Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Winship Volunteer Inspires With Healing Power of Music

When Brenda Nease was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, listening to music and playing the piano helped her through her treatment and recovery.

Now Nease uses music to help other patients and their families at Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Several years after her treatment, Nease became a volunteer and a member of the Emory Winship advisory board.

In honor of Nease's work, a longtime friend Howard Tellepsen and his family donated $25,000 to Emory Winship to establish the Brenda Nease Fund.

Through support from the fund, Nease suggested the purchase of a Yamaha C1 baby grand piano for Emory Winship's lobby. The gift also supports the piano's maintenance.

Every week Nease can be found playing everything from old standards to classical tunes in the institute's lobby.

"We encourage volunteers, students, faculty, and members of the Emory community to come and play whenever they can," says Nease, who plays at least once a week. "Now some of the patients are even beginning to come in and play the piano, which is better than I ever imagined. The piano is so beautiful, and I am just thrilled so many people have been playing."

Tellepsen, a Georgia Tech graduate, understands how Nease's personal experiences have led to her dedication. His 93-year-old mother also is a breast cancer survivor.

"Brenda is so pleased to be on the advisory board at Emory Winship, and I was honored when she called and gave me an opportunity to make a gift," says Tellepsen, chairman and CEO of a 100-year-old, family-owned construction company in Houston. "I'm just happy to be able to help her help others. This is a gift that keeps giving because it is not only a gift for Emory Winship, but for all of the patients."

Emory Winship executive director Walter J. Curran shares this sentiment.

"The gifts of time, talent, and philanthropy that Brenda Nease brings to her volunteerism efforts at Emory Winship make a meaningful difference for everyone. We are humbled by her thoughtful focus on the patient experience," Curran says.

Since the piano was delivered in September, patients arriving at Emory Winship for early morning appointments have often been greeted by the sound of staff member Tricia Harper playing hymns before her shift begins.

"When I saw that they needed volunteers willing to play I immediately responded," says Harper, an ultrasound technologist who began playing piano again in the past couple of years after being away from the instrument for many years. "I have a keyboard I play at home, but there is nothing like a real piano. I mostly play old church songs that a lot of people recognize, and I think they find it comforting and soothing. Just about every day one or two people will come by and say thank you or to tell me they enjoy it."

The Tellepsen family's gift is part of Campaign Emory, a $1.6 billion fund-raising endeavor that combines private support and the University's people, places, and programs to make a powerful contribution to the world. Investments through Campaign Emory fuel efforts to address fundamental challenges: improving health, gaining ground in science and technology, resolving conflict, harnessing the power of the arts, and educating the heart and mind.

If you would like to volunteer to play the piano at Emory Winship, please contact DaVida Lee-Williams (404.778.2405), Emory Winship's coordinator of volunteer services.

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Friday, November 20, 2009

Georgia Tech Challenges University of Georgia to a Food Fight

Georgia Tech’s Community Service Council and Student Government Association are challenging the University of Georgia to a food fight. The second annual GT vs. UGA food fight collects canned goods on behalf of the Atlanta Community and Northeast Georgia Food Banks.

“Tech has never turned down a challenge from U(sic)GA,” said Rob Parrish, a student organizer for the event. Last year, Georgia Tech collected one barrel of cans, approximately 300 pounds. The University of Georgia collected more than 20,000 pounds of cans. “We are hoping for ten full barrels of cans,” said Parrish

“I know we are going to win the game on Saturday. It is my sincere hope that we can do almost as well with this challenge,” said Parrish. “Georgia Tech’s motto is Progress and Service, and we must not forget the second part of that.”

Members of the Georgia Tech community may donate canned items through November 25 (by 5:00 p.m.). Blue collection bins are located near the library fountain, next to the Student Government Office in the Student Center, and in the Athletic Association. Large donations or questions about donations should be directed to Parrish at robparrish@gatech.edu.

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Love, Set, Taste...Cure! Governors Towne Club Hosts A Most Unique Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Sunday November 22nd, 1 - 4PM

/PRNewswire/ -- A rare blend of events including an afternoon playing tennis paired with a refreshing wine tasting will set the stage for a most unique breast cancer fundraising taking place on Sunday, November 22nd from 1- 4PM in Acworth, Georgia.

The Tennis Center at Governors Towne Club (GTC) will be the site of this remarkable combination of events to raise money to fight breast cancer. But perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects about this fundraiser is that 100% of all proceeds raised will be donated to support the important work of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Atlanta Affiliate.

Several homeowners at GTC came together and enlisted the help of sponsors T2Tennis, La Parrilla Restaurant and NO Winery to host a Sunday afternoon of mixed doubles and wine tasting all for a great cause. Attendees can select the venue of high activity and colossal fun to play tennis organized by the professionals of T2Tennis. All prizes and event coordination for the "Tennis For the Cure" have been donated by T2Tennis, Atlanta's premier flexible tennis league.

Non-sporting types can participate and raise money to fight breast cancer through "Tasting for the Cure" by enjoying the afternoon tasting the various white wines of NO Winery and learning many interesting facts and subtleties of the various grape varietals and how they positively impact the wines.

At 2:00PM, Kenneth G. Horton, developer of Governors Towne Club will officially open the fundraiser. Congressman and Doctor Phil Gingery will be on hand to cut the ribbon to the Silent Auction. Over 50 valuable products and services have been contributed to the Silent Auction from individuals and companies in the Atlanta area. Attendees will be able to bid on items ranging from a package of horse riding lessons from Serenbe Stables, to Macintosh Computer Service and Support by 3 Alarm Fire, to a signed autographed racket donated by Melanie Oudin, the 17 year old tennis star from Marietta who became world famous in this year's US Open. Additionally, the Silent Auction will include items in all price ranges from gift certificates from The Shaving Gallery, La Parrilla Mexican Restaurants, and Abundance Luxury Limo to the use of an upscale vacation cottage in Destin, Fl, for a week's stay. Perhaps, one of the most unique donations that will be up for auction is "An Evening with Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood", including a private reception at Gallery 4463 and a dinner at The Old Mill. And finally, cheering on the event will be Atlanta's very own Falcon cheerleaders!

Everyone attending will receive a pink Susan G. Komen For The Cure "Goodie Bag" filled with various donated items. The gift bags will be handed out by two Mrs. Georgia titleholders who both just happen to be homeowners at Governors Towne Club. Mrs. Amanda Vogel, former Miss Georgia USA 1985-86 and Mrs. Georgia America 2005-2006, and the current reining Mrs. Georgia for 2009 - 2010, Mrs. Jennifer Everett.

The event's website can be found at http://www.tennisforthecure.com/.
A rain date has been set for Sunday, December 6th.

Please join us to for a fun day for a great cause!

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Monday, November 16, 2009

Hooters Makes $40,464 Donation to the MDA

/PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, November 16th a check will be presented to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the amount of $40,464 raised by 60 Hooters Restaurants located in the southeast. The Hooters Girls and employees raised the funds in just 4 weeks through various fundraising events. The check presentation will take place in Atlanta, at the Hooters of Cumberland located at 2977 Cobb Parkway at 5:00 PM.

"Hooters has a solid and extensive relationship with the MDA," stated Bonnie Rhinehardt, Division Vice President for Hooters of America, Inc. "I am extremely proud of the management, Hooters Girls and staff that pulled together and exceeded our goal for this cause."

Hooters restaurants are involved with many invaluable charitable organizations at the national and local level. Over the past ten years, Hooters restaurants have donated over $8 million to various causes, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Operation Homefront, Special Olympics and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and His Wife, Rosalynn, Join Thousands of Volunteers in Asia for Annual Habitat for Humanity Build

/PRNewswire/ -- Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, welcomed volunteers to Thailand as they kicked off the 26th annual Habitat for Humanity Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Chiang Mai. The Carters will lead the annual Habitat for Humanity build in five Asian countries, Nov. 15-20.

The Carters and nearly 3,000 volunteers from around the world will spend the week building and repairing 166 homes in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Laos - all countries along the Mekong River.

"In an area of the world where many people live in deplorable conditions, we have a chance to help families improve their housing," said former President Carter. "Over the years I have seen the lasting impact Habitat for Humanity volunteers can have, and I have been personally touched by the work they are doing around the world."

During the week, the Carters will join dignitaries, celebrities, volunteers and Habitat homeowners as they build in Chiang Mai and visit construction sites in the other countries.

Celebrity volunteers expected to build in Chiang Mai and elsewhere include global movie action star Jet Li; Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata; Hong Kong actor/director Daniel Wu; from India, Bollywood superstar and Habitat for Humanity India supporter John Abraham, along with fellow countryman actor R. "Maddy" Madhavan; South Korean TV acting sensation Lee Seo-Jin, and Habitat for Humanity Thailand's goodwill ambassador, singer and actor Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsub.

Habitat for Humanity of Thailand will anchor the five-country Carter Work Project, where volunteers will build a community of 82 houses with families in Chiang Mai province. The number 82 was chosen to honor the 82nd birthday of the Thai monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on Dec. 5, 2009.

Habitat volunteers in Cambodia will build 21 houses in Damnak Thom village with families who will be relocating from a dumpsite near Phnom Penh. Thirty-two houses will be built by Habitat homeowners and volunteers in Vietnam's Dong Xa village near Hanoi.

In China, Habitat is working with the local government in Qionglai city, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, in a project to build a series of multi-story, urban housing units that will eventually house hundreds of families. Habitat volunteers will help construct 20 Habitat for Humanity units during the Carter project.

Additionally, in Laos, Habitat volunteers and families will refurbish 11 homes in Ban Chawang village, 30 minutes outside the capital city of Vientiane.

"With the help of President and Mrs. Carter and the thousands of devoted Habitat volunteers, the Carter Work Project will result not only in better housing for families who urgently need it in the Mekong region, but in much-needed attention to the housing plight of so many families in this part of the world," said Habitat for Humanity Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Reckford. "Decent shelter helps transform lives and entire communities, and we're grateful for President and Mrs. Carter's servant leadership."

"Habitat for Humanity has a strong and growing presence in all the Mekong countries through a wide range of housing solutions," said Richard Hathaway, vice president for Habitat for Humanity International's Asia-Pacific region. "We are thankful to President and Mrs. Carter and the thousands of volunteers who will give programs in this area a major boost, allowing Habitat to serve even more families in need of decent shelter."

Habitat's Carter Work Project is an annual, internationally-recognized week of building that brings attention to the need for simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. President and Mrs. Carter have faithfully given one week of their time each year since 1984 to help build Habitat homes and raise awareness about the need for simple, decent housing. The Carter Work Project has been held in India, Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, South Africa, Hungary and throughout the United States.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

'Emory Cares' During International Day of Service

More than 1,200 volunteers, from Atlanta to Hong Kong and multiple points in between, are set to take part in Emory Cares International Service Day 2009 this Saturday, Nov. 14. Members of the Emory University community will lead dozens of service projects in 40 cities in nine countries across five continents.

In Atlanta alone, more than 800 members of the Emory community – alumni, students, staff, faculty and parents – are set to fan out across the city for a variety of service projects. Volunteers will participate in a cleanup Oakland Cemetery, help sort donations for refugees and foster children, work on stream cleanups and trail maintenance in local parks, repair homes for senior citizens, and participate in Habitat for Humanity builds, among other projects. Emory President James Wagner will be among the volunteers sorting medical supplies for delivery to developing nations at local nonprofit MedShare.

The growth of Emory Cares, a signature program of the Emory Alumni Association (EAA), has been steady since its founding in 2003 by Emory alumna Renelda Mack, then president of the Board of Governors (now known as the Emory Alumni Board). Following her lead, Emory alumni in cities across the country and around the world stepped up and volunteered to lead service projects.

Outside the United States, alumni and parents in Argentina, Hong Kong, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, South Africa and South Korea are hosting Emory Cares projects. In Barcelona, alumni will host a bowling tournament to fund a nonprofit that assists African children. Volunteers will work an organic farm in Darmstadt, Germany, and in Seoul, alumni and students will volunteer at Peace House, a home for physically and mentally disabled men.

In Atlanta, the EAA expanded its partnerships with Volunteer Emory and other campus organizations, which has brought hundreds of students into the volunteer mix. Several of the EAA's alumni interest groups are planning service projects of their own, including EAA's Atlanta Young Alumni chapter, the Caucus of Emory Black Alumni and Emory Gay and Lesbian Alumni.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Ingenious Med Partners with Children's Restoration Network for Holiday Charity

/PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, Ingenious Med is partnering with Children's Restoration Network (CRN) to donate employees' time and treasure to roughly 2,000 Metro-Atlanta children living in group homes and shelters.

CRN kicked off November with a Thanksgiving food drive, an effort to stock 129 shelters with basic needs as well as holiday favorites. The organization looks to volunteers like Ingenious Med to host these food drives throughout Atlanta. Ingenious Med has sponsored a month-long drive within its office complex, giving 14 companies and nearly 450 individuals the opportunity to donate everything from canned foods to grocery gift cards.

Additionally, Ingenious Med will be actively participating in CRN's "Adopt-A-Shelter" holiday program. Not only has Ingenious Med pledged to make its adopted shelter's holidays more enjoyable with volunteered time and gifts, Ingenious Med has engaged to donate time and scholarships to the shelter year-round.

During CRN's "12 Days of Caring" event, volunteers like Ingenious Med will be invited to a gift wrapping party, where they will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers and distribute gifts to the children of all ages.

"Holidays are always tough on those less fortunate, especially homeless children and homeless mothers with children," said Cliff Kinsey, CEO of CRN. "We could not touch so many lives without the help of great corporate citizens like Ingenious Med. We are very grateful to be a part of their Philanthropy."

CRN has been servicing 18 Atlanta counties since 1993, providing shelter for nearly 3,800 needy children each year. Beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter, CRN strives to provide education opportunities and special programs and events to bring positive experiences for some of Atlanta's most deserving youth.

"We felt an immediate connection with CRN due to its emphasis on our Atlanta community and the ability it gave us to donate and volunteer all year and not just during the holiday season," said Ingenious Med CEO, Hart Williford. "The passionate staff and volunteers have had such wonderful successes with the shelters and homeless mothers and children they serve. We're enthused on an individual and corporate level about this partnership."

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Monday, November 09, 2009

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Prepared to Help Southern Workers Hurt by Recession

/PRNewswire/ -- The 'Help is Here Express' bus tour will be stopping in South Carolina and Georgia throughout the week of November 9-13 at various cities in order to help uninsured and financially-struggling patients access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. With the nation's unemployment rate now hitting 10.2 percent, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) bus tour is raising awareness of patient assistance programs among state residents who face layoffs and loss of health care benefits.

The PPA, a nationwide effort sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs that help those who are uninsured or struggling financially. Nearly 200 of the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies.

The "Help Is Here Express" bus will be at the following South Carolina and Georgia locations:

Monday, November 9, 2009
WHEN: 9:30-11 AM

WHERE: First Baptist Church of North Augusta
620 Georgia Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
WHEN: 10-11:30 AM

WHERE: Orangeburg Health Department
1550 Carolina Avenue
Orangeburg, SC 29115

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
WHEN: 10-11:30 AM

WHERE: Macon Volunteer Clinic
376 Rogers Avenue
Macon, GA 31204

Thursday, November 12, 2009
WHEN: 10-11:30 AM

WHERE: Tanner Medical Center
705 Dixie Street
Carrollton, GA 30117

Friday, November 13, 2009
WHEN: 10-11:30 AM

WHERE: Dalton-Whitfield Regional Library
310 Cappes Street
Dalton, GA 30720


"The PPA, so far, has helped more than 6 million people nationwide find out if they may qualify for free or discounted medicines and as we move forward into 2009, the assistance is still available," said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin. "That's good news for the citizens of South Carolina and Georgia, where so many people are out of work."

Patients who qualify for help from the PPA's participating patient assistance programs have access to more than 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics in America and has connected more than 287,000 patients with clinics and health care providers in their communities.

Patients seeking help from PPA can call a toll-free number (1-888-4-PPA-NOW) to talk to a trained operator or access the PPA Web site (www.pparx.org). It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to find out if someone may qualify for free or discounted medications.

To help spread the word about the assistance available, the PPA's "Help Is Here Express" buses continue to visit communities all over the country with trained specialists on board to provide information on how to access patient assistance programs. All 50 states and more than 2,500 towns and cities have been visited so far, and more than 6 million patients have been helped nationwide since the PPA began in April 2005.

"At a time when national unemployment is the highest in almost two decades, the PPA has become an important lifeline for a growing number of patients," PhRMA's Tauzin said. "Millions of Americans have been added to the jobless rolls over the last several months and there could be a sharp increase in the number of our citizens losing health care benefits.''

"PPA is currently helping thousands of people every day," Tauzin added, including those who need treatments to fight such debilitating chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

On a national level, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is represented by Emmy-winning syndicated television talk show host Montel Williams, named PPA's national spokesman in January 2006. In addition, nationally recognized Telemundo talk show host and author Mayte Prida leads the PPA's Hispanic outreach effort.

"Since January 2006, I've been traveling the country talking about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, urging people to pick up the phone, log on to the Web site or visit the big, orange PPA bus to see if they may qualify for assistance," said Williams. "As a patient who must cope every day with the effects of multiple sclerosis, I understand only too well the importance of having access to the medicine you need."

More than 1,300 national, state and local partners are working with America's pharmaceutical research companies to spread the word about the program. Trained specialists work with doctors, pharmacists, health care providers and community groups, educating them on the process and use of the PPA's easy-to-access Web site and toll-free number.

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Saturday, November 07, 2009

DHS Energy Assistance Program Helps Georgians with their Home Heating Bills

As the colder winter months approach, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) will once again help Georgians struggling to keep up with the cost of heating their homes.

The agency’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will receive approximately $65.4 million dollars in federal funds, under the continuing resolution limitation, to assist low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with their heating bills.

On November 2, 2009, local community action agencies began administering all available funds under state contracts, and homebound and elderly (aged 65 and older) households were able to begin applying for help.

All other eligible families may apply starting December 1, 2009. In most cases, payments will be made directly to the home energy supplier for gas, electricity, propane gas, wood, coal or kerosene. Qualifying applicants will receive payments of either $310 or $350.

To participate in the program, the family must meet a yearly income equal to or less than 60 percent of the state median income. For a one-person household, that would be $21,458; for two people, $28,061; for three people, $34,663; for four people, $41,266; for five people, $47,868; for six people, $54,471, for seven people, $55,709; for eight people, $56,947 (for each additional person, add $1,238 to annual income).

To qualify, applicants must bring their most recent fuel bill or statement of service from their heating provider. They also must have proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This may be paycheck stubs, a letter granting public assistance, Social Security or unemployment benefits. Applicants must also have social security numbers for all household members. Verification of age will be required for all elderly households.

Assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program will close April 30, 2010, or when funds are exhausted.

For more information, contact the Division of Family and Children Services, Community Based Programs in metro Atlanta, by calling 404-656-2323 or toll free at 1-800-869-1150.
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Friday, November 06, 2009

Old Train Depot Gospel Singings Collecting Toys / Food for Needy

The Old Train Depot Gospel singings in Grantville are collecting new unwrapped toys and food for needed families for the holiday season. A lot of familys will have to do without unless help comes. Your help will be greatly appreciated, and GOD will bless you. We can pick up. For more information or for pick up please contact Roy Smith, depotsinging@yahoo.com or 770 583 3977. or Depot Singings P.O. Box 533 Grantville GA 30220. Please tell others. Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU.

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FODAC Holds Huge Recycling Event for Wheelchairs and Other Home Care Items This Weekend!

/PRNewswire/ -- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Too! (FODAC) is proud to be an organizational sponsor of the southeast Abilities Expo which will be held THIS Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 6-8, at the Cobb Galleria Convention Center in Marietta, GA.

FODAC is also working with the Expo to hold an equipment drive each day at the event. FODAC staff we be on hand to direct vehicles to the unloading area at the rear of the building. Items accepted include any durable medical equipment (DME) such as home hospital beds, wheelchairs, powerchairs, mobility items, bathroom items, etc.

The Expo is designed for people with disabilities along with the companies and professionals who work with the disabled community. Attendees will be able to see new products, attend classes, demonstrations, and network with others in the disability community.

For more information or to register, go to www.abilitiesexpo.com or www.fodac.org or call 770 491-9014 or 866-977-1204.

Be sure to drop by the FODAC booth and meet members of the FODAC staff.

FODAC is a 501c3 faith based non-profit and remains the pioneer and primary provider of recycled DME in Georgia. This is a nationally recognized best practice program for the Re-Use of DME as recognized by the Visionary Award (received from the National Pass It On Center) and a recent Federal Demonstration grant. These items have been provided at no/low cost to children and adults with illnesses and disabilities, the elderly, and the injured since 1986. Over 20,000 wheelchairs and 6,000 hospital beds have been issued since that time. Over 300 DME items and 45 repairs a month are issued from Stone Mountain and a dozen partnerships around the state. This totals over $9 million in retail value of medical equipment distributed each year. Our capacity has doubled in the last few years, while the need for our services continues to grow. It took 17 years to build the capacity to deliver the first 10,000 wheelchairs, but only 5 years to provide the next 10,000. In 2008 alone, FODAC provided equipment to over 4,100 children and adults in 64 counties of Georgia and across the country. FODAC does not have direct funding from Medicare/Medicaid for the services offered.

FODAC's other programs include Ramps for Champs (home modifications), ReMount (vehicle adaptations), DME Equipment Repair, and Disposable Medical Supplies.

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Thursday, November 05, 2009

Special Olympics Georgia Organization Receives Grant From The Home Depot Foundation

/PRNewswire/ -- Through its fourth annual Building Community Day program, The Home Depot(R) Foundation has awarded $20,000 to Special Olympics Georgia. The donation will be used to grow the State Competitions which also includes the healthy athlete free health screenings at all events.

"We are excited and honored to receive this support of both collaboration and funding from The Home Depot Foundation," said Georgia Milton-Sheats, Chief Executive Officer. "This incredible and positive recognition and support will assist us as we expand and enhance our programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and to serve the Atlanta community and statewide."

Through its Building Community Day program, sponsored in partnership with the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, The Home Depot Foundation connects with some of Atlanta's most effective nonprofit organizations, which are focused on building communities through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships that fall outside of the Foundation's usual areas of giving. This year, 20 nonprofits participated in roundtable discussions and workshops focused on the theme of 'Social Innovation: Inspirational Ideas and Practices for Maximum Impact.' Each organization received a $20,000 grant at the end of day to support their work on a broad range of issues facing the Atlanta community.

"We are delighted to support and celebrate nonprofits in our hometown that have a long-standing commitment to making Atlanta a healthier and more sustainable city where families can thrive," said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. "Special Olympics Georgia deserves enormous credit for the work it is doing, particularly in these difficult economic times, and we are glad to be part of their efforts."

Special Olympics Georgia continues to serve people with intellectual disabilities through sports and training, health screenings, leadership opportunities and family networking and more throughout the state. Find out more at www.specialolympicsga.org.

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

3rd Annual Hollingsworth House Chair-ity Event Benefitting The Children’s Village at Christian City

Date: Monday, November 30, 2009
Place: The Hollingsworth House
200 Stonewall Avenue West
Fayetteville, Georgia
Phone: 770-460-3165
Time: 5-7:30 pm drop-in
Tickets: $25 at the door, or for advance tickets, please call 770-703-2636.

For more information on this event, please visit www.chair-ity-event.org
For more information about The Children’s Village, please visit www.christiancity.org

Monday, November 02, 2009

Track & Field Champion, Carl Brown Joins the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk to Keep You Moving This Holiday Season

/PRNewswire/ -- Get moving this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk events are a fun and festive way to bring in the holidays with family and friends. This annual event kicks off in November and aims to raise funds in the name of preventing, controlling and curing arthritis, all while encouraging daily physical activity for better health.

"Staying active through the winter months is imperative for both people with and without arthritis," said Carl Brown, U.S. Track and Field Champion, diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 36. "Moving just 30 minutes a day can ease joint pain, improve mobility, reduce fatigue, and even ward off those unwanted holiday pounds."

By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million people in the U.S. will be affected by arthritis, up from current estimates of 46 million. Even more alarming is the fact that the prevalence of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, continues to rise even though it can often be prevented by staying active through enjoyable physical activities such as walking.

To find the nearest Jingle Bell Run/Walk event contact the local Arthritis Foundation chapter or visit www.arthritis.org.

"The Jingle Bell Run/Walk event provides an opportunity to get people moving for a worthy cause," added Brown. "By participating in this event, I hope it encourages others to commit to daily physical activity and continue to move together throughout the year."

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.

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