Atlanta Home Show Chooses Georgia Heartland Humane Society as Sponsored Charity

Come by to see Jack and Jill and the other GHHS animals before you go to see the Ultimate Airdogs. Stop by the Stage, also near the GHHS booth, to see celebrity guests from HGTV. Visit the Living Green Tour where you can test environmentally friendly products and learn how to conserve energy, live healthier and save money.

After seeing an article on the Georgia Heartland Humane Society, Ashlei Whitfield, a marketing representative for Marketplace Events, suggested that GHHS be their sponsored charity at the upcoming Home Show, held on October 17-19 at the Georgia International Convention Center near Hartsfield Airport.

As their charity partner, GHHS volunteers will be selling tickets, provided by Marketplace Events, for the Gas for a Decade raffle. Net proceeds will be going to GHHS.

GHHS will also receive the proceeds from another fun event, a silent auction for birdhouses painted by famous Georgians and Atlantans.

In addition Marketplace Events has provided GHHS an exhibit booth, evaluated at $5000, to communicate our mission to the public. Our booth is in a prime location near the main stage and the Ultimate Air Dogs presentation. GHHS will be bringing some of their current foster animals, such as Jack and Jill, two kittens who have Manx syndrome, a disorder which causes incontinence. In spite of their diapers and onesies to hold the diapers on, Jack and Jill are otherwise normal kittens who love to play and cuddle.

The Ultimate Airdog competition will be near the GHHS booth. Ultimate Air Dogs is one of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country. The President, Milt Wilcox, who pitched for the Detroit Tigers in the 1984 World Series, hosts professional events that draw in thousands of spectators, while maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. The public can register their dogs for the competition at The Home Show. For more information about Ultimate Air Dogs, go to http://www.ultimateairdogs.net/.

Come support Georgia Heartland Humane Society, an all volunteer, non-profit agency which rescues abandoned, abused and unwanted animals in Coweta and Fayette counties. (www.gaheartland.com) GHHS is looking for volunteers to help cover this 3 day event. If you are interested, please call Annette at 770 253-5083.

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Rack Room Shoes Teams Up With "Shoes That Fit" to Give Back to the Community

With 18.5 % of all children in the United States living below the federal poverty level, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, many families have to choose between food and clothing. Seeing the tremendous need facing the nation, Rack Room Shoes, one of the largest shoe companies in the country, has now joined with Shoes That Fit to provide shoes for thousands of underprivileged children through a special fundraising effort that not only has social significance, but lends a helping hand to community outreach. What better time than now….as the new school year is approaching. Let’s all support the community in the fantastic effort.

The partnership between Rack Room Shoes and Shoes That Fit allows for the opportunity to raise funds to provide new shoes for thousands of kids who could not otherwise afford them. The result is that these children are provided with the ability to go to school with dignity and in comfort allowing them to concentrate on their studies, and not on their circumstances.

All of the 378 Rack Room Shoes stores are offering a unique and very popular accessory - "Finders Keepers" Key Purse. This custom-designed key holder is really jewelry that conveniently attaches to a purse or onto belts or pants pockets to keep individuals' keys handy at all times. The Finders Key Purse is free with a $5 donation. And, when you make a $5 donation for the keyfinder you will receive a coupon for $10 off your next purchase of $60 or more; 100% of the proceeds are used for the Shoes That Fit program to provide necessary shoes for the deprived children.

Shoes That Fit, founded in 1992, is headquartered in Claremont, CA. Volunteer programs are run in hundreds of schools across the country.

Rack Room Shoes, based in Charlotte, NC, is a member of the Deichmann Shoe Group headquartered in Germany, which is the largest privately owned shoe retailer in the world. Rack Room Shoes operates more than 378 stores in 26 states, Rack Room carries a broad assortment of brand name and private label shoes for men, women, and children. Visit the company's website at www.rackroomshoes.com http://www.rackroomshoes.com/ for more information, store locations, and current special promotions.
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Emory Students Team up to Help Atlantans in Need

More than 400 Emory University Rollins School of Public Health students will roll up their sleeves on Thursday, Aug. 28, for a day of service to help Atlanta communities in need.

This is the second year that incoming public health students will participate in "Rollins-teer Day" as part of new student orientation. The event was such a hit with last year's incoming class that organizers planned an encore service day this year and added more than a dozen volunteer sites for students to choose from.

Students will volunteer with local charities that address challenges related to poverty, homelessness, distribution of medical services and supplies, chronic disease and environmental conservation.

The Rollins-teer Service Learning Program was established so students can stay connected to the community throughout their time at the Rollins School of Public Health, says Kristin Unzicker, assistant director of international affairs and special programs.

"On this day, students will 'learn while doing' and begin to think about how to tackle issues that adversely affect thousands of people in Atlanta," Unzicker says. "We anticipate that this experience will enhance Rollins School of Public Health students' opportunities for service and learning while creating lasting relationships throughout the community."

Service sites include the Atlanta Union Mission, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, MedShare International, Senior Citizens Services, Project Open Hand, Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, CHRIS Kids, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Park Pride.

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Fayette County Public Library to Observe Hunger Action Month in September with “Food for Fines” Drive and Educational Display

The Fayette County Public Library is holding a “Food for Fines” drive throughout the month of September as part of its observation of Hunger Action Month. Donation barrels for the Atlanta Community Food Bank will be located inside the library from September 2 through September 30.

Here is how the “Food for Fines” drive works: Library customers can pick up a food donation bag (while supplies last) at the main desk of the Fayette County Public Library, fill the bag with non-perishable food items (no glass containers), and turn the filled bag back in to the desk. In return for each filled bag, the customer receives a “Get Out of Fines Free” card, redeemable for $2.00 in overdue fines. Participants are welcome to donate as many bags of food as they wish throughout September, and collect “Get Out of Fines Free” cards for future use.

The cards expire on December 31, 2008, and are redeemable only at the Fayette County Public Library location in downtown Fayetteville. “Get Out of Fines Free” cards are applicable only to overdue fines for items returned past their due dates—they cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged library items.

In conjunction with the food drive, the library is mounting a Hunger Action Month display. Library customers can pick up a free Hunger Action Month bookmark, learn about hunger in Georgia and the rest of the United States, discover local opportunities to get involved in the fight against hunger in the community, and obtain lists of recommended books, films, and websites on the topics of hunger and poverty. Materials on display come from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Fayette Samaritans, and the Real Life Center in Tyrone.

The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administrative complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways #85 and #54. For additional information, please contact the library at 770-461-8841.
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People TV Premier Party Applauds Station's Past and Future

People TV, local voice of the people,heralds in its 30th year of cablecasting freedom of expression and providing Atlantans a voice through media. As the city of Atlanta's sole community access television station, People TV has had the uniqueopportunity to allow nonprofit organizations and individuals to create and produce their own shows. For the past 3 decades, People TV has served the community as a nonprofit organization that connects metro Atlanta's diverse population while building community relationships through innovation and education. On October 8, 2008, People TV will host a free premiere party at Villa Christina where the public is invited to stroll down the red carpet, enjoy the sounds of jazz, screen the new online webcast of channel 24, preview the fall season line up, and celebrate the past success of an organization dedicated to keeping community televisionalive in Atlanta.

People TV is renowned for its media production educational services and the free creative outlet it provides for the people and organizations that comprise Atlanta's urban landscape. Originally conceived as a social change agent, the origins of People TV were inspired by Civil Rights Movement leaders who used community media to affect social progress. Teaching community producers to use video technology to inform, create, unite and connect is the mission of People TV. Accessible and free facilities and equipment for Atlantans, People TV provides equal opportunity to all who are interested in utilizing its media forum.

People TV is unequaled in the opportunities it affords individuals and nonprofits to enlighten, inform and educate their community. Whether a local musician, poet, visualartist or the producer of a live human rights forum, each program exposes multiple skills and abilities to more than 100,000 households that subscribe to cable. People TV's noncommercial content is designed and produced by a committed collective of almost 200 hundred local community producers and artists who provide over 100 hours of weekly content. Striving to produce and educate within their resources of time, people, materials, technological tools and finances, People TV seeks to expand their vision within the community. Through innovation, education, collaboration and outreach initiatives of inventive quality, People TV advocates a balanced pursuit of technical advancement, artistic excellence, and community growth.

To commemorate its three decades of operation as a professional media arts organization, People TV invites guests to the spectacular People TV Premier Party at Villa Christina on October 8, 2008 from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Stroll along the red carpet and meet the producers and staff of People TV for an informative Q & A session. Along with program highlights from the past, People TV optimistically looks to reaching out worldwide through online streaming and continued success on Comcast 24. Giving Atlantans a voice through media is central to People TV's philosophy and they want to spread the word. Admission to the Premier Party is complimentary, but reservations are highly recommended.

People TV, Inc. is a non-profit organization which utilizes cable television and the Internet as ways to inform, educate, and enhance people's lives. Accessible and free, People TV aspires to be a vehicle of change and inspiration for society. Located at 190 14th Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, People TV can be contacted by telephone at 404.873.6712. For further information about the People TV Premier Party or to view the fall line-up schedule for Comcast 24, please visit www.peopletv.org. Villa Christina is located just inside the Perimeter off I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody at 4000 Summit Blvd, Atlanta GA 30319. Visit the website at www.villachristina.com or call 404.303.0133.
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Fayette Seniors are Knitting and Crocheting to help Iowa Flood Victims

Photo: The Fayette Senior Services “Stitching for Others” group responsible for the generous donation to the Iowa flood victims are pictured from left: Pat Wood, Janet Kent, Syble Brady and Nancy Crow. Not pictured are Paula Gehring, Marian Kaufman, Brenda Goins, Sylvia Stroger, and Helen King

This past June, the residents of Iowa experienced some of the worst flooding in years. Many families experienced devastating losses including the warm clothing that is necessary for the bitter Iowa winters. Carol Anderson, a knitware designer in St. Ansgar, Iowa, has been working since the floods began to collect clothing and blankets to donate to the victims. When she put out a call to her fellow knitters and crocheters worldwide to help these people, Janet Kent, knitting instructor at Fayette Senior Services, and Nancy Crow, the crochet instructor, responded. And so did their fellow knitters and crocheters at the Center.

The Monday afternoon “Stitching for Others” group has spent many hours at the Center knitting and crocheting the much needed items for Iowa flood victims. They now have ready for shipping two blankets, three sweaters, six pairs of mittens, 17 pairs of socks, 34 scarves, and 107 hats!

Carol Anderson will continue accepting donations for the next few months. If you would like to make donations of hand knit or crochet items to the storm victims in Iowa, send them to: Carol Anderson, Cottage Creations, At the Farm on Deer Creek, Carpenter, Iowa 50426

Please attach a card to items with the following information:
1) Name of item
2) Size, if applicable
3) Fiber content (most items should be machine washable and dryable).
4) If desired: your name and address and any word of encouragement.

Send via Post office, UPS or Fed Ex to either of the addresses above. If you have any questions about these donations, contact Carol Anderson at 641-324-1280 or cotcreat@rconnect.com

For those unable to send items to Iowa, the “Stitching for Others” group at Fayette Senior Services is happy to accept your hand knitted or crocheted items for donation to greater Atlanta area's low income and homeless men, women and children. You are welcome to join the group at the Center every Monday, 2- 5 p.m. The Center is located at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. For more information call 770-461-0813 or visit http://www.fayss.org/.

Carol Anderson is a well-respected designer and writer of knitware patterns. Her best known patterns include Wonderful Wallaby, a hooded sweater with pouch; Wisconsin WinterSocks; Babies' and Bears Sweater; Iowa Crew/Cruise Socks; Rambling Rows Afghan; and Log Cabin Afghan Revisited.

Fayette Senior Services is a non-profit organization that provides a wide variety of life-enhancing social, leisure and educational opportunities for older adults age 50 and better.

Since 1978, Fayette Senior Services has provided services to eligible older adults to improve their quality of life and foster independence. Our social services include: Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Referral Service, Information and Referrals, ransportation Services, In-Home Services, and Case Management.
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Kate's Club Announces 5th Annual Cabaret

Kate's Club, the nonprofit organization that empowers children and teens grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, or caregiver, announces its 5th Annual Kate's Club Cabaret on Friday, September 12th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry at Puritan Mill located at 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. The event will feature live entertainment from US Beat, heavy hors d'oeuvres, an open bar plus live and silent auctions. All The Hits Q100 morning show host Bert Weiss along with 11 Alive anchor Brenda Wood will serve as emcees. The honorary chair is Atlanta's acclaimed Dennis Dean of Dennis Dean, A Catering Company.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating five years of providing support to children and their families through their grief journey," said Kate Atwood, founder of Kate's Club. "The Cabaret is a night to celebrate life and bring the metro Atlanta community together to raise funds for the unique grief support programs Kate's Club offers."

Tickets for the 5th Annual Cabaret start at $100 and are available at www.katesclub.org. The event sponsors include Absolut Vodka, Bennett Thrasher PC, Bob and Del Podsiadlo, Dennis Dean - A Catering Company, Event Performance, Harry Norman Realtors, Impact Atlanta, Jeffrey Blooms Floral, Jezebel Magazine, Peachtree Tents and Events, Ponce Personal Physicians, Porsche Cars of North America, Production People, Red Hook, Tailfin Marketing, McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP and Windmer.

About Kate's Club: Kate's Club's purpose is to provide grieving children and their families with an environment where they can re-engage in life and turn a potentially debilitating loss into a growth opportunity. By creating friendships with kids and young adults that share the experience, Kate's Club guides children through their grief journey in a comfortable, safe and uplifting setting.
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Parks & Mottola Agents Support Kool Kidz!

The sixth annual Kool Kidz Classic Polo Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 6, at Cedargate Farms in Newnan. The special event benefits Kool Kidz, a not-for-profit foundation devoted to serving metro-Atlanta children with special needs. The Foundation focuses on providing programs that join challenged children with children of all ability levels so that they may learn from one another.

Parks & Mottola agent Twyla Wilson is the Chair of the 2008 host committee. Lesley Barber and Jennifer Beegle, also agents at Parks & Mottola, serve on the host committee with Wilson and 17 other ladies, including honorary chair and event host, Ann Beegle.

Instrumental in planning and coordinating the event, the all-volunteer Host Committee is responsible for numerous tasks integral to the success of the Kool Kidz Classic. Duties include securing sponsors, organizing auctions and raffles, recruiting volunteers, and even set-up, clean-up, and take-down of the event. The Host Committee meets on a regular basis throughout the year.

“Each of the women who volunteer their time give 100 percent. They share a passion for helping children,” explains Wilson. “We wear lots of hats and do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

In 2006, Parks & Mottola was a corporate sponsor of the Kool Kidz Classic. That same year, the company’s marketing director, Robin Stewart, provided volunteer publicity and public relations services for the tournament. The company is pleased to maintain its connection to and support for the unique, charitable Newnan event.

In addition to an eight-goal polo match that includes local, national, and even international players, a variety of other activities are also scheduled. Children’s games, silent and live auctions, a raffle, dance performances, and live music are part of the festivities. Traditional favorites like complimentary champagne and divot stomping are planned as well. Complete information, including how to purchase tickets for the 2008 Kool Kidz Classic, can be found online at www.KoolKidzClassic.com.

It is the mission of Kool Kidz Foundation, Inc. to provide the metropolitan Atlanta area with exceptional programs and services where all children, especially those with physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs, can learn and play together in an inclusive and challenging environment. Visit www.KoolKidzFoundation.org to learn more.

Parks & Mottola Realty, LLC, is a Newnan-based real estate company serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, South Fulton, Meriwether, Troup and other counties for more than 23 years. Founded in 1985, Parks & Mottola employs more than 40 licensed salespeople specializing in residential, land, commercial and investment properties. The company has a full-time marketing and relocation director and is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 145,000 associates assisting individuals and corporations in the relocation process. Parks & Mottola also offers land-planning services through a Certified Land Planner and Registered Landscape Architect. For more information on services or available properties, visit our Web site at www.ParksAndMottola.com or call 770.253.7005.
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Fayette County DFCS Asks for Help with Clothing for Children

Thanks to you! We have taken care of clothing for 28 children since just before school started!! However, more referrals have come in, so I am sending the updated list. Please send on to your e-mail buddies or tell any one about this fabulous opportunity to make a profound difference for a child!

Kerell, boy, 10 y.o.:

Pants - size 14 husky, or 33/28
Shirts - size 14/16, boys
Shoes - size 8, socks also
Underwear - size men's small

John, boy, 9 y.o.:

Pants - size 14 boy's
Shirts - size medium
Shoes - size 6, socks also
Underwear - size 14/16 boy's

Sherry, girl, 16 y.o.:

Pants - size 8 junior's
Shirts - size large, juniors
Shoes - size 7 1/2, socks also
Underwear - size 8, junior's

Julius, boy, 15 y.o.:

Pants - size 40/32, men's
Shirts -size 2 xlarge, men's
Shoes - size 13, socks also
Underwear - size 42/44 waist, boxers

Anna, girl, 11 y.o.:

Pants - size 10 juniors
Shirt - size medium
Shoes - size 7, socks also
Underwear - size 8, junior's

Gabrielle, girl, 12 y.o.:

Pants - size 12/14, girl's
Shirts - size 12/14, girl's
Shoes - size 8 1/2, ladies'
Underwear - size 34A, training bra; 14 panty, girl's

Gary, boy,7 y.o.:

Pants - size 10 slim
Shirts - size 8
Shoes - size 4, socks also
Underwear - size 10

Tony, boy, 12 y.o.:

Pants - size 10/12, boy's
Shirts -size large, 10/12, boy's
Shoes - size 4, socks also
Underwear - size 10, boxers

Annette, girl, 13 y.o.:

Pants - size 18 women's
Shirts - size 1X, women's; 3X, junior's
Shoes - size 9, socks also
Underwear - size 9, women's

David, boy, 11 Y.o.:

Pants - size 10, boy's
Shirts - size 10, boy's
Shoes - size 5 1/2, socks also
Underwear - size 12, boy's

Austin, boy, 4 y.o.:

Pants, shirts - size 5/6
Shoes - size 12, socks also
Underwear -size 6

Ashley, girl, 8 y.o.:

Pants, shirts, dresses - size 14/16, girl's
Shoes - size 4, socks also
Underwear - size 10/12, girl's

Patrick, boy, 12 y.o.:

Pants - size 32/30
Shirts - size large, men's
Shoes - size 9 1/2, socks also
Underwear - size W32, boxers

Brittany, girl, 11 y.o.:

Pants, shirts - size 7, juniors; also large shirts, junior sizes
Shoes - size 7 1/2, socks also
Underwear - size 8 panty

Derick, boy, 5 y.o.:

Pants, shirts - size 6/7
Shoes - size 13 1/2 wide, toddler size, socks also
Underwear - size 6/7

Marcus, boy, 14 y.o.:

Pants - size 16, boy's
Shirts - size large to xlarge, men's
Shoes - size 10 1/2, socks also
Underwear - size small, men's size, boxers

Sharon Herbert,
Community Resource Specialist
Fayette County DFCS
905 Highway 85 South
Fayetteville, Georgia 30215
ssherbert@dhr.state.ga.us
Office: 770-460-2477

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Right To Play Calls on Olympians to Support Online Auction

BUSINESS WIRE --Right To Play today kicks off its online auction of athletes’ Olympic memorabilia and sports gear from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In the ultimate show of sportsmanship, Olympians are donating items they hope will raise money in support of Right To Play programs. Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills and foster peace for children and communities around the world. The auction, powered by Lenovo, can be found at www.righttoplay.com/athleteauction.

“Right To Play was founded on the idea that every child should have the right to play, and that when children play, the world wins,” said Johan Olav Koss, President and CEO, Right to Play. “With our extensive roster of Athlete Ambassadors from over 40 countries, we wanted to tap into the power of the Games to connect people in support of our programs that bring sport and play to children all over the world. We are delighted that Lenovo has joined us in this effort to raise funds.”

“Lenovo wants to create new ways to help fans experience these Olympic Games,” said Deepak Advani, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Lenovo. “The Right To Play Olympic memorabilia auction is a great way to make connections between fans and athletes. Athletes are supporting a worthwhile cause, inspiring fans to do the same thing, and giving them a chance to own a piece of Olympic history.”

Olympic athletes from around the world, including Canadian Kayaking champion Adam van Koeverden, U-S track and field star Lauryn Williams, British swimmer Mark Foster and Spanish basketball sensation Jose Calderon, are just some that are getting involved. Athletes are visiting the Right To Play booth in the Olympic Village to learn more about the auction. Some of the athletes are filming short video clips in the Lenovo i.lounge describing their journey to the Olympics. Video clips are then posted online with the visual, description of the auction items and starting bid.

“I had the opportunity to experience what Right To Play does first hand when I visited Liberia in 2007,” said van Koeverden. “I was so moved by the positive impact that Right To Play programs had on children and their communities. Being around these children and seeing the difference that sport can make in their lives was a life-changing event. I hope that as 2008 Olympians, we will rise to the challenge and make some valuable contributions to this great initiative.”

“Like the Olympic Games, Right To Play and Lenovo are dedicated to putting teamwork and sportsmanship into action,” said Kerri Walsh, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in Volleyball, as well as medal-contender and Lenovo Champion for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. “They’re using the Olympic Games as a platform to do some really great work. The auction is a worthwhile cause that I’m happy to be a part of. Don’t miss your chance to bid now.”

The Right To Play online auction runs through August 25 at www.righttoplay.com/athleteauction and items will be added daily. Some of the items online will include:

1. Canadian Flag bearer and Olympic kayaker, Adam Van Koeverden, donated his Flag Bearer’s sash, signed by the Canadian Olympic team present at the Beijing Opening Ceremonies.

2. 2008 Olympic Handball Penant/Flag has been signed and donated by the Chinese Handball Team

3. Left hand prints on rice paper with signatures from a variety of Olympians in celebration of International Left-Handers’ Day

4. Signed Olympic Tennis Uniform (Swiss) donated by Timea Bacsinszky

5. Signed Olympic Badminton uniform (Ukraine) donated by Larisa Griga

If you have trouble accessing the auction site, it can also be reached at www.ebay.com/righttoplay.

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Georgia Makes Progress with IDEA

The state of Georgia is making progress in meeting all the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

However, Georgia – like 37 other states – needs to make improvements in some areas. As a state, Georgia met the expectations of the federal government in seven of nine indicators of compliance with IDEA. The two indicators that Georgia’s did not meet expectations, based on 2005-2006 data, are as follows:

The federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) expects 100 percent of children who turn three and were determined to be eligible for services to have an Individualized Education Plan. In Georgia, this percentage was 84 percent, which was up from the previous year (FY2005).

The federal Office of Special Education Progress (OSEP) expects 100 percent of all evaluations to determine if a child has special needs to occur within 60 days. In Georgia, this percentage was 88 percent, which was up from the previous year (FY2005).

OSEP has determined that Georgia is a “Needs Assistance” state for the second consecutive year. Georgia is one of 31 “Needs Assistance” states and one of 23 states in the second consecutive year of such status. There are six additional states, plus the District of Columbia, that are in the more serious "needs intervention" status.

IDEA requires the state to notify the public of its determination, which is the purpose of this press release.

Georgia must now avail itself of technical assistance offered by the U.S. Department of Education to improve compliance in the two areas listed above. That technical assistance will be shared with the local systems to improve compliance.

The GaDOE reports publicly each year on the state’s progress and on the performance of districts on the indicators included in the State Performance Plan and the Annual Performance Report. These public reports can be found on the Georgia Department of Education's Website at http://www.gadoe.org/ReportingFW.aspx?PageReq=211&PID=61&PTID=67&CTID=216&StateId=ALL&T=0&RID=105.
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Atlanta Braves Wives Fifth Annual "Brown Bag Bonanza" is Saturday, Aug. 16

Saturday, August 16, 4:30 PM- until the end of the 4th inning: Braves wives will sell the autographed baseballs cloaked in brown paper bags from the time Turner Field gates open at 4:30 until the end of the 4th inning.

The Atlanta Braves wives will sell more than 750 autographed baseballs, cloaked in brown paper bags, Saturday, August 16, at Turner Field during the Braves Wives fifth annual "Brown Bag Bonanza" to benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation and Camp Erin Atlanta. Braves fans can purchase the brown bags for a flat fee of $40 and enjoy the element of surprise as they find out whose autograph they have received when they open their mystery bag.

Camp Erin is a bereavement camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, friend or loved one. It is a weekend-long experience filled with traditional, fun, camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support -- facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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A Good Ole Fashion Gospel Revival in Alpharetta to Support Two Very Worthy Causes

PRNewswire/ -- This praise and worship event which will serve as the 10th Annual Friends and Family concert presented by THP, Inc. will be a night to remember. The event, which promises to stir the soul, will take place at St. James United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 23rd starting at 7:00 pm. The church is located at 3000 Webb Bridge Road in Alpharetta. Tracey Harris has been quoted saying, "We will reach the masses spreading not only the good news in song and dance, but we will educate and bring awareness about issues plaguing the community: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence & AIDS. We will be that shining light providing health resources, parent resources, child development and community resources. We have placed these items at the forefront of our mission and focus."

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Jerusalem House in Atlanta with a portion going toward their program for single adults. The program serves single homeless adult men and women who have AIDS. The balance will be used for the Family Program that helps children and their HIV positive single mothers who are homeless. The programs include:

-- Apartments for program participants.
-- Counseling, case management and resident plan development.
-- Personal care assistance when needed -- bathing, cleaning, preparing
meals, etc.
-- Access to an on-site learning center with computers and internet access
managed by the center coordinator.
-- Tutoring for children and mothers.
-- Support groups for both the mothers and children.
-- Recreational and social activities including monthly community
meetings.
-- Resident Advisory Committee.


THP, Inc. will also donate 30 tickets to the Roswell Senior Citizen Community Center for them to attend free of charge and participate in this evening of praise and worship.

For more information about the event or ticket sales go to www.mypraiseparty.com .

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Frances B. Bunzl and Charles Yates, Jr. Named Top Honorees at National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon

The Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will celebrate the contributions of civic leader Frances B. Bunzl as the 2008 Philanthropist of the Year and Atlanta community leader Charles R. Yates, Jr. as this year’s Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year.

Bunzl and Yates will be honored at the 26th National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at The Georgia World Congress Center. AFP also will recognize teen volunteers of the year at the event. Monica Pearson and John Pruitt of WSB-TV’s award winning news team are this year’s emcees.

Nominated by the High Museum of Art, Frances Bunzl is described as “exemplifying the meaning of the word ‘philanthropist’ in its truest sense of someone whose charitable acts are driven by an innate desire to benefit others. She has made extraordinary contributions to the Museum over the years and is an advocate for the museum, ensuring that others in the community appreciate and understand the need for a vibrant High Museum.”

In addition to her support of the Museum, Bunzl contributes to Emory University, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Foundation, Highland Cashier Chamber Music Festival, the Bascom Museum in Highlands, North Carolina and the Atlanta International School. She also endowed the timpani chair for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in honor of her late husband Walter in 1988.

Nominated by The Atlanta Opera, Charles R. Yates, Jr., who has served on The Atlanta Opera’s Board of Directors since 2006, is described as being an “invaluable leader and asset” to the organization. He is credited with being “a major factor in the company’s amazing turn-around in the past two years.” Yates was instrumental in the planning and launching of a three-year $10.9 million Capacity Building Campaign, and personally raised over $2 million.

In addition to his service with the Opera, Yates contributes to the Metropolitan Atlanta YMCA, Regional Leadership Foundation, Washington & Lee University Williams School (Commerce, Politics and Economics), Westminster Schools, The Sara Giles Moore Foundation, The Atlanta Rotary Club, Emory University Bobby Jones Scholar Program and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

An annual celebration in Atlanta and across the country generally held in November during National Philanthropy Month, this year’s luncheon was moved to the end of October to avoid conflicting with Election Day. Kiwanis Club of Atlanta, SunTrust Bank and Coxe Curry and Associates are presenting sponsors of Atlanta’s National Philanthropy Day (NPD) which is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. NPD attracts over 1,300 guests representing the Who’s Who of Atlanta philanthropy gathered to honor the leading donors and volunteers who, as the NPD motto proclaims, are “changing the world with a giving heart.”

For more information about the National Philanthropy Day recognition luncheon, please call 1-877-845-0704 or visit http://afpatlanta.afpnet.org/
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Georgia Coaliton to End Homelessness and Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee Partner with Kroger and Whole Foods

The Georgia Coalition To End Homelessness and Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee are partnering with Kroger and Whole Foods grocery chains to help homeless children. This summer, Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee will be rolling out in Whole Foods Markets and Kroger Grocery Chains throughout the Southeast. All proceeds from this rich coffee will go to help homeless children.

Kroger's is proud to announce it is selling Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee in all its Southeastern stores including all its Georgia and Atlanta stores. All the proceeds from the gourmet coffee sales will go to support and provide back to school necessities for homeless children in the Atlanta area. All are hoping sales will be strong enough to help all 4500 homeless children in the Atlanta area. The project is planning on using the proceeds to provide school supplies, shoes, toiletries, clothes and necessities. All the sales from July till September will go to help the homeless children with back to school supplies.

"We really hope the coffee does well and we are able to help thousands of children" quoted Kroger's Southeast Vice President Jerry Moreton. Furthermore he noted "Kroger is all about community and supporting worthy causes while also promoting local vendors and suppliers. This is a home run for us as we are able to help the community and local homeless shelters. Kroger agreed to handle distribution so MG Coffee could go into more stores and our customers will support it"

Mission Grounds Gourmet Coffee is a non profit organization, a 501 C Corporation, dedicated to helping children. Our main focus is to help orphans and children in need the most: impoverished children in third world countries and homeless children in inner city neighborhoods in the United States.

"We are so excited about this pilot project and are hoping to expand this program to assist the thousands of homeless children statewide with this annual event. This is another wonderful example of how business and the non-profit community can partner to help those in need." said Katheryn Preston, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition To End Homelessness.

The Georgia Coalition To End Homelessness is a statewide nonprofit network and advocacy organization that provides special programs, training and technical assistance to homeless service providers, information and advocacy for policy makers and a Toll-Free Help Line for those facing homelessness. For more information please visit http://www.gahomeless.org/
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Hooters Donates $250,000 Toward Breast Cancer Research

PRNewswire/ -- For the third consecutive year, Hooters restaurants across the country raised money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research in the name of former Hooters Girl Kelly Jo Dowd. A check for $250,000 was presented to CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research Nick Valvano, basketball analyst Dick Vitale and Kelly Jo's husband Mike Dowd during the Hooters 12th Annual International Swimsuit Pageant in Fort Lauderdale. The money will go toward a $2 Million grant which was established to honor Kelly Jo, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2007 after fighting the dreaded disease for 5 years.

Kelly Jo began her Hooters career as one of the original Hooters Girls in Clearwater, Florida who graced the 1995 Hooters calendar cover and worked her way up the ranks as a manager in St. Petersburg. In the last years of her life Kelly Jo became an advocate for early detection, education and fundraising in the battle against breast cancer within the Hooters organization.

At the beginning of the year, Hooters Girls pulled together to raise money in the name of Kelly Jo by selling pink Hooters Girl uniform card cutouts and hosting fundraising events to raise money for the cause. As part of the fundraising effort an awareness DVD, featuring a testimonial from Kelly Jo, is sent to every Hooters location to educate the 15,000 currently employed Hooters Girls to help prevent the 1 in 8 who will statistically be affected by breast cancer. To date, Hooters has donated over $750,000 toward the grant.

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Lend America Teams Up With Dream House to Help Medically Fragile Children

PRNewswire/ -- Lend America, recently ranked as the 12th largest direct-to-consumer FHA lender in the nation, announced today that the Company will make a financial contribution to Dream House for Medically Fragile Children for each loan they close. Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc, a 501(c) 3 non profit children's charity that teaches families and communities how to help kids with complex health issues thrive in a home setting instead of being institutionalized for life.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Dream House was founded in 2001 by Laura Moore, a licensed pediatric nurse and clinical educator, who while caring for these children for more than 20 years, decided that these children just like any other children deserve a home, a family and a future. Dream House receives no state or federal funding and relies solely on private donations to help these children and families. Since 2001, Dream House has helped more than 820 families caring for over 730 medically fragile children by:

-- Providing educational programs and unique teaching environments for families and care givers

-- Assisting in the development of specially equipped and accessible homes

-- Increasing community awareness about the lives and needs of medically fragile children

-- Creating opportunities for community and corporate partnerships focused on improving the quality of life for medically fragile children and their families.

"As a caring and compassionate organization that is focused on helping borrowers achieve the dream of sustainable homeownership, Lend America has a responsibility to help Dream House provide safe, effective and long-term care for these medically fragile children in a stable nurturing home," commented Michael Ashley, Chief Business Strategist at Lend America. We believe as Lend America continues to grow, we can make a difference, one child at a time, and have a significant impact on improving the quality of life for more of these children by training and enabling more families to care for them at home."

A medically fragile child is one who, because of an accident, illness, congenital disorder, abuse or neglect, has been left in a stable condition, but is dependent on life sustaining medications, treatments, equipment, and has need for assistance with activities of daily living. A medically fragile condition crosses all diagnoses including chronic health care conditions such as diabetes, oxygen dependency, cerebral palsy (CP), organ transplants and most require special health care support, such as tube feedings, suctioning, tracheotomy care, a respirator or have limited mobility and require special health care support due to paralysis or chronic disease.

"Reality comes crashing down for these families faced with the challenge of caring for their precious children who have dramatically complex health issues," explains Laura Moore Founder and CEO of Dream House. "Unless you are faced with this situation or know someone going through this, you are completely oblivious to this tragic epidemic sweeping across American communities touching hundred's of thousands of families. Lend America has embraced the Dream House mission, and in doing so, is helping us open a door on a situation that together we can address."

Laura Moore concluded, "Lend America has a wonderful reputation for making new homeowners dreams come true. In parallel fashion, Dream House gives medically fragile children more than a vacation or a fond memory. We give them hope for the future. We help them find their forever home and family for keeps."

For more information on Dream House for Medically Fragile Children please visit the website http://www.dreamhouseforkids.org/ .

About Dream House for Medically Fragile Children, Inc.

Dream House for Medically Fragile Children is a children's charity that teaches family and communities how to help kids with complex health issues thrive in a home environment instead of being institutionalized for life. Fueled by community support, Dream House has set the standard for home care of medically fragile children which will someday have national impact. The organization aims to improve the quality of life for these children, including dramatically reducing the number who are in foster care. The Dream House Family for Keeps(TM) transition model of care, education programs and services is the only one of its kind in the country. Since 2001, Dream House has served over 820 family members caring for more than 830 medical fragile children in 37 Georgia counties. Visit http://www.dreamhouseforkids.org/ or call 770.717.7410 for more details and ways to get involved.

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GaFCP's Gaye Smith and Taifa Butler to appear on Georgia Weekly this Sunday

Georgia ranks 40th overall in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2008 Kids Count Data Book, an annual study tracking ten indicators, including infant mortality, teen pregnancy and high-school dropout rates. Where has the state seen improvements and where are the biggest challenges?

Gaye Smith, executive director of Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP), and Taifa Butler, director of Policy and Communications, will share the latest statistics and some possible solutions to the problems on “Georgia Weekly,” Georgia Public Broadcasting’s public affairs series, this Sunday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.

The program will air again on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.

After you watch the show, demonstrate that kids do count in Georgia by sending your comments about the segment to “Georgia Weekly” via e-mail at georgiaweekly@gpb.org.

You may also correspond with Georgia Weekly via mail:
Georgia Weekly
260 14th St NW
Atlanta, GA, 30317

Or call the station:
in the Atlanta area: 404-685-2400
outside Atlanta: 1-800-222-6006

KSU, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey Host Workshop on Federal Grant Writing, Contracting

Kennesaw State University will host a workshop to help citizens navigate the federal grant-writing and contracting processes. The event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the KSU Social Sciences Building. The workshop, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, is open to the public. Reservations are required.

What:
Participants at the "Federal Grant Supermarket" will learn the basics of writing federal grant proposals at a workshop presented by the Georgia Tech Research Institute. Representatives of small businesses and state and local government entities also will learn how to register to do business with, and purchase from, the federal government.

Who:
The Georgia Tech Research Institute and officials from entities such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Small Business Development Center, the General Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be on hand to answer questions. Representatives from other federal and state agencies will also be present.

When:
Thursday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The grant workshop starts at 10 a.m., with a session at noon examining federal opportunities for small businesses, and a contracting and purchasing session at 1 p.m. Federal representatives will be on-site from noon to 3 p.m.

Where:
KSU Social Sciences Building, first-floor auditorium. Visit www.kennesaw.edu/maps for further location information.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required due to limited capacity. Reservations can be made via e-mail to casey.sims@mail.house.gov. For further information, call Gingrey's local district office at (706) 290-1776.

Deliver the Dream Helps Georgia Families Forget Troubles During Retreat

BUSINESS WIRE --Dreams feel shattered when a family faces a serious illness like multiple sclerosis, but Deliver the Dream offers hundreds of families each year the chance to escape stress and enjoy time together at free four-day retreats.

From August 7-10, 11 families from the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society will gather at the Dawsonville, Ga. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge at the 66^th Deliver the Dream retreat.

Made possible through financial support from Toyota Mall of Georgia in Buford, the retreat will include activities designed to help families “regain strength, mend spirits and just be families and kids again,” according to Deliver the Dream Executive Director Paul Withrow.

“Support from companies like Toyota Mall is invaluable,” said Withrow. “They help make these retreats possible for families who deserve a break.”

Jennie Williams, the wife of Toyota Mall’s owner, John Williams, serves on the Deliver the Dream board and has seen firsthand how these retreats brighten the lives of families facing illness.

“We are pleased to be able to help make these life-changing experiences possible for so many families,” she said. “I’ve seen what a difference laughter and togetherness makes for both kids and parents.”

This is the third retreat for families from the Georgia MS Society, according to Hilary LaMotte, director of clinical and chapter programs.

“With each year we see more families benefit from the retreat weekends,” she said. “We are grateful for Deliver the Dream for allowing our clients to spend time with other families living with MS and just have fun.”

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Deliver the Dream (www.deliverthedream.org) was founded by former JM Family CEO Pat Moran. Since 2002, the organization has hosted more than 3,500 family members on retreats. At the cost of more than $60,000 each, 12 retreats are held annually throughout Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. Retreat participants are referred to Deliver the Dream by a network of not-for-profit healthcare organizations.

Chartered in 1953, the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society (www.nationalMSsociety.org) is one of 54 chapters in the U.S. It provides educational programs and direct services to more than 8,500 individuals in 159 counties.

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Atlanta Botanical Garden's 27th Annual Garden of Eden Ball Decor Planning Begins

Planning is underway for the Atlanta Botanical Garden's 27th annual Garden of Eden Ball. Ball décor planners met earlier this month to brainstorm ideas for this year's event, which will be held on Sept. 27, 2008. The committee met at the sales center at Presenting Sponsor Peachtree Hills Place, an upscale residential community in Buckhead for people ages 55 and older seeking a secure, independent lifestyle.

The black-tie gala is being chaired by Terance and Jennifer Fowler, and will be held from 7 p.m. – midnight on the Garden’s Great Lawn. As a special tribute, the evening will honor Mrs. J. B. (Dottie) Fuqua, who, along with her late husband, J.B. Fuqua, has been one of the Garden’s most dedicated and generous supporters. Jennifer Fowler is their granddaughter. Décor and flowers will be by Atlanta event designers Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes of Parties To Die For, who are planning a lavishly decorated tent to emphasize this year's theme, Bell’acqua, with a color scheme of blues, greens and aquas.

Georgia Aquarium Announces Third Annual Aqua Vino

Georgia Aquarium will host its third annual “Aqua Vino” wine event on Oct. 23, 2008 from 7-9:30 p.m. The VIP tasting begins at 6 p.m. This annual event welcomes guests to enjoy the entire Aquarium and the grand Oceans Ballroom while experiencing all that this event has to offer.

Throughout this exclusive night, guests are invited to sample from more than 200 exceptional wines from around the world and gourmet fare from some of Atlanta’s top restaurants. Guests can also enjoy outbidding their friends in the remarkable Silent and “Get Hooked” auctions.

Georgia Aquarium is a place full of extraordinary sites and marine discovery for millions of visitors each year. For veterinary students and faculty, Georgia Aquarium provides an exceptional opportunity for research and study. Proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium’s state-of-the-art Veterinary Services facility and the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health.

Ticket prices for the event include $150 for grand tasting and $200 for VIP tasting. Sponsorship packages are also available with levels from $2,500 to $30,000 and Patron support at $ 1,000. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/visitUs/ Aqua-Vino-2008.aspx.