Friday, May 29, 2009

Clayton State’s Parkerson Helping to Raise Funds for Agriculture Research Center in Costa Rica

John E. Parkerson, Jr., director of the Office of International Programs at Clayton State University, takes an activist role in building international relationships.

In addition to directing Clayton State’s many and varied international programs, Parkerson is also Honorary Consul of Hungary for the states of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. And, he also serves as secretary of the board of The Tropics Foundation, the funding arm of the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE). CATIE’s mission, which targets impoverished communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, is to reduce rural poverty by promoting competitive and sustainable natural resource management, through higher education, research and technical cooperation. Parkerson, and his colleagues on The Tropics Foundation, are currently involved in fund-raising in support of CATIE’s center in Costa Rica.

According to Tropics Foundation President Wayne Reece, sustainable agriculture research centers have proven instrumental in alleviating poverty in developing countries in the Americas.

CATIE was formerly the field office of the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Sciences created in 1942 by the Pan American Union (now the Organization of American States). CATIE was officially established in 1973 to serve as a graduate school, research institute and training center dedicated to rural poverty reduction through promoting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.

Parkerson is also familiar with fund-raising foundations, since he is a past president of the board of trustees of the Clayton State University Foundation.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Unique Blood Drive Benefits Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan

The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, will be hosting a blood drive, sponsored by the Armed Service Blood Program and the Columbus Lions arena football team, scheduled for June 5 at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center, Fort Benning, Ga.

This blood drive is unique because donated blood from the Soldiers and Families of Kelley Hill will be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan, helping Soldiers, within a week of collection.

In support of the event, players and dancers from the Columbus Lions will be on Sledgehammer Field for a meet-and-greet during the drive, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.

Soldiers, Family Members and the public are invited to donate at the Kelley Hill Recreation, June 5, from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. For more information contact the 3rd HBCT Family Readiness Support Assistant, Andrea Young at andrea.young3@conus.army.mil or 705-544-5712.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Governor Lights Flame of Hope for Special Olympics Georgia at State Capitol, Kicking Off Summer Games

Governor Sonny Perdue will help light the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) athletes at 9:15 a.m. Friday on the front steps of the State Capitol, kicking off State Summer Games this weekend.

The torch has been passed across the state by law enforcement officers for the last few weeks and will stop at 8 p.m. Friday at the Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Emory University’s McDonough Field.

At the games, 2,100 athletes will compete in gymnastics, aquatics, athletics, volleyball, soccer, tennis and other sports Saturday and Sunday at Emory’s Woodruff P.E. Center and the Candler Soccer Field, which are free and open to the public.

Friday’s torch passing is part of a press conference to announce the 2009 Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Once the Governor and SOGA athlete Elena Weaver light the torch, they will pass it off to members of the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run, comprised of the Atlanta Police Department, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol and other agencies’ officers across the state.

Perdue, Weaver and Chief Billy Grogan of Dunwoody Police Department and LETR State Director will speak at the conference.

The top five Torch Run fundraising agencies are: Kennesaw Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department, and Villa Rica Police Department. The Torch Run’s presenting sponsor is Publix Supermarkets.
Click here for information about the games. Click here for the schedule in the program book and here for the cover and list of sponsors.

Special Olympics Georgia mission
Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 22,797 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

KidsPeace Awarded Gold Seal of Approval by Joint Commission

Nation’s Oldest, Largest Standards-setting and Accrediting Body Notes Quality of Local Children’s Charity

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission‘s national standards for health care quality and safety, KidsPeace National Centers of Georgia and the KidsPeace Wellness & Behavioral Health Center of Georgia have earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.

“We have always sought to give the best to kids who have been through the worst,” said Scott Merritt, executive director of the local children’s charity’s center in Bowdon. “The Joint Commission accreditation is powerful recognition of our commitment to safety and quality care for those in the greatest need.”

“KidsPeace’s accreditation achievement is a demonstration of the organization’s leadership and staff commitment to excellence,” says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “Joint Commission accreditation requires organization-wide dedication to providing safe, client-focused care, treatment and services.”

The Joint Commission conducted an on-site evaluation of KidsPeace’s programs from March 23-25, 2009. The accreditation award, covering recognizes dedication to complying with the Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also accredits health plans, integrated delivery networks, and other managed care entities. In addition, The Joint Commission provides certification of disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

KidsPeace has provided hope, help and healing to hundreds of Georgia children since opening its doors in 2004. With a major residential campus in Bowdon, KidsPeace helps children to overcome crises of growing up. Supported by VIP leaders, including its national spokesperson Leeza Gibbons and child safety and self-esteem icon RETRO BILL, KidsPeace helps millions more each year through prevention and awareness campaigns designed to help America’s kids and parents avoid and overcome the kinds of crises that can strike any child - from disasters and personal traumas to family issues, depression, and the many dangers of modern life. KidsPeace was named “The Outstanding Organization” of its kind in the country by the American Association of Psychiatric Services for Children and was called “a prototype of what we need for all children everywhere” by the late, nationally renowned child and family expert, Dr. Lee Salk.

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

WIC Wants to Hear from You

The Georgia Department of Human Resources is pleased to announce that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will hold its annual public comment beginning June 1. This is an opportunity for Georgians to provide feedback on the program and suggest ways to improve WIC services through web access. The web page was developed to give the public a more efficient and private way to comment on the program.

“We encourage Georgians to take part in this comment period so they can have an impact on the WIC program,” said Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford, acting director of the Division of Public Health. “State staff will review the comments and suggestions that are received and use them to update our annual program plan. We count on our customers’ feedback every year to make the WIC program better.”

To make comments or provide suggestions, participants should visit the WIC website at http://health.state.ga.us/programs/wic/. Once there, individuals should click on the “public comment” link provided on the left under Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and complete the appropriate survey.

The Georgia WIC program, the nation’s fifth largest, provides monthly vouchers for supplemental foods such as cereal, eggs, juice, milk, peanut butter and infant formula to more than 320,000 participants. Women enrolled in the program also receive nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and referrals for other health and social services.

WIC benefits are available to eligible pregnant women and women who have recently given birth, as well as infants and children up to five years of age. Eligible participants must have an income at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines (i.e., about $32,560 for a family of three). Participants must also be state residents who are at nutritional or medical risk as determined by a health professional.

There are more than 1,600 authorized food retailers that participate in the WIC food delivery system. WIC is 100-percent federally funded and administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.

For more information about Georgia’s WIC program, please call (800) 228-9173 or visit: http://health.state.ga.us/programs/wic/index.asp.

2008 WIC Eligibility Guidelines for Georgia

Size of family
(includes unborn children) Yearly income*
1 $19,240
2 25,900
3 32,560
4 39,220
5 45,880
6 52,540
7 59,200
8 65,860

*Add $6,660 for each additional family member. Also, new federal income guidelines will become effective 7/1/09.
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Friday, May 22, 2009

Hospice Advantage Seeks Volunteers and Interns

Hospice Advantage in Fayetteville and surrounding area is seeking volunteers and/or interns to join our team. Our volunteers assist families and patients who are living with a life limiting illness, training is provided. Areas of service include companionship, caregiver relief, community outreach, and office assistance. If you are interested or would like further information please contact us at 678 817-4180.

New Orleans Saints Offensive Lineman Jon Stinchcomb and Former NFL Player Matt Stinchcomb Provides Food to Children and Families in Need

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Georgia natives Jon and Matt Stinchcomb are teaming up with Feed The Children to provide 400 families with boxes of food and personal care items on Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. to HT Edwards Learning Center, located at 440 Dearing Extension in Athens. Both Jon and Matt graduated from the University of Georgia.

Feed The Children, working with partner agency The Stinchcomb Family Foundation, will provide a box of food and personal care items to recipients. The boxes are designed to help supplement a family for up to one week.

“We are so grateful for Jon and Matt Stinchcomb and The Stinchcomb Family Foundation,” said Larry Jones, founder and president of Feed The Children. “Four hundred families will receive food because of this generous gift of kindness.”

Jon Stinchcomb’s contributions to the Saints have played a large part in the offensive line emerging as one of the club’s strengths over the last two years. In 2007, the Saints allowed an NFL-low 16 sacks, despite leading the league with 652 pass attempts. Equally adept at opening creases for running backs or protecting the quarterback in passing situations, Stinchcomb has started the last 50 regular-season games at right tackle. Known for his work ethic and as one of the strongest players on the roster, he was originally drafted 37th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, and re-signed a contract in Mary 2009.

Matt Stinchcomb is a former football offensive tackle, who played for the University of Georgia, the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a two-time All-American at Georgia (1997 and 1998). Matt was selected as the 18th pick of the first round in the 1999 draft to the Oakland Raiders.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Fayette: Boot Drive to Benefit Heroes Campaign

On Saturday, May 23, 2009, the American Red Cross, in partnership with the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the Fayetteville Fire Department and the Villages Amphitheater will be hosting a boot drive for the benefit of the 2009 American Red Cross South Metro Heroes Campaign.

The boot drive will take place at The Villages Amphitheatre, located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville in the historic Main Street District. The Army Ground Forces Band will be providing world-class music in support of the U.S. Army Forces Command, headquartered at Ft. McPherson in Atlanta, Ga.

For 95 years, the American Red Cross has been a hero for thousands of people in metro Atlanta. Now, members of the community are stepping forward to be ‘Heroes for the Red Cross,’ each helping to keep the vital services of the Red Cross alive and well in Atlanta's South Metro Counties.

The South Metro Heroes Campaign is a grassroots campaign that takes place during the month of May, during which individuals, businesses, and organizations have the opportunity to raise money to support Red Cross services in Clayton, Henry, Fayette and Butts Counties.

To learn more about the South Metro Heroes Campaign, or to make a donation, please visit http://american.redcross.org/goto/southmetro.
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Atlanta Braves' Tim Hudson launches family foundation

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim have launched the Hudson Family Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to making a long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance. The Foundation, based in Atlanta, GA, will support children throughout Georgia and Alabama.

"God has placed on our hearts the passion for children in need, in varying degrees, levels, and circumstances," says Kim Hudson. "We are so grateful for the opportunities we have been given to do this type of work thus far, and we are ready to make a bigger personal commitment."

The Hudson Family Foundation will focus primarily on four programs:

Non-Profit Grant Program - Funding for organizations that serve children's needs in the areas of health/medical, education, and/or recreation programs.
Scholarship Program - Financial assistance for graduating high school seniors in Georgia and Alabama.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame! - Braves tickets that provide deserving children the opportunity to experience a Braves game who may not otherwise have the chance to attend a professional baseball game.
Rookie Reader Program - Book donation program that promotes literacy and the love of reading from a young age by donating books to children and youth serving organizations throughout Georgia and Alabama.

Supporters are encouraged to visit the Foundation's newly launched website at www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com. Simply click on "Get Involved" to learn more about monthly volunteer opportunities, ways to donate, corporate partnerships, fundraising ideas, and much more. The Foundation, will raise funds for grants and other key initiatives through special events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations.

"We are so grateful for the opportunities our family has been given, both on and off the baseball field. It is our responsibility to give back to those in need. But we don't do this because we have to. We truly enjoy it," said Tim Hudson.

The Hudson's will officially launch the Hudson Family Foundation on June 28th during a private party at the W Atlanta Downtown. The Foundation is also planning a public concert event for late Fall.

About Tim and Kim Hudson: The Hudson's have worked tirelessly in the community since Tim began playing baseball for the Oakland Athletics in 1999. Kim is a member of the Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. Kim and Tim are Wish ambassadors for Make-A-Wish, and throughout the baseball season, they fulfill the wishes of critically-ill children by hosting batting practice visits with the team's players and coaches. Kim and Tim serve as honorary cochairs for the annual Celebration of Wishes gala, and each Christmas, the Hudson's take 75 Make-A-Wish children and their siblings on a holiday shopping spree. The Hudson's also actively support Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. They host a golf tournament each year during Spring Training called Birdies and Baseball and also co-host a 3- course golf tournament each summer.

The Hudson's charitable work has not gone unrecognized. In 2008, Tim became a seven time Roberto Clemente Award recipient, which recognizes those players who best exemplify the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions to their teams.

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Monday, May 18, 2009

Gingrich Foundation Announces Charitable Contribution to the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation

The Gingrich Foundation has made a charitable contribution to the Learning Makes a Difference Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Learning Makes a Difference Foundation aims to accelerate and enhance student learning through innovative education strategies, such as the Learn, Earn and Achieve program, which provides small-group tutoring sessions and compensates students for their participation and increased grades.

“Learning Makes a Difference is committed to improving the future of our country by creating solutions to some of the most significant challenges in education,” said Callista Gingrich, President of the Gingrich Foundation. “Newt and I are thrilled to help students increase their commitment to education and prove that learning really does make a difference.”

"Thanks to the Gingrich Foundation's commitment to improving education, we have helped change the direction of nearly 75 underperforming math and science students in Atlanta,” said Heather White, Executive Director of Learning Makes a Difference. “We are grateful for the Gingrich Foundation’s support in helping our program to become a model for future innovative learning programs.”

Callista Gingrich is the President of Gingrich Productions, a performance and production company focusing on audio, video, and photographic production in Washington, D.C. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is the General Chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future, Chairman of the Gingrich Group, and Founder of the Center for Health Transformation in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia.

The Gingrich Foundation is a domestic non-profit corporation founded by Callista and Newt Gingrich to support charitable purposes.
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Friday, May 15, 2009

Hands On Atlanta Calls on Facebook Friends for Votes

Target Selects HandsOn Network As One of 10 Charities to Receive a Portion of $3 Million

HandsOn Network is one of 10 nationwide charities selected to participate in Bullseye Gives, Target’s first-ever Facebook giving campaign. Through May 25, HandsOn Network’s and Hands On Atlanta’s Facebook fans, constituents, donors and supporters can vote for the organization at Bullseye Campaign page to win a portion of a $3 million charitable donation. The more votes, the larger the donation.

“At Target, our reputation is built on our legacy of service, and Bullseye Gives is an incredible opportunity for us to continue to engage the public in our giving,” said Laysha Ward, president of community relations, Target. “This is a unique way to help raise awareness of the important work these deserving charities do and increase local volunteerism nationwide.”

Each charity will receive a portion of $3 million, based on the percentage of votes received per charity. All votes and dollars allocated will be updated in real time on Target’s Facebook page throughout the course of the contest and site visitors can vote once a day, every day, throughout the contest. Final donation allocations will be announced May 26. Hands On Atlanta is proud to support this campaign and is spreading the word across its 40,000- member volunteer base. As an affiliate of HandsOn Network, Hands On Atlanta stands to receive a portion of Hands On Networks’ earnings from this campaign.

The selected charities fall within Target’s core areas of giving, as well as causes that are of specific interest to its guests. The other nine charities participating include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Feeding America, Kids In Need, Parent Teacher Association, National Park Foundation, Operation Gratitude, Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, and The Salvation Army.

About Hands On Atlanta

In the late 1980s, Hands On Atlanta sparked a grassroots volunteer movement in Atlanta, igniting a dynamic service model that has since spread to communities across the country. As one of the nation’s largest community-based volunteer service organizations, Hands On Atlanta brings people together every day to transform neighborhoods, support nonprofit organizations and strengthen our city’s public schools.

Hands On Atlanta is an affiliate of HandsOn Network, an international alliance of volunteer organizations with affiliates in the U.S., the Netherlands, the Philippines, Brazil, China and South Africa. For more information on Hands On Atlanta, call 404-979-2800 or visit HandsOnAtlanta.org.

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$100 Million Commitment Made to Habitat for Humanity by J. Ronald Terwilliger

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Habitat for Humanity International announced yesterday a $100 million commitment by J. Ronald Terwilliger. The nine-figure legacy gift represents the largest donation from an individual in Habitat for Humanity’s history.

“We are humbled by and grateful for the unprecedented commitment Ron is making to Habitat for Humanity. It’s a solid demonstration of the passion he has for our mission and for decent, affordable housing throughout the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “Thanks to his generous spirit, tens of thousands of families will enjoy greater access to simple, decent, affordable shelter worldwide. Habitat for Humanity is truly honored to be entrusted with this gift and will faithfully help Ron put into action the commitment he has to adequate housing and to low-income families.”

Habitat for Humanity International estimates that this single legacy gift will help 60,000 families with access to improved housing conditions.

“In my professional life, I’ve seen housing strengthen health, education, families, communities and economies,” said Terwilliger. “With this legacy gift to Habitat for Humanity, I want to help ensure a leveraged, sustained impact beyond my lifetime and inspire others to make the commitment to support affordable housing. There are more than 1.6 billion people around the world who live in poverty housing and they need our help.”

Within five years of the funds being transferred by Terwilliger’s estate, 70 percent of the legacy commitment will be used by Habitat for housing micro-financing so that families in countries around the world can improve their living conditions. The remaining 30 percent will be used for the “J. Ronald Terwilliger Leveraged Impact Fund.” This endowment for Habitat for Humanity International will make annual distributions to help support affordable-housing efforts.

Terwilliger joined Habitat for Humanity’s international board of directors in 2000, where he currently serves as chair. During this time, he has given more than $3 million to Habitat. He also has visited Habitat organizations and worked on build sites throughout the United States, Europe, Central America and Asia.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a Baker Scholar at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business, Terwilliger went on to become the driving force behind the nation’s largest multi-family housing developer, Trammell Crow Residential. He retired as CEO in 2008, but remains the company’s chairman.

In addition to his board service with Habitat, Terwilliger has served on the governing boards of the Urban Land Institute, the Enterprise Foundation and the U.S. Naval Academy. The Urban Land Institute established the “J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing” that is dedicated to ensuring that workforce housing is available to future generations.

In 2008, Terwilliger was inducted into the National Association of Homebuilders Housing Hall of Fame for being a leader that is helping to address affordable housing needs for working families. In March, Terwilliger was recognized by the U.S. Naval Academy as a “Distinguished Graduate.” In June, Terwilliger will be honored as the National Housing Council’s “Housing Person of the Year.”

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Fayette: Cushing Wins Big, Raises Money for Children in Need

The results are in for the 18th annual Fayette Youth Power Parade! Peeples Elementary 5th grader, Michaela Cushing (shown here with PE coach Deborah Friday) won first place in the county, raising $900 to benefit children in need. Michaela won not only a trip for four to Disney World as the top money raiser in the county but also the school prize, all-day passes donated by Dixieland Fun Park.

Coach Deborah Friday led Peeples Elementary to raise $6,500, the most money of any school in the county, and brought them the top prize, a $500 gift certificate for PE equipment.

Held in all 17 Fayette County elementary schools, the Fayette Youth Power Parade is endorsed by the Fayette County Board of Education and benefits Fayette Youth Protection Homes, a non-profit organization which offers shelter and supportive services to children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect. At the Friday-Johnson Home, children and youth receive comprehensive services in a loving, homelike environment. FYPH also operates a community-based foster parenting program and a clothes closet for children living in foster homes and group home care.

For more information about Fayette Youth Protection Homes, call 770-461-7020 or visit their website http://www.fyph.org/.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Legal Community Volunteers to Spruce Up Atlanta Area School for the Deaf

ServiceJuris Celebrates 10th Anniversary with School Beautification

Hands On Atlanta is proud to announce its 10th annual ServiceJuris community service project, which will feature extensive indoor and outdoor beautification of the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf on Saturday, June 27.

Hundreds of members of Atlanta’s legal community, as well as State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox, are expected to gather at the school for a day of volunteer service. Tasks include filling the drab hallways with colorful, themed murals; painting classrooms in energetic colors; restoring and securing outdoor play and learning areas; and reorganizing the school’s library.

The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, located in Clarkston, Ga., was founded in 1972 and is one of only two state schools that cater to the needs of deaf children and their families. The school serves about 200 deaf and hearing-impaired children ages three through 21.

“Our school is so fortunate and appreciative that ServiceJuris selected us for this year’s project,” said Kenney Moore, director of the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. “This project will transform our school into a more vibrant learning environment and provide a welcome surprise for students and families as they return for the 2009-2010 school year.”

This year’s ServiceJuris project marks the tenth by Hands On Atlanta, a non-profit organization that helps individuals, families and corporate and community groups find flexible volunteer opportunities at more than 400 service organizations and schools. Each year, ServiceJuris gathers volunteers from law firms, law schools, courts, corporate in-house legal departments, bar associations and companies associated with the legal community to revitalize a school, agency or local neighborhood in need. Among those who have benefited from ServiceJuris are Grant Park Conservancy, Atlanta Charter Middle School, the Vine City community, Cabbagetown Community Center and Adair Park.

“Over the past nine years, ServiceJuris volunteers have contributed more than 19,000 service hours, and now they’re ready to do it all over again,” said Gina Simpson, chief executive officer of Hands On Atlanta. “Their efforts have improved the learning conditions for thousands of school children, renovated 10 major parks, and enabled 6,500 people to better utilize their neighborhood community centers.”
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Friday, May 08, 2009

Jeffrey Fashion Cares Atlanta Announces Jason Wu as the 2009 Special Guest Designer

17th Annual Event Will Once Again Be Held at 55 Ivan Allen Plaza in Downtown Atlanta

Atlanta’s premier charitable fashion event, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, announced Jason Wu as the special guest designer for 2009. The annual event, hosted by acclaimed retailer Jeffrey Kalinsky, will once again be held at 55 Allen Plaza in Downtown Atlanta on Monday, August 31 beginning at 7 PM. Wu, who at only 26 years old has emerged as one of the leading new American designers, will follow in the footsteps of acclaimed Fashion Cares guest designers Isaac Mizrahi (2008) and Oscar de la Renta (2009) – making this year’s event one of Atlanta’s most highly anticipated fundraisers.

“I am so excited that one of the most important names in American fashion today is this year's guest designer for Jeffrey Fashion Cares,” says Kalinsky.

Combining modern lifestyle dressing with the spirit and detailing of haute couture in a way that is both innovative and romantically reflective, it was no surprise when First Lady Michelle Obama appeared wearing a Jason Wu collection ivory silk organza gown on Inauguration Night. A favorite among press, stylists and celebrities, Wu continues to receive accolades including Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award for Women’s Ready-to-Wear in January 2008 and in July 2008 he was named one of the finalists in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fun.

Influenced by the classic photography of Richard Avedon and the collections of Charles James and Jacques Fath, Wu celebrates the female form by emphasizing a women’s hourglass silhouette while utilizing the most luxurious fabrications and detailing. Harking back to the days when women were always polished and styled to perfection, the Jason Wu collection aims to revitalize the art and perfection of dressing with a relaxed and youthful attitude. For more information on Jason Wu visit www.jasonwustudio.com.

For the third year, the 55 Allen Plaza building, a beautiful postmodern high-rise in Downtown Atlanta, will be the host venue for the fashion forward charity event. Co-chaired by Lila Hertz and Sacha Taylor, the 17th Annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares will once again benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund (AAPF). Last year’s sold-out event raised a record-breaking $800,000, with 95 cents on the dollar being donated to its beneficiaries.

2009 Presenting Sponsors to date include Atlanta Magazine, Delta, Dennis Dean Catering, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, ING, Jeffrey, Nordstrom, W Downtown Atlanta Hotel & Residences, and We Rent Atlanta.

The annual event includes a Pre-Show Reception, Fashion Show, and features a special guest designer and Honorary Chair. Additional details about Fashion Cares 2009 will be announced in the coming months. For more information on Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2009, including Patron and Corporate Sponsorship, please visit www.jeffreyfashioncares.com/atlanta or call 404.745.0293.
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Pins for Promise Place Support Victims of Domestic Abuse

A day filled with bowling, great food and prizes, was the most recent fundraiser to help Promise Place continue to serve victims of domestic violence in Fayette, Upson, Spalding and Pike counties. Held at Magnolia Lanes in Griffin, bowlers came from all four counties to compete for trophies donated by Vision Trophies & Engraving.

Promise Place, also known as the Fayette County Counsel on Domestic Violence, has seen a great increase in violence in the recent economic downturn. In 2008 Promise Place assisted 1,685 women and 1,241 children in various ways. Over 450 women attended support groups and 197 victims were assisted with temporary protective orders, a court order that mandates that the abuser have no contact with the victim.

Through their Teen Dating Violence program, 1,724 high school students in the Fayette County schools were addressed by Promise Place volunteers about the red flags of an unhealthy dating relationship. Their emergency shelter stays full with women and children seeking safety in a crisis. Most come with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no financial means. Promise Place provides victims all they need to get back on their feet again.

Promise Place is always in need of donations and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include answering the 24 hour crisis line, helping with transportation and relocation assistance, providing childcare for weekly support groups, becoming a community advocate or Teen Dating Violence prevention program presenter in the high schools, and helping with special events. Financial donations, non perishable food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies are always a need. If you would like more information on Promise Place or their programs please call 770-461-3839.

Photo: L to R starting from the top row: George Martin, Promise Place Executive Director of Operations, Vanessa Motley, Amy Leuenberger, Lance Gauntt as Abzilla the World Gym Gorilla, President of the Board of Directors Leslie Torok, Nelda Wright, Dave Banks, Bottom row: Michele Blose, Elena Dickerson
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Soles4Souls Founder Looks to the Future Through the Lens of the Past

Wayne Elsey, CEO of Shoe Charity, Challenges People to Create Habits that Stand Test of Time

Five years can seem like a long time when looking into the future. Will our priorities be the same? What will our economy look like in 2014? Will we have the same administration, or will someone else be in charge?

It's odd to imagine our 12 year-old children graduating high school, and impossible to imagine new technologies and gadgets we haven't yet invented (even if they will be the "hot" thing we can't possibly live without).

When looking to the past, five years seems so fleeting. Five years ago, the Asian tsunami wiped out 230,000 people in a matter of hours. It's a number that is beyond true comprehension. We watched the TV reports, mouths agape, at the immense suffering unfolding before our eyes.

It made a huge impact on me as I sat alone on a couch in Florida, wondering what I could do to actually have an impact on something that could not be fixed. I saw a single shoe washed up on a battered beach, and it struck a nerve because I was -- I am -- a "shoe guy," an executive for a boot company.

I felt challenged to act by locating and donating what I worked with everyday. Surely the survivors would need solid work boots to rebuild the countries shredded by the floods. In fact, any decent pair of shoes would do.

So I called my friends in the industry and asked some hard questions. Could they part with a hundred shoes? Five hundred? Thousands? I called competitors and laid out my specific challenges. And they all answered, with numbers that blew me away. In all, we sent 250,000 pairs of new shoes to people in the region.

Five years later, we stand as an official 501(c)(3) charity with three warehouses, a staff of 29, hundreds of celebrity supporters and thousands of donation locations across the country. We could astound you with the numbers of shoes we have collected and sent around the world, but the only number that really matters is 1.

One person goes into their closet and packs up shoes, takes them to a donation location, and places them in the box. For us, it's a life-changing moment, because we put these shoes on the feet of one person, one pair at a time.

There's a profound moment when we are kneeling before a needy person and putting new shoes on their tired feet. It happens when we look up at them and share the one-on-one moment that cannot be faked or re-created in a can. It's the gift of new shoes to a person in desperate need, and it is magical.

We work with shoe companies, retailers, churches & synagogues, civic groups, schools, and many other organizations that choose to partner with us for that magical moment -- putting one pair of shoes on a person's feet.

We send shoes to far off places like Afghanistan, where the public's suffering is ongoing and terror so commonplace that it is normal. We also donate new shoes to Americans in need, because we recognize that even 1st World countries can have 3rd World problems. In fact, more than 55% of our shoes stay in the United States to help the homeless population, foster children, victims of natural disasters, women escaping abusive homes, and dozens of other frightening scenarios.

Soles4Souls is pure grassroots -- you can see it when people flood your phone lines, begging to get involved. When the movement takes off and all you can do is watch it and applaud from the sidelines. People 'get' our charity because they recognize the need -- and discover the solution in their own homes and hearts. Our programs and events, like the current Soles4Souls RV Tour, are successful because people WANT to get involved... they don't need convincing. They simply need a way to get plugged in, and that's where we come in.

Our footwear donations are up 83% over last year. We move 45,000 pairs of shoes per week through our warehouses. Every 13 seconds, another person in need experiences that magical moment. And still, time ticks on.

We have found avid supporters in footwear companies, on the street, in the churches, and even online through social media programs like facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and the like. We know there will be new tools and technologies that we will use to find more supporters, because we want that magical moment to be reproduced every single second.

Where will you be in five years? What impact will you leave on the hearts of mankind? I challenge you to choose positive actions, because when done consistently, they become habits, and habits become character.

Don’t wait. Visit www.giveshoes.org to join Soles4Souls, and make a profound difference in the life of one person. Who knows, that one person just might be you.

About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently distributing one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States. The charity has been featured recently in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, BBC and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.


Please research all information and any organization prior to donating or contacting. The Georgia Front Page and the Fayette Front Page share information as provided from a variety of sources. We do not necessarily support, endorse or research the legitimacy of the various organization's information prior to including. We can not be held responsible for the reliability of the information or outcomes if you choose to donate or follow up with the organization (s).

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Welcomes Mary Plant, Peachtree City, to Board of Directors

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Plant to the Board of Directors.

Plant, a resident of Peachtree City, is a dedicated community volunteer who has served the former Girl Scouts of Pine Valley Council, is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and teaches religion classes at her church. In addition, Plant is a former Olympic swimmer having earned three Olympic gold medals in 1984 and one Olympic silver and one bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics.

Plant was elected to the Board of Directors at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Delegates, representing members from across a 34 county area, approved a slate of nominees for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.

In addition to Plant, the other members elected were: Ileana Martinez, a partner at the law firm Thompson Hine; Necole Merritt, vice president of public affairs for Cox Communications, Inc.; and Patrice Walker, an associate in the litigation practice group at Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs. The new members of the Board of Directors will begin their terms starting July 1, 2009.
Yvonne Isaac, vice president for operations of Full Spectrum of NY, Angela Lawrence, vice president for Harleysville Insurance, and current board member, Keith Green, senior vice president at ING Americas, were elected to serve on the board’s Nominating Committee.
The Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta consists of volunteers elected by the delegates. The members are: James Adams, Jr, chairmen/CEO, The Adams Container Corporation; Gil Benjamin, southeast regional president, Harleysville Insurance; Myra Coleman Bierria, vice president, corporate secretary and securities counsel, AGL Resources, Inc.; Tonya Curry, professor of paralegal studies, Atlanta Technical College; James Frazier, Jr, partner, Frazier & Deeter, LLC; Keith Green, senior vice president, ING Americas; Carolyn Holcomb, board treasurer, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC; Dabney Hollis, community volunteer; Ann Hooper, board chairman, vice president of finance, Lathem Time; Nancy Huddleston, manager, forestry and right of way services, Georgia Power; George Judd, CEO, BlueLinx Corporation; Kelli Keb, board chairman-elect, community volunteer; Cheryl Lester, president, Cornerstone Marketing Group; Kristen Lewis, Esq., board vice-chairman, attorney with Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP; Scott McKinley, Sr, principal buyer II, Ecolab; Liz Mori Lauer, community volunteer; Dennis Patterson, corporate executive vice president, SunTrust Bank; Van Price, senior vice president; UBS Financial Services, Inc.; Irma Rodriguez, manager, workplace fairness diversity & workplace fairness, The Coca-Cola Company; Dawn Sanders, director-acquisitions and regional operations, Filterfresh; Marshall Schwartz, tax manager, Braver, Schimler, Pierce & Jenkins, LLP.; Denise Sumner, partner, KPMG, LLP; Karlenne Trimble, deputy managing director, Manning, Selvage & Lee; Rita Whitehead, board secretary, community volunteer; Phyllis Woodson, director of environment, health & safety, InterfaceFLOR.
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Saturday, May 02, 2009

Friends of FDR State Park Meeting

Get Fit, Get Dirty, and Get out…and volunteer. F. D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest State Park and is located in the most southern chain of the Appalachian Mountains. Friend’s Chapters have been a great asset to Georgia State Parks, and also provides a chance for the parks to get involved with the community. The Friends of Georgia’s State Parks is a volunteer based service that provides opportunity after opportunity. Some ways that Friends Chapters have helped at other sites is leading educational programs, worked on beautification projects, and have participated in live historical reenactments.

DATE:
Monday, May 18, 2009

TIME:
7:00 PM

LOCATION:
Hamilton Fire Department
10188 Highway 116 E
Hamilton, Ga. 31811
(The new red building on 116 E, ½ mile from Sheriff’s Office)

COST:Free

INFORMATION:
Contact Clint Rouse or Sam McDuffie 706-663-4858

Friday, May 01, 2009

Small Budget, Big Heart, Even Bigger Mission

Providing a Home Away From Home for the Families of Patients at Atlanta Area Hospitals

When a family member becomes ill, the burden is shared among everyone. When that illness requires an extended stay in the hospital, family members may be faced with the difficult question, “How can we afford to remain by their side throughout treatment?” Tucked away in a scenic, picturesque setting in the in the Historic Druid Hills is the answer for over 200,000 families who have asked themselves this question. Since 1981, The Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House has been opening its doors to patients and their families who are receiving treatment in any of the 21 Atlanta area hospitals.

Thanks to generous donations from supporters, including the Home Depot Foundation, The AHHH provides a home away from home for families of patients. Now, its services will be expanded to house eight more guests every night in the Marcus Hospitality Cottage a 1,400-square-foot facility which will have the capacity to provide lodging, meals and a supportive environment for patients and families receiving treatment. This addition increases the occupancy allowance from 17 to 25 guests per day.

“Thanks to The Home Depot’s commitment, we will have an open, welcoming and affordable overnight alternative for our families who commute for treatment,” said John Floyd, chief development officer of the Marcus Autism Center. “Because we treat the entire family, this facility will enhance the patient experience and provide a better basis for progress in the future.”

The new cottage, which is surrounded by towering hardwoods, sits adjacent to the main house. The new cottage has be built in the footprint of a dollhouse built by Cator and Charlotte Woolford, the original owners of the house. Since the groundbreaking in December, the cottage has been visited by Angela Sparks and her sister Cator Hartley, both granddaughter's of Cator and Charlotte.

“The history of the Cator home is always a consideration in our renovations, additions and decisions regarding the house,” said CJ Bolster, Chair of the Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House. “The Cator family has been very excited and supportive of the progress made by the AHHH. They have even gone so far as to help renovate and furnish their grandmother's bedroom in the main house. We appreciate all of their support, and could not serve our guests without generous donations from supporters like these families.”

The House spends approximately $44 per guest per day, however guests are only asked to contribute a donation of ten dollars. “We are not funded by any of the hospitals we serve or by government funds,” said Melissa Connor, AHHH Executive Director. “We are a non-profit organization supported by donations from churches, volunteers, foundations, civic and veteran’s organizations, businesses, and people who have been personally touched by the house, such as our former guests. Without these caring individuals, many of our guests would be sleeping in waiting rooms and using hospital bathrooms to stay clean.”

The Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House accommodates anyone, as long as they have been referred by the hospital chaplain's or social worker's office, and live 40 miles outside of Atlanta. If an overnight stay in not required, the house still opens its doors to families who need a place to rest, bathe or do laundry.

“Options are often limited when emergency medical situations arise,” said Bolster. “Hotels can be extremely expensive, and many families cannot take on the financial burden of an extended stay. The AHHH provides a unique and welcoming alternative that can mean the difference between being by a loved ones side, and being miles away.”

“The mission of the Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House is very important to people who are dealing with a family member’s medical emergency,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation. “The Home Depot Foundation was given the opportunity to help the AHHH provide a home away from home for their guests by building the cottage, but the continued support of the organization by community members across Georgia is crucial.”

For more information on how you can help the mission or to speak to a dedicated staff member, visit http://www.atlhhh.org/index.html or call 404-377-6333.

By Meg Watterson
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