out For Life returns April 27 to support Open Hand Atlanta. Atlantans are encouraged to dine-in at one of the more than 50 participating restaurants or enjoy take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery.

Since 1993, Atlanta-area restaurants have joined together in raising over $3 million in support of Open Hand’s mission to provide community members with healthy meals and nutrition education. Every year, thousands of supporters have dined out for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the knowledge that participating restaurants would donate a portion of their bill to help Open Hand provide nearly 5,000 nutritious meals daily and support their neighbors battling chronic disease and disability to live healthier, more independent lives.

With recent hardships that continue to affect Atlanta’s food service industry, Dining Out For Life’s generous partner restaurants may not be able to give 25% as in years past, but they are committed to giving what they can to support the cause. With this in mind, restaurant-goers are encouraged to consider making a donation of their own on the restaurants’ behalf. This year’s restaurants include Atlanta favorites such as Guac y Margy’s, The General Muir, Local Three, Max Lager’s, Agave and more. A full list of participating restaurant partners can be found here.

This year, Subaru— a longtime supporter and presenting sponsor of Dining Out For Life— and the national Dining Out For Life leadership has selected Atlanta as a spotlight city. National Dining Out For Life spokesperson Mondo Guerra from Project Runway will be in town to promote the local program and spread awareness about the importance of volunteerism.

Ways to Support Open Hand:

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 www.diningoutforoh.org and www.openhandatlanta.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

THE GPC CANOPY SOIRÉE RETURNS TO ZOO ATLANTA THIS MARCH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/27/22

A Philanthropic Evening of Dinner, Cocktails, Dancing, Music, a Raffle and More Hosted by and Benefitting the Grant Park Conservancy, presented by The Rob Smith Team
Friday, March 11, 2022 From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 
 The second annual Canopy Soirée hosted by the Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) returns on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Held at Zoo Atlanta in Savanna Hall overlooking the mesmerizing African Savanna exhibit, the philanthropic fête benefiting the GPC is an exciting evening featuring dinner, dessert, cocktails, a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes and much more in a beautifully decorated ballroom.
A night to remember, funds raised during this year’s event, presented by The Rob Smith Team, will be used to plant over 100 trees to enhance historic Grant Park’s tree canopy, support gazebo-rebuilding, tackle crumbling stonework on the Milledge Fountain wall, and bring the 20th installment of the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival back this August.
The Canopy Soirée is for ages 21 and up and host committee tickets, individual tickets, and tables are on sale now starting at $125 at www.gpconservancy.org/events-programs/canopy-soiree. For more information about the Grant Park Conservancy visit www.gpconservancy.org. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test required for entry.

LAZY BETTY HOSTING LE BERNARDIN REUNION DINNER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/27/22

Lazy Betty Founders and Chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips met nearly twelve years ago while working at Eric Ripert’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin in New York City, and on Wednesday, April 6, they’re bringing together seven Le Bernardin alumni to host a special reunion dinner benefiting KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to making “the never” possible for those with invisible disabilities and sensory needs. By creating a community of acceptance and inclusion for all, KultureCity aims to ensure that every individual can be included regardless of their different abilities. Lazy Betty’s team is undergoing training to become a sensory-inclusive restaurant.

“We are truly honored to work with the amazing team at Lazy Betty to make them the first sensory inclusive fine dining restaurant in the world,” says Dominique Wilkins, KultureCity Board Chairman and former Atlanta Hawks player. “Through our certification process, the Lazy Betty team has been trained on how to better serve guests with disabilities and sensory needs. The fine dining experience should be for ALL, and it’s truly amazing that Lazy Betty not only gets that, but is putting it into action.”

Former Le Bernardin chefs participating in the reunion dinner will each prepare a course that pays homage to their time at Le Bernardin. In addition to Chefs Ron and Aaron, participating chefs include:

  • Jennifer Carroll – Jen Carroll cooked under Patrick Feury at Neil Stein’s Avenue B before becoming sous chef at Le Bernardin, then Chef de Cuisine at Ripert’s 10 Arts Bistro at Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton. She is a finalist and two-time all star on three seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef. She is also Chef-Partner of Spice Finch in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square and helms Carroll Couture Cuisine, an experiential culinary company. She is co-founder of Sisterly Love Collective, an alliance of women restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs across Philadelphia, jointly promoting mentorship and sustainable success.

  • Adrienne Cheatham – An eight-year Le Bernardin veteran, Chef Adrienne served as Executive Sous Chef at the acclaimed restaurant. She was the Executive Chef of Red Rooster Harlem before competing on season 15 of Top Chef, finishing second in the finale. Today, she runs the SundayBest pop-up series and is releasing her first cookbook, Sunday Best, March 2022.

  • Rob Sisca – Now based in Boston and the chef-partner of The Banks Boston and Bistro du Midi, Chef Robert Sisca served as Sous Chef at Le Bernardin and was part of the team for four years. In 2018, he competed on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and came out victorious with his Bouillabaisse.

  • Monica Glass –  Chef Monica Glass is a former pastry chef at Le Bernardin and will be preparing the evening’s dessert course. Food & Wine named her a Best New Pastry Chef in 2013, and in 2020, she became a Chopped Champion. Today, she’s a chef and integrative health & wellness coach offering virtual classes, demos, experiences and more.

  • Kevin Adey – A former cook at Le Bernardin, Chef Kevin Adey is the chef-owner of Faro in Brooklyn.

The evening will also include an online auction, featuring items like tickets to an Atlanta Hawks game, tickets to a University of Georgia football game, private dinners, rare bottles of wine and liquor, and more. Guests will be able to scan a QR code at their table to view auction items and bid from their phones.

The five-course menu is $275 per person in the dining room and at the Chef’s Counter, plus beverage pairings for $100 each. Each ticket includes a cookbook by Chef Eric Ripert or Chef Adrienne Cheatham. Prices are inclusive of service, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will go directly to Kulture City. Reservations are available here.

SOUTHERN BELLE EXPLORES THE SOUTH’S DIVERSE CULINARY TALENT DURING “BLESS THEIR HEARTS” DINNER SERIES ON MARCH 13

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/20/22

Benefiting No Kid Hungry

Chef Joey Ward’s Poncey-Highland Restaurant Brings Together

Talented, Local Guest Chefs for Five-Course Dinner Benefitting No Kid Hungry

Southern Belle invites guests to explore the Southeast’s diverse culinary talent in the next installation of its monthly “Bless Their Hearts” guest chefs dinner series on Sunday, March 13.

“We have an amazing team of local chefs lined up for our March ‘Bless Their Hearts’ dinner,” says Southern Belle chef and owner Joey Ward. “Each is incredibly talented in the kitchen, and I know our guests are going to be impressed by their dishes.”

Each dinner features five courses plus an amuse-bouche for $135 per guest (excluding tax and gratuity), and each chef is responsible for preparing one course. Ten percent of total sales from the evening will be donated to No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger in the United States.

Wine pairings will be available for an additional $70. Non-alcoholic pairings also will be available as well as the restaurant’s full cocktail and beverage list.

The dinner is limited to 70 guests with seatings between 4:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations can be made online through Resy. To ensure guest safety, the entire Southern Belle staff is vaccinated and following all CDC guidelines.

Save the date: the next dinner in the series is scheduled for April 24, 2022.

The March “Bless Their Hearts” dinner features:

Chef Justin Dixon of Humble Mumble

Chef Jiyeon Lee of Heirloom Market

Chef Zach Meloy of Dirt Church Ceramics

Chef Nolan Wynn of Banshee

Host chef Joey Ward, Southern Belle + Georgia Boy