Tag Archive for: charity

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.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ATLANTA TO HOST “PAR-TEE FOR A PURPOSE” BENEFITING CAMP PEACH PALS

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

A Spirited Evening of Light Bites, Music, Prizes, a Silent Auction, and More

Thursday, July 10, 2025 from| 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta invites the community to swing into summer for a good cause at Par-tee for a Purpose, a lively fundraising event in support of Camp Peach Pals, its signature program benefiting children affected by cancer. Taking place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., the spirited evening will feature light bites, refreshing drinks, music, surprise giveaways, and a robust silent auction—all hosted at the iconic Midtown property.

With a suggested donation of $50, guests will gain access to this meaningful celebration of joy, generosity, and community. RSVP here to be part of the festivities.

From July 23 to 26, the property will once again transform into a city-based summer camp for children ages 6 to 13 who have experienced a cancer diagnosis in their family. Guest rooms become cozy cabins, meeting spaces turn into dining halls and activity zones, and days are filled with talent shows, crafts, music, and more led by trained volunteers and supported by medical professionals.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is located at 75 Fourteenth Street NE, Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/atlanta. Stay connected via Instagram at @fsatlanta.

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.

PUPPY HAVEN HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL “PARTY FOR THE PAWS” BENEFITING ANGELS AMONG US PET RESCUE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/15/25

Puppy Haven is excited to announce the return of its Eighth Annual Party for the Paws, a community celebration and pet adoption event benefiting Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, from 12 PM to 3 PM, at Puppy Haven Brookhaven, located on Caldwell Road.

This beloved annual gathering is more than just a party—it’s a fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon supporting a vital mission: helping homeless pets find loving homes. Partygoers will enjoy a vibrant mix of entertainment, activities, and local flavors. Highlights include:

  • Live music from Atlanta favorite Jordan Barry
  • Delicious eats from local food trucks
  • Refreshing beverages featuring Deep Eddy Vodka, Lunazul Tequila, Bluecoat Gin, and Larceny Bourbon
  • A curated market with 30+ local vendors
  • Family-friendly fun like a bounce house and face painting
  • Doggy pools for four-legged guests to cool off and play

At the heart of the event is Angels Among Us’ pet adoption showcase, offering attendees the chance to meet and adopt their future furry companions.

The ongoing partnership between Puppy Haven and Angels Among Us reflects a shared commitment to animal welfare and building a compassionate community.

About Angels Among Us Pet Rescue:
Founded in 2009, Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is a Georgia-based nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted, abandoned, abused, and stray dogs and cats across the state. What began as a small group of passionate animal advocates has grown into a powerful rescue network that, with the help of donors, fosters, and volunteers, has saved over 20,000 animals in just over a decade.

Guided by their mission to “Rescue One Until There Are None,” Angels Rescue works tirelessly to give animals a second chance—providing critical care, safe foster homes, and ultimately, loving forever families. Their work also includes educating the public about responsible pet ownership and advocating for animals that have suffered neglect or abuse. Their life-saving efforts are entirely supported by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations who care deeply about animal welfare.

For more information, media inquiries, or to get involved, please contact Haley Jones (haley@puppyhaven.com) or visit https://www.puppyhaven.com/events/ to learn more.

CABBAGETOWN’S 2ND ANNUAL BAKE SALE RETURNS APRIL 19TH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/25

Cabbagetown is thrilled to announce the return of its 2nd Annual Bake Sale on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This year’s Bake Sale is a fundraiser for the Joyce Brookshire Memorial Amphitheatre, aiming to support community arts and culture. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including:

  • Cupcake Death Match | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Cabbagetown Hall
    • Featuring local favorites such as Little’s Food Store, Diamond Dust, Sweet Cheats and more TBA! The competition will be judged by local Atlanta favorites, Claudia Martinez – Pastry Chef and James Beard Award Winner; Lia Picard – Food and Lifestyle Writer; Lilliana Bakhtiari – Atlanta City Council, District 5 and more TBA! RSVP for free.
  • Artist Market, Live Music, Stack Squares Round 16 | 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Esther Peachy Lefevre Park. RSVP for free.
    • Vendor & Artist Market: Curated by Liz Peña of Mystic District Marketplace, this market will showcase unique, occult, and witchy artists and creators offering selections such as vintage clothing, tarot readings, thai bodywork, pottery, crystals, and more. 
    • Live Music Performances: Enjoy groovy tunes from local bands throughout the day from Cadillac Jones, Moonlark and LSDaniel. 
    • Stacks Squares Round 16: Experience live mural painting as part of this vibrant community art project. Learn more about this year’s artist selection here.

The event is open to all, with baked goods available for purchase starting at 12:00 PM. Whether you’re a foodie, art enthusiast, or music lover, there’s something for everyone.

Get Involved:

For more information about the event, please visit cabbagetown.com/bake.

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K PRESENTED BY ASSURANT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/8/25

Sunday, April 27

Join us at Cheney Stadium on Sunday, April 27, for an unforgettable morning of excitement, positivity, and celebration! The Girls on the Run 5K presented by Assurant is not your typical community event – it’s a day when Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole teams from across Georgia unite and amplify each other’s Star Power. Side by side and sneaker by sneaker, participants line up at the start and demonstrate all that they have achieved this season. This non-competitive 5K event is open to the public, not just program participants. All proceeds benefit the Girls on the Run Georgia Scholarship Fund. Get ready to lace up and make memories that will last a lifetime. Save the date, register early, and tell a friend!


5K Festival opens – 8 am
Girls on the Run 5K – 9:30 am
5K Festival ends – 11:30 am

Register here: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/GOTR-Spring-5K-2025

OPEN HAND LAUNCHES NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY NUTRITION INITIATIVES, APRIL 2

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/21/25

Dine Out in the Westside Area to Support Open Hand’s Mission of Providing Nutritious Meals

Open Hand invites the Atlanta community to join the all-new Neighborhood Nights on Wednesday, April 2, a special benefit where dining out supports a greater cause. The first installation of this quarterly event will spotlight the Westside community, including West Midtown. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to help Open Hand provide nutritious meals to those in need. As one of the nation’s largest providers of home-delivered, medically tailored meals, Open Hand serves over 5,000 meals daily to those living with chronic illness, are homebound, or simply unable to cook for themselves. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at local favorites like Bold Monk and Taqueria Del Sol while making a meaningful impact in their community.

Participating restaurants across the Westside Community

Visit openhandatlanta.org/neighborhoodnights for the full list of locations

WESTSIDE MOTOR LOUNGE HOSTS MENTAL AWAKENING FEST 2025 ON APRIL 4 & 5, 2025 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/14/25

A Two-Day Celebration of Music, Art, & Community Benefitting Crawfish For A Cause

Tickets On Sale Now

Westside Motor Lounge welcomes the return of Mental Awakening, a two-day festival filled with live music, local art, and community spirit, on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 2025. Presented by Crawfish For A Cause, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, the annual event brings together music lovers, artists, and advocates for an unforgettable weekend — all in support of critical mental health initiatives in the Atlanta area. Now in its fifth year, Mental Awakening has grown from a backyard gathering with just two bands into a multi-day festival that draws over 2,000 attendees, showcases a dozen bands, and raises thousands of dollars to support local nonprofits working directly with individuals, schools, and treatment centers across the community.

The 2025 lineup is packed with standout performances from Eggy, Shadowgrass, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Clay Street Unit, Dizgo, Arkansauce, Nether Hour, Potch, Three Star Revival, Cody Matlock, Spaghetti Western, The Regulars, The Redwoods, and Tate Renner. Whether music fans are longtime supporters or first-time festivalgoers, the diverse mix of jam bands, bluegrass, rock, and funk offers something for everyone.

Along with two full days of music, guests can explore work from local artists, enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks, and dig into the festival’s signature crawfish boil on Saturday. Crawfish lovers, take note— Saturday’s signature crawfish boil is always a hot ticket, and servings are limited. Snag crawfish tickets in advance when purchasing festival admission to not miss out. 

Westside Motor Lounge, known for its expansive indoor-outdoor space, will again serve as the home for the weekend’s festivities. Spanning nearly three acres, the venue features a full-service restaurant, two bars, a private event space, Echo Room — a curated Jazz Kissa listening bar — and a vibrant outdoor courtyard with shuffleboard courts, fire pits, ample seating, a vintage Airstream bar, and a performance stage that will showcase all of the weekend’s live music.

Tickets are on sale now, including single-day and weekend passes, with an option to pre-purchase crawfish servings on Saturday for $10. For those unable to attend in person, donations to Crawfish For A Cause can be made directly via Venmo at @crawfishforacauseatl or on Eventbrite, helping fund vital mental health services and programming throughout the Atlanta area. For the full lineup, ticket options, and additional details, visit Eventbrite. 

COST: $25-$70

Tickets are available here. 

BENEFITING: Crawfish for a Cause: https://crawfishforacause.com/ 

MUSIC:  Friday:  The Redwoods, Spaghetti Western, Dizgo, The Regulars, Shadowgrass

Saturday: Cody Matlock, Tate Renner, Three Star Revival, Clay Street Unit, Arkansauce, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Eggy 

LATIN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY MIXER AT HALIDOM EATERY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/14/24

Tuesday, November 19th

6-9pm

There is a $10 admission with complimentary cocktail! When you buy food or drink at the bar or at a stall in the food hall, you can choose a donation amount add to your check.

For over five decades, the LAA has been the cornerstone of services for Georgia’s Latino community, providing essential resources and advocacy. Year-round support and donations are crucial to maintaining and expanding its services. The LAA’s comprehensive, one-stop-shop service model is designed to help Latinos achieve the American dream by offering a range of programs focused on family stability, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Info here.

The LAA serves over 30,000 individuals annually and remains the go-to resource for Latinos seeking to improve their lives in Georgia. As the top nonprofit for Latinos in the state, no other organization offers the same geographic reach, breadth of services, or expertise. From legal assistance and English classes to job placement and youth development, the LAA’s bilingual staff works tirelessly to ensure that Latino immigrants have the tools, knowledge, and support to succeed.

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BOWED TIED BASH 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/6/24

Date Night Dance Party 

November 22nd, 2024 | The Vinyl Room, Center Stage Atlanta 

On November 22nd, join us at The Vinyl Room inside Center Stage for the Bow Tied Bash, the ultimate date night dance party for couples! Presented by Completely Celebrated, this event is designed for couples looking for a fun-filled, memorable night without the late-night drag. The best part: the proceeds of all ticket sales will be donated to Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Couples can dress up, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, and arrive early to enjoy cocktails starting at 7 PM. Then, from 8 PM to 11 PM, The Bow Tied DJ will take over with a three-hour set filled with throwback hits, singalong favorites, and feel-good anthems—guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor. 

Like the best wedding receptions, this night will be filled with dancing and unforgettable moments. Couples are encouraged to invite their friends and get ready to make new memories at Bow Tied Bash! Tickets start at $20 for General Admission and $35 for VIP, which includes one hour early entry and a complimentary beverage at the bar. 

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit BowTiedBash.com. 

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