Help Others Stay Warm this Holiday Season with Meehan's Public House - Downtown

Make a Coat or Fleece Donation and Receive a $10 Credit for your Return Visit
Join us Downtown for a FREE Irish New Year’s Eve Celebration with Stereotype!

Donate a winter coat or fleece and receive a one-time $10 voucher credit at Meehan’s Public House Downtown. This special offer has been extended through the winter months and will wrap up January 31st. So, grab your friends, bring a coat or a blanket (or both) and join in the warming holiday spirit by giving back to those most in need.

WHAT: HolidayCoat Drive at Meehan’s Public House Downtown
For each individual donation a $10 voucher will be awarded.
Vouchers can be used on a return visit and only one good per table.

WHEN: Now through January 31st, 2011

WHERE: Meehan’s Public House Downtown
180 Peachtree Street - Atlanta, GA 30303

Why not bring your coat this Friday and join us as we ring in the New Year Meehan’s style? We’ll be starting the night off right with the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at 7 p.m. and whether you’re heart bleeds garnet and gold for the Seminoles or you’re a Fighting Gamecock through and through, Meehan’s has just the drink, view, bites and evening for everyone. Afterwards, we’ll be ringing in the New Year with live music from Stereotype and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. If you’re craving late night grub, the pub will be open into the wee hours and Chef Jordan has prepared a special menu featuring all of the greatest hits of 2010. Combine this with fantastic drink specials in an inviting, 4300 square-foot tavern constructed from dark, refurbished wood and filled with unique, one-of-a-kind treasures, Meehan’s Public House Downtown is the perfect place for both the naughty and the nice to celebrate the start of 2011.

Meehan’s Public House Downtown is located at 180 Peachtree Street, Atlanta Georgia 30303 and is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight.

About Meehan’s Public House: Meehan’s Public House, a 101 Concepts restaurant, is a casual neighborhood tavern with locations in Vinings, Sandy Springs, and now Downtown Atlanta. Meehan’s Public House is known for bringing Irish customs and neighborhood charm to these Atlanta areas. Serving freshly prepared Irish favorites made from scratch with farm fresh, local ingredients, Meehan’s offers a diverse combination of classic dishes that are updated and elevated to a gourmet level. 101 Concepts restaurant group includes Meehan’s Public House, Food 101, Coastal Kitchen and Catering 101, a full-service catering company. For more information, please visit www.101concepts.com.

Atlanta Hawks "Full Court Fest" Set for Sunday, Jan 30

Annual fundraiser to benefit the Atlanta Hawks Foundation
“Full Court Fest,” the Atlanta Hawks Foundation’s annual fundraiser returns on Sunday, January 30 and promises to be another exciting night of fun, food and entertainment, all in the name of charity.

The event, which benefits the Hawks Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors, is set to begin at 6 p.m. at Ventanas (rooftop of the Park Pavilion Building in downtown Atlanta). Tickets for this fun-filled evening cost $125 and guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Guests will have the opportunity to rub elbows with the entire roster of Hawks players and coaches, as well as team legends and executives, while playing a variety of casino games, and other interactive elements. In addition to challenging all comers at the gaming tables, Hawks players will be mixing and mingling with guests, signing autographs, and posing for pictures.

Adding to the fun will be an elegant dinner, music, raffles, and a silent auction for a number of unique items, including autographed sports memorabilia and tickets to must-see concerts at Philips Arena. Hawks public address announcer and V103 on-air personality Ryan Cameron is serving as emcee for the event.

Ventanas, with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows reveals a sweeping view of downtown and midtown Atlanta – a view that soars from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw Mountain. Perched atop the 14th and 15th stories of the Park Pavilion building in the city's Luckie Marietta District, Ventanas offers 9,547 square feet of premier indoor and outdoor rooftop space.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (404) 878-3497 or visit www.hawks.com. Platinum Partners of Full Court Fest include Philips, The Home Depot, Jim Ellis Audi and A Legendary Event.

WHO: Atlanta Hawks Players, Coaches, Executives and Team Legends
WHAT: “Full Court Fest” Charity Gala
WHEN: Sunday, January 30 beginning at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Ventanas (rooftop of the Park Pavilion Building)
275 Baker St.
Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta Hawks 2010-11 lower level season tickets are available now starting at less than $23 per game. For more information please call 1-866-715-1500 or visit www.hawksseasontickets.com. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Its Foundation Contribute More Than $1.25 Million In 2010

/PRNewswire/ -- To address ongoing health disparities and hardships encountered by millions of American families, the men and women of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, (BCBSGA) and its corporate foundation, proudly continued the company's tradition of caring for the people it serves and the health of our communities by contributing $1,279,779 to philanthropic and civic organizations throughout Georgia in 2010.

BCBSGA's community efforts for 2010 were highlighted by a $226,003 contribution from its own employees that supported hundreds of community-based non-profit organizations throughout Georgia. Through its annual Associate Giving Campaign, BCBSGA employees directed their giving to their choice among numerous health-related 501(c)(3) organizations. The funds pledged received a 50 percent match from the parent company's Foundation, increasing the total to $339,004.

"Our associates work hard every day to provide health care benefits to more than 2.5 million people throughout the state," said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGA. "These same associates are also extremely committed to the communities where they live and work, particularly during these challenging economic times. I couldn't be more proud of their efforts to help make a difference for people in need."

In addition to the Associate Giving Campaign, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation funded $750,857 in grants to organizations in Georgia in 2010, including:

American Diabetes Association

Boys & Girls Clubs

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Grady Memorial Hospital

Health MPowers

March of Dimes

Oasis Institute

One-Sight

YMCA Metro Atlanta

Additional grants were awarded to the following national organizations which will directly benefit Georgia: Foundation for Health Coverage Education, Trustees of Dartmouth College, New England Healthcare Institute, Engleberg Center for Healthcare Reform at Brookings Institute, Center for Medical Technology Policy, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy. In addition to the Foundation grants and generosity of BCBSGA associates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's community relations commitments totaled $189,133, including support to the following organizations:

Alzheimer's Association

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

American Lung Association

Arch Foundation for the State Botanical Garden Ball

Arthritis Foundation

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Champions for Change

Hosea Feed the Hungry

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

BCBSGA associates are also conducting local projects and contributing to several organizations to provide assistance around the holidays. Projects include:

Adopt-A-Family – Three Adopted Families

Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Christmas Day Dinner

House of Mercy Food Drive

Operation Gratitude Holiday Packages and Candy Donations

Radio Disney Heritage Holiday Christmas Community Event

Salvation Army Holiday Drive

Second Harvest Food Bank

Toys for Tots Toy Drive

The community contributions by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, and its parent company Foundation total $1,279,779 for 2010.

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Fayette Senior Services Awarded Subaru “Share the Love” Grant

Funds to Help Feed Seniors in Need this Holiday Season

Fayette Senior Services has been awarded $500 from the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)/Subaru “Share the Love” grant program. The MOWAA/Subaru “Share the Love” grant is tied to Subaru’s Share the Love Event.  The Share the Love Event will run from November 20, 2010 – January 3, 2011. Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer's choice of one of five charities, including MOWAA.The winning essay, which follows this news release, describes how our volunteers go the extra mile to help those in need.

The next phase of this competition relies on getting the most Facebook users to “Like” this story.  More than 140 “Share the Love” essays from programs across the country have been posted on MOWAA’s Member blog.   The Meals On Wheels program with the most “Likes” will win an additional $500. Those placing 2nd through 10th will receive an additional $250. To “Like” the local essay submitted for this Facebook contest, go to mowaablog.org and search “Fayette Senior Services.”

For more than 30 years, Fayette Senior Services Meals On Wheels program has ensured that no senior in Fayette County goes hungry, or is without the ability to have proper nutrition. Each year, a team of dedicated volunteers deliver more than 40,000 meals to more than 250 homebound and semi-homebound older adults throughout Fayette County. Many suffer from health conditions that make preparing a hot, nutritious meal difficult. Good nutrition is essential to anyone’s well-being, yet for many seniors who live on a limited source of income, maintaining a healthy diet is a challenge.

“These Meals On Wheels programs share love every day by bringing food and companionship to America’s hungry seniors,” said MOWAA President and CEO Enid Borden. “For the third year in a row Subaru has generously included Meals On Wheels in its Share the Love Event. We want the world to read these stories and find out more about what these amazing Meals On Wheels programs do every day to ‘Share the Love’ in their communities.”
The funds will be included in Fayette Senior Services goal to raise $30,000 for its annual Project Love Holiday Meal Campaign. By contributing to Project Love, individuals can help Fayette Senior Services provide holiday meals throughout the year. Proceeds from the campaign will also be used to purchase doctor prescribed Ensure® supple­ments for clients with special dietary needs, as well as “shelf meals” that seniors can have on hand in the event a meal cannot be delivered to them due to extreme weather conditions. So far, the Project Love campaign has raised just over $10,000. If you would like to make a donation visit www.FayetteLifeEnrichment.org and click on the Project Love logo to download a printable form or make an online donation. Donation forms are also available at Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center, 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville (across from the Fayette County Justice Center). Checks should be made payable to Fayette Senior Services, Inc.

“This is the season of giving and we are so thankful that Subaru has decided to give back to our Meals On Wheels program said Fayette Senior Services Executive Director, Debbie Britt. Britt adds “As a non-profit organization, we receive some government funding for the Meals On Wheels program; however, these funds don’t quite cover the cost of the regular weekly meals and make no provision for holiday meals. When you consider this, you can see why this grant, and the community’s support for our Project Love campaign are truly meaningful gifts. Our homebound seniors who depend on us for weekly meals certainly deserve a little extra love and support this holiday season and throughout the year.”

Fayette Senior Services, Inc. (FSS), a non-profit, 501.c.3 organization, provides services that help Fayette County’s older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Programs include Meals on Wheels, Transportation, In-Home Personal Care/Homemaker Services, Case Management, Adult Day Care, Information & Assistance, and Home Repair. For active older adults, Fayette Senior Services Life Enrichment Center offers a wide variety of social, leisure, fitness and recreational activities, the Ultimate Café, and more! FSS programs are focused on total wellness – body, mind, and spirit – to help older adults live well and age well.
About Meals On Wheels Association of America. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need.  MOWAA’s mission is to end senior hunger by 2020.  To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.

Fayette Senior Services Meals On Wheels Winning Essay

The holiday season is a time when most of us share the love with our family and friends. Meals On Wheels shares the love with our local seniors who would otherwise be all alone and hungry during the holidays.  It’s only fitting that we are partnering with our friends at Subaru for the third year in a row for their “Share the Love” Event to raise funds to support Meals On Wheels. This is just one story of how we share the love here in our community.

Louise was legally blind but insisted on staying in her own home instead of going to assisted living. For Louise, whose only close relative lived in North Carolina, this was challenging. With the help of our Meals On Wheels volunteers, who have done much more than deliver a meal for the past 9 years, Louise was able to stay in her home. They took her in as family ensuring that she had rides to church and shopping, got her mail, and took her garbage out, along with other household chores.  Every Thanksgiving, a Meals On Wheels volunteer invited her to dinner with his family. Louise would then call another volunteer to take her to the store to buy something for that dinner.  The volunteers formed a network to make sure Louise was being cared for in every possible way. She always said “I couldn’t have stayed in my home without the help of Meals On Wheels and all the volunteers.” Unfortunately, Louise took a fall and had to move into assisted living in North Carolina near her sister. Shortly after moving, Louise passed away. We were saddened by her death, but her “family” of volunteers had shared their love, which had helped her maintain the independence she loved so much.
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The Coca-Cola Foundation Surprises Five Atlanta Community Organizations with Unsolicited Grants of $10,000 Each

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Five local Atlanta human service organizations working to help those in need this holiday season were surprised with donations of $10,000 each Thursday during a luncheon at The Coca-Cola Company.

“We provide these special holiday contributions to organizations which are helping to change the lives of those in need in our community”

The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded unsolicited and unrestricted “surprise” grants to local organizations for the past 18 years as part of its “Donations in Lieu of Decorations Initiative,” an annual tradition that directs funding originally planned for holiday decorations and holiday parties to help local people in need.

“We provide these special holiday contributions to organizations which are helping to change the lives of those in need in our community,” said Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Since The Coca-Cola Company began this initiative in 1992, we have donated more than $500,000 to more than 45 local community organizations.”

The five organizations selected to receive donations this year are:

* Atlanta Children’s Shelter, which provides child development and support services for homeless families striving to become self-sufficient.
* City of Refuge, which provides individuals and families with food, clothing, shelter, job training and placement, housing, healthcare and education.
* CredAbility, which helps individuals move from financial crisis to financial control through budget, credit counseling and debt management plans.
* Families First, which works to foster strong communities by providing solutions for children and families through child well-being and self-sufficiency services.
* Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, which works to rescue, restore and stabilize at risk homeless individuals and families to self-sufficiency.
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Walmart Launches Facebook Campaign to Fight Hunger

Atlanta Area Residents Encouraged to “Like” Their City to win One Million Dollars in Food Relief Grants

Walmart is providing an opportunity for the Atlanta area “fans” to vote for their city to receive up to a $1 million grant for hunger relief this holiday season in a Facebook campaign.

Starting November 15 through December 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are encouraging people around the nation to cast their vote on walmart.com/fightinghunger choosing from a list of 100 communities where hunger rates are the highest. The city with the most online support will receive $1 million in grants and the next five cities with the highest support will receive $100,000 each to help fight hunger.

As of December 14th at 9:30 a.m., Atlanta was ranked 23rd with 669 supporters ahead of Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH with 620 supporters, Indianapolis-Carmel, IN and Chicago-Naperville-Joilet, IL-IN-WI.

Region’s website: http://fightinghunger.walmart.com/city/Atlanta-Sandy-Springs-Marietta-GA

In addition, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are launching many other efforts to combat hunger throughout the United States including:

· Donating 65 refrigerator food trucks to Feeding America network food banks;

· Hosted our first nationwide food drive at all Walmart stores Nov.15-22 -- this will be one of the largest food drives in U.S. history; and · Helping The Salvation Army provide meals with a $1 million donation.
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Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan Makes Spirits Bright for Metro Atlanta Residents

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Let it glow! Let it glow! Let it glow! The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan, illuminated by 25,000 red and white sparking lights rolled into Stone Mountain to spread the spirit of the holidays during its 15-day metro Atlanta visit.

The Caravan was in town to help celebrate Coca-Cola’s national partnership with Toys for Tots with a local gift drive. Coca-Cola also donated $20,000 and a PlayStation® 3 and a PlayStation® Move motion controller to the Atlanta Toys for Tots chapter as part of an overall $125,000 national donation to help provide toys to underprivileged kids in eight cities across the country.

People from across metro Atlanta stepped into the festive wonderland, complete with decorated trees and holiday music, to drop off gifts for Toys for Tots and donate My Coke Rewards points to Toys for Tots. Dozens of local residents helped make sure Santa’s sleigh was filled to the brim by donating toys for children in need.

In addition, Coca-Cola will randomly select one individual, who donated My Coke Rewards points or an unwrapped toy at the Stone Mountain Caravan event to receive a PlayStation® 3 and a PlayStation® Move motion controller. A PlayStation® kiosk was enjoyed onsite for demonstrations.

Special guests attending the Dec. 8 Caravan festivities included Georgia, DeKalb County and Stone Mountain public officials and community leaders: DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President Leonardo McClarty, Senator Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain), Dr. Pam Speaks of DeKalb County School Board, Stone Mountain Councilmembers Richard Mailman and Cyril Mungal, John Evans, president of the NAACP of DeKalb, Burke Brennan, DeKalb County’s interim chief of communications, District Director Kathy Register from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, and others.

“The Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan gives community members an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving and help brighten the holidays for families in need,” said Karyn Hume, vice president of sales, Coca-Cola Refreshments, who presented the check to Atlanta Toys for Tots’ Master Sergeant Edward Barrett. “It’s a place where families and friends can Open Happiness and enjoy the magic of the holiday season together.”

Caravan visitors had an opportunity to share their holiday wish lists with Santa and snapped photos with the jolly old elf. They also were encouraged to send a greeting to Santa’s workshop by dropping it in the North Pole Outpost located at the Caravan.

For anyone who was unable to visit the Caravan, Coca-Cola is kicking off the fourth year of its partnership with Toys for Tots with an online gift drive on MyCokeRewards.com. The program promotes the magic of giving by encouraging people to donate their My Coke Rewards points to generate gifts for underprivileged kids.

Participating is easy for anyone, anywhere. From now through the end of the year, My Coke Rewards points found under caps and on packaging of more than 60 Coca-Cola products may be donated to Toys for Tots at www.mycokerewards.com. As the donations accumulate, Toys for Tots will redeem the points for a variety of gifts. With a goal of raising five million points, the program will enable Toys for Tots to put thousands of gifts into the hands of children and teens in need this year.

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Cousins Properties and DECA Present “WALK OFF For a Cause” to Benefit United Way

Cousins Properties and its five metro Atlanta Avenue® lifestyle centers are collaborating with high school marketing students to bring holiday cheer with WALK OFF for a Cause, a fashion show benefiting United Way. The event, which is invitation only, will be hosted at Terminus in Buckhead on December 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The fashion show will engage DECA students at one high school in each Avenue community, including Grayson, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, South Forsyth and Whitewater. The students will model holiday trends by Avenue retailers Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, Gap, Sage, Talbots and White House | Black Market, that also will be offering special promotions to Avenue shoppers leading up to the event.

Students have been working with The Avenue’s marketing managers to develop a campaign that will promote their particular holiday fashion style within each local community. A scholarship will be awarded to one student from each of the five participating schools. The Favorite Model, the student who receives the most overall votes at www.avenuewalkoff.com between December 1 and December 8, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The student that receives the top number of votes at each of the remaining four schools will receive a $250 scholarship. Lastly, United Way of Metro Atlanta will be presented with a $2,500 donation from The Avenue and Terminus. All winners will be announced live at WALK OFF for a Cause.

“It's rare that we get to provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom concepts to the ‘real’ business world,” said Krystin Glover, Georgia DECA Board President and Teacher of the Year recipient at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Ga. “Partnerships with The Avenue such as the STYLE upGRADE and the upcoming WALK OFF for a Cause have allowed our students to showcase their marketing and promotional talents.”

WALK OFF for a Cause is a component of Cousins Properties’ ongoing Partners in Education initiative and supports the company’s involvement with United Way since 2006. “The Avenue is committed to giving back through educational initiatives, and with each year of our K-12 partnership we’re increasingly impressed by the marketing students’ unique ideas,” said Kim Tanalgo-Minshew – marketing manager, The Avenue. “WALK OFF for a Cause will demonstrate the skills and capabilities of our community’s youth while raising money for a nonprofit that in turns helps so many charities.”
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Atlanta Leaders Come Together To Launch Prostate Cancer Pledge Campaign

/PRNewswire/ -- Prostate cancer is a serious health concern in Georgia. According to the American Cancer Society, the state of Georgia ranks 11th in number of estimated deaths per capita from the disease. In an effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer and ensure more men commit to be informed and screened, several companies and media organizations have joined the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition in launching a pledge campaign.

The Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, RC Cancer Centers and the Georgia Department of Community Health along with the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, UPS, CR Bard, WXIA Television, Morehouse School of Medicine, KISS 104.1 Radio and WSB Radio are supporting this initiative to increase prostate cancer awareness throughout the state of Georgia.

"Specifically, we are encouraging every man who is over the age of 40 in Georgia to speak to his doctor and take the pledge to get screened for prostate cancer," said Frank Catroneo, Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition Board Member. "Our goal is to have 10,000 men in Georgia pledge to have the conversation with their doctors and/or be screened between now and April 20, 2011."

M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, Director, DCH Division of Public Health and State Health Officer said, "I look forward to the potential that this pledge campaign holds in increasing the number of men who talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening."

To encourage prostate cancer discussions and screenings, the Atlanta Hawks and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Pledge committee will provide two tickets to several Atlanta Hawks home games, starting with the December 7 th home game versus the New Jersey Nets, to the first 2,000 men who commit to being screened for the first time. Men can visit www.hawks.com or www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com to make their screening pledge and redeem their complimentary tickets online.

There will be a number of activities and events to help educate men and their loved ones, and to bring awareness to the serious health impact of prostate cancer for all concerned. The events will culminate in April with a prostate cancer symposium, a golf tournament, a motorcycle ride, video testimonials of survivors and much more.

Michael Holton, president and COO of RC Cancer Centers, which specializes in the ProstRcision treatment for prostate cancer said, "Throughout the campaign, we will be offering free of charge PSA screenings for men over 40 years old, who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer or previously treated for this disease. They can be screened at any one of our five locations in Georgia. For screening locations, visit www.RCCancerCenters.com."

Current data available from Georgia Department of Community Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society show:

* Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Georgia males and accounts for 28 percent of all new cancer cases among males each year.
* Nationally, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime and more than two million men in the United States have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point and are still alive today.
* Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer.


"It is crucial for men to maintain an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider as the risk for prostate cancer will vary from person to person," said Roland Matthews, M.D., from Morehouse School of Medicine and Director of Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System.

A prostate screening PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a simple blood test which will not define a man's prostate cancer status, but provides the basis for men to start the right conversations with their doctor. When prostate cancer is detected early, it is a very curable disease.

To learn more about this prostate cancer initiative, visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com.

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Secretary Kemp Gives Advice on Donating to Charities

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today offered advice to individuals planning to donate to charities during the holiday season. Secretary Kemp serves as Georgia’s chief charities regulator.

Secretary Kemp said, “Many Georgians want to help those who are less fortunate this time of year. Donors should thoroughly research charities before giving to ensure their gifts go to legitimate charities, and that they will be used properly.”

Secretary Kemp issued the following tips for charitable giving:

• It is important to research charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization.
• A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization’s own website.
• Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.
• NEVER give your credit card, debit card or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution.
• If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax deductible status with the Internal Revenue Service. “Tax exempt,” “non-profit” and “tax deductible” mean different things. Just because a solicitor says their organization is non-profit or tax-exempt, that doesn’t mean you can legally deduct your contribution. Only “tax deductible” means your contribution is deductible on your income tax return. Make sure you get a receipt which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.
• Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors).
• Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.
• Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.
• Most police and fire departments are funded by tax dollars. However, their unions and social organizations may solicit you for contributions. These groups typically use paid fund-raisers to solicit donations. If you are solicited by an organization using the words “police” or “firefighter,” call your local police or fire department to verify that the group is actually supporting the department, and to find out how much of their contributions actually are used for their programs.
• Be skeptical of organizations which list only post office boxes, “PMB” addresses or mail drop suite numbers.

Citizens can file a complaint against a charitable organization on the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/plb. If you have additional questions, please call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division, which oversees charities, at 478-207-2440.

Brian Kemp has been Secretary of State since January, 2010.” Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Cousins Properties and DECA Present “WALK OFF For a Cause” to Benefit United Way

Cousins Properties and its five metro Atlanta Avenue® lifestyle centers are collaborating with high school marketing students to bring holiday cheer with WALK OFF for a Cause, a fashion show benefiting United Way. The event, which is invitation only, will be hosted at Terminus in Buckhead on December 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The fashion show will engage DECA students at one high school in each Avenue community, including Grayson, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, South Forsyth and Whitewater. The students will model holiday trends by Avenue retailers Banana Republic, Jos. A. Bank, Gap, Sage, Talbots and White House | Black Market, that also will be offering special promotions to Avenue shoppers leading up to the event.

Students have been working with The Avenue’s marketing managers to develop a campaign that will promote their particular holiday fashion style within each local community. A scholarship will be awarded to one student from each of the five participating schools. The Favorite Model, the student who receives the most overall votes at www.avenuewalkoff.com between December 1 and December 8, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The student that receives the top number of votes at each of the remaining four schools will receive a $250 scholarship. Lastly, United Way of Metro Atlanta will be presented with a $2,500 donation from The Avenue and Terminus. All winners will be announced live at WALK OFF for a Cause.

“It's rare that we get to provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom concepts to the ‘real’ business world,” said Krystin Glover, Georgia DECA Board President and Teacher of the Year recipient at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Ga. “Partnerships with The Avenue such as the STYLE upGRADE and the upcoming WALK OFF for a Cause have allowed our students to showcase their marketing and promotional talents.”

WALK OFF for a Cause is a component of Cousins Properties’ ongoing Partners in Education initiative and supports the company’s involvement with United Way since 2006.

“The Avenue is committed to giving back through educational initiatives, and with each year of our K-12 partnership we’re increasingly impressed by the marketing students’ unique ideas,” said Kim Tanalgo-Minshew – marketing manager, The Avenue. “WALK OFF for a Cause will demonstrate the skills and capabilities of our community’s youth while raising money for a nonprofit that in turns helps so many charities.”
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May Institute and Borders® Team Up to Raise Funds to Support Children and Adults With Autism and Other Special Needs

/PRNewswire/ -- May Institute, an award-winning national nonprofit serving children and adults with autism and other special needs, and Borders® (NYSE: BGP), a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items, are partnering this holiday season to raise funds for critical services during May Institute's Benefit Days at Borders®, December 3-5, 2010. Visit May Institute's website to download a voucher with the promotional code for this special fundraising event.

"The number of individuals diagnosed with autism and other special needs, brain injury and mental illness far exceeds the resources currently available for families in our communities," said May Institute President and CEO Walter P. Christian, Ph.D., ABPP. "We are delighted to partner with Borders and grateful for the company's support and commitment to our cause. Funds raised will make a profound, tangible impact on the quality of life for families across the country."

During Benefit Days on December 3-5, Borders® will donate up to 25 percent of every purchase made with a special event voucher during in-store or online check-out. For in-store purchases, customers must present the voucher (along with any Borders coupon) at the register. For online purchases, customers must include a promotional code (MAYT1235G) at check-out.

To learn more, visit www.mayinstitute.org.

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Georgia Power Celebrates 25-year Partnership, More Than $50 Million in Contributions to Project SHARE

/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power and its customers are celebrating a more than $50 million contribution milestone to Project SHARE, commemorating a 25-year partnership with The Salvation Army to help Georgians in need. A special event marking the occasion was held at Georgia Power's corporate headquarters in Atlanta, today, to celebrate donating $52 million to Project SHARE.

Project SHARE, which was begun in 1985 by The Salvation Army, provides emergency assistance to Georgians who need help with things such as housing, food, medical care and utility services. A corporate partner with The Salvation Army since the program started, Georgia Power is one of only a few companies in the country that matches customer contributions dollar for dollar. With the corporate match, each contribution can make twice the impact in the lives of those who need it most.

"Project SHARE is a signature program of The Salvation Army," said Major Jim Arrowood, The Salvation Army's Georgia Divisional Commander. "It is through the generosity and concern of corporate partners like Georgia Power that Project SHARE is able to address the growing needs of Georgia families in crisis."

Georgia Power encourages its customers to lend a hand to their fellow Georgians by contributing as little as $1 per month to the program on their power bills. The money customers contribute to Project SHARE stays in the counties where it's donated to address local needs.

"Project SHARE thanks Georgia Power and its customers for helping us help so many people in time of need," Arrowood said. "Georgia Power's support is especially meaningful in the current economic environment which has presented new challenges for local families and for our resources."

As we enter the winter season, Project SHARE will be particularly helpful to those in need as they struggle to cope with higher heating costs.

"We at Georgia Power appreciate our customers' generosity and ongoing support," said Georgia Power President and CEO Mike Garrett. "It's a privilege for our company to partner with The Salvation Army and we look forward to continuing our association through this program for many years to come."

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

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Voting Closes November 30th for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Hero

/PRNewswire/ -- Voting for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Heroes program will end at 5 p.m. EST on November 30th . The program is presented by Channel 2 WSB-TV, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), and will donate a total of $10,000 to local environmental nonprofits.

The winning Hero, to be chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental nonprofit of his or her choice. The four finalists each will receive $1,250 to donate to their nonprofits of choice.

The public is being asked to vote now through Nov. 30 at wsbtv.com/community.

Finalists include (environmental nonprofit of choice):

* Bryan Holloway (Revive Atlanta)
* James King (Keeping It Wild)
* Bruce Morton (Park Pride)
* Angel Poventud (Trees Atlanta)
* Kit Sutherland (Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy)


Nominations reflected a wide variety of conservation and educational programs by impressive community volunteers. The finalists were selected by a Judging Circle of local environmental leaders, including:

* Rev. Gerald Durley, Providence Missionary Baptist Church
* Michael Halicki, Southface
* Lewis Perkins, New House LLC
* Polly Sattler, Greenplate
* Don Wells, Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero
* Lynnette Young, Sustainable Atlanta


Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains – was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms.

The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.

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Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Awards $144,000 in Grants to Combat Childhood Obesity in Georgia

/PRNewswire -- The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation has awarded $144,441 to organizations working to reduce childhood obesity among Georgia's schoolchildren.

The investments include a $73,300 award to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Children's) to support the Georgia Student Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Partnership, a public-private initiative focused on improving student health and wellness. The partnership is the result of HB 229, signed by Governor Sonny Perdue during the 2009 legislative session, which requires all students in physical education courses to receive an annual fitness assessment.

"We are thrilled to help bring to life Governor Perdue's vision for improving the health and wellness of students," said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, of which the Falcons Youth Foundation is an affiliated fund. "We look forward to working with Governor-Elect Nathan Deal to extend the promise of the SHAPE Partnership to every student in Georgia."

Children's will use its grant to provide HOPSports Training Systems and technical assistance to five county school districts chosen to pilot the fitness testing: Hall, Gwinnett, Bibb, White and Lowndes. As a partner in the National Football League's Play 60 campaign, HOPSports has proven success in helping schools engage large numbers of students in physical activity at the same time.

Children's will also help two school districts, Muscogee and Forsyth, test a new product, Brain Breaks, which gives teachers up to 100 brief physical activity lessons – three to seven minutes each – drawn from the HOPSports content library. Increasing the time students spend in activity, even in short bursts, has been shown to improve classroom behavior and academic performance.

The Falcons Youth Foundation's latest round of grants also includes awards to:

YMCA of Metro Atlanta

$50,000 to launch in-school and after-school Falcons Fitness Zone programming at Peachtree Hope Charter School.

Sodexo-Jackmont/Atlanta Public Schools

$11,141 to support wellness programs teaching students healthy eating habits, including a breakfast program that increases participation by delivering nutritious meals directly to students and a program that offers Falcons-related prizes at six elementary schools to promote healthier menu items at lunch, including locally grown produce.

After-School All-Stars Atlanta

$10,000 to launch the Camp Carrot Seed project, engaging at least 50 Falcon Fitness Zone students in organic gardening and providing a source of food for City of Refuge families.

With these grant awards, the youth foundation's giving surpasses $1 million for 2010. In addition, this year the foundation is managing $47,000 in funds raised through sales of Atlanta Falcons specialty license plates, which will help SHAPE Partnership schools acquire HOPSports systems, and $3,500 in donations from a Falcons fan group, which will help the After-School All-Stars implement Camp Carrot Seed.

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Dillard's Offers Exclusive Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities®

With the approach of the holiday season, Dillard's is pleased to further its commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC®) with their 17th annual holiday fundraiser. Since 1994, Dillard's has supported RMHC with a fundraiser benefiting its Ronald McDonald House® program which provides families with seriously ill children a home away from home while their children are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

For the third time, Dillard's is offering a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit RMHC®. This exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with fabulous holiday recipes, color photos, menus, decorating tips and entertaining ideas. This "must have" cookbook is available for only $10.

The cookbooks are available now in all Dillard's stores nationwide, as well as online at www.dillards.com. Profits from the sale of the cookbooks will benefit local houses operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities® in Dillard's markets.

Now in its 17th year of support, Dillard's has raised more than $5.9 million to benefit RMHC®. This year, Dillard's is on pace to exceed its 2009 record donation of $1.4 million.

"Our continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities gives all of us at Dillard's an enormous sense of pride. We look forward to another successful fundraiser this year and are honored to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in our communities," said Denise Mahaffy, Vice President of Advertising for Dillard's.

Atlanta Hawks Aim to “Raise the Red” This Holiday Season

Invite Fans, Everyone, to Donate During Atlanta Hawks “Raise the Red” Blood Drive

The Atlanta Hawks look to help “Raise the Red” with the American Red Cross this holiday season, as they partner for an inaugural blood drive at Lenox Square Mall on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Atlanta Hawks center, Jason Collins, will make a special appearance at the drive from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The blood drive is sponsored by 99X, the official station of the Atlanta Hawks, and Chick-fil-A.

The first 300 presenting donors on this day will receive an Atlanta Hawks ticket voucher, good for a FREE ticket. Additionally, the first 250 presenting donors on this day will receive a coupon for a FREE Chick-fil-A sandwich with the purchase of a large drink.

WHAT: Atlanta Hawks “Raise the Red” Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29, 2010
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hawks center, Jason Collins, to make a special appearance from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Lenox Square Mall
Atrium, above the Food Court
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

During the winter holiday season, blood donations often decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day due to holiday preparations and travel, but the need for blood remains constant. It’s important to take the time to give the gift of life.

The Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region provides life-saving blood to more than 120 hospitals and must have approximately 1,200 people give blood and platelets each weekday to meet hospital demand. Accident victims as well as patients with cancer, sickle cell disease, blood disorders and other illnesses receive life-saving transfusions every day. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given safely every two weeks, up to 24 times a year. Most healthy people age 17 and older, 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

To schedule an appointment for this blood drive, log on to redcrossblood.org/atlantahawks2010 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). For more information about the Atlanta Hawks, you may visit www.atlantahawks.com.
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Spend the Holidays Giving Back - Bert's Big Adventure Style

Who Knew Philanthropy Could Be This Much Fun?

Tis’ the season for giving. But who said giving back had to be boring? Bert’s Big Adventure has gotten together with some of the best folks in town to provide several opportunities for you to go out and give back in style. Whether you're hoping to find the perfect gift, or wanting to spend a fun-filled evening out on the town, we’ve got just the ticket. Literally.

The Festival of Trees & Gala
When: November 22, 2010 – January 1, 2011; Gala on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Times: Trees – Open day/night; Gala: 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria, 2815 Akers Mill Road
Cost: Free

The Embassy Suites Atlanta Galleria is getting ready to celebrate their 25th Anniversary with The Festival of Trees. Twenty-five non-profit organizations throughout metro Atlanta (including Bert’s Big Adventure) will decorate trees to be on display in the atrium of the hotel through the first of the year. Come out and support Bert’s Big Adventure by choosing their tree as your favorite. Winners will be announced on December 16 at the Anniversary Gala Reception taking place 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Gals Pals Trunk Show benefiting Bert’s Big Adventure
When: Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Woo Skin Care and Cosmetics, 2339 Peachtree Road NE
RSVP: galpaldesigns@yahoo.com or 404.626.8911

On Nov. 30 from 7-9 p.m., you’re invited to a Holiday Sip & Shop at Woo Skin Care and Cosmetics hosted by Gal Pals Jewerly’s Debbie Pagano along with Anna Aleman and Claudia Wojtowicz. No matter whether you’re looking for your mother, daughter, sister or best friend – this show is the place to find unique and special gifts while giving back to a great cause. Make sure to reserve your spot by emailing galpaldesigns@yahoo.com or calling 404.626.8911.

Bert and Hayden Weiss Host The Holiday Ice Spectacular
When: Saturday, December 18, 2010
Time: 8 p.m. Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com; use discount code BERT to receive $10 discount and give $5 to Bert’s Big Adventure

Bert Weiss: Radio Personality, Father, Husband and now – Professional Ice Skater. Well, sort of. Atlanta’s favorite morning show host will make his skating debut on December 18 as he hosts the first-ever Atlanta edition of The Holiday Ice Spectacular for Bert’s Big Adventure night. However, Bert won’t be the only familiar face you’ll see that night. His 8-year-old son Hayden is also set to make guest appearances throughout the show and the Bert’s Big Adventure families will be seated front and center. Want in on the action? Visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase your tickets today. Make sure to use the discount code BERT because not only will you receive $10 off your ticket, The Holiday Ice Spectacular will also be donating a portion of the proceeds to Bert’s Big Adventure. Can’t go on the 18th? Not a problem. The code works for any night, so pick the one that works best for you and enjoy! For more information about The Holiday Ice Spectacular, visit www.holidayicespectacular.com.

About Bert’s Big Adventure: Bert's Big Adventure is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to allow children, 5 to 12 years, with a chronic or terminal illness to experience a weekend with their families at Walt Disney World® as their guests . The trip serves all children living in “The Bert Show” radio listening area (All the Hits Q100, 99.7 FM) in metro Atlanta, who prove financial need and who have never been to Walt Disney World. Through the Walt Disney World trip and additional events scheduled throughout the year, Bert’s Big Adventure gives families the chance to experience the land where “dreams come true” in a way that they would not be able to without their help.

Website: www.bertsbigadventure.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/bertsbigadventure

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bertsbigadv

2010 Give Thanks. Walk. for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The 2010 Give thanks. Walk.™ will be held at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, November 20 at 7am. Register today and join fellow St. Jude supporters in more than 60 communities across the country for this 5K walk and help raise money for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Registration for this family-friendly walk is completely free! Form walk teams with your friends, family and co-workers, as well as recruit sponsors to make donations in support of your efforts and the groundbreaking work done at St. Jude. Register today at www.givethankswalk.org and take the first step and help give hope to St. Jude patients.

Delta Donates $2 Million to Grady Health Foundation

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it will support the Grady Health Foundation with more than $2 million in a five-year commitment to support Atlanta's only metro-area hospital with a Level 1 Trauma facility.

"Supporting the communities in which we live and work – particularly our home town– is a core part of who we are at Delta," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "We're honored to do our part for Grady, which is an Atlanta institution that shares Delta's focus on customer service and caring for our community."

Delta's donation will be used for capital improvements such as ICU patient monitoring.

"The Grady Health Foundation is honored to be receiving such a generous gift from our hometown airline," Grady Health Foundation president Lisa Borders said. "Delta's donation to Grady is 'on-time,' and demonstrates its commitment to Atlanta and surrounding communities."

In celebration of the donation, Delta also is hosting a fundraising event Tuesday evening at the Delta Heritage Museum. The event, called Travel in Pink, will help fund breast cancer research. Money raised through Travel in Pink will help purchase vital equipment and replenish patient financial assistance funds for Grady's Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center, where Georgia residents receive comprehensive state-of-the-art care.

"Delta employees proudly raise money for breast cancer research every year through our partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and this event is an extension of our commitment to find a cure for breast cancer," Anderson said. "We are all proud to call Georgia home, and we must work together to find a cure and make our home state healthier and disease free."

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Virtual Red Kettles and Plastic Cash

/PRNewswire/ -- Across the country, the nation's largest charitable organizations have reported drastic declines in donations. While The Salvation Army saw a national decline of 8.5% in revenue, thanks to a generous response to a summer Call To Action Fundraising Campaign, its metro Atlanta programs closed the year at just $620,000 (3%) below prior year totals. This holiday season, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta is looking to new and aggressive online tactics to draw donations to its Virtual Red Kettles, and wireless credit card machines at a number of its Traditional Red Kettle locations.

"The Salvation Army is an organization steeped in history and tradition, but over the years our traditional kettle campaign has been weakened by a decline in retail shopping, increase in online shopping, and a shortage of retail outlets willing to allow kettles and bellringers outside of their locations," explains Major James Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Commander, who says the traditional red kettles will begin trickling out November 15th and will be in full swing by November 22nd.

"There are no plans to do away with the beloved kettle tradition, but technology now affords us new ways to attract a more diverse group, and larger gifts from those who wish to give."

Additionally, 30-50 of its traditional Red Kettle Bellringers at select Wal-mart, Simon Malls, and Sam's Club locations will be equipped with wireless credit card machines to allow passersby to donate more than the customary spare change.

On November 1st, The Salvation Army launched a Virtual Red Kettle Campaign on it's website at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, which will be there through December 31, and is hosting weekly promotions on its Facebook and Twitter pages to engage new donors.

According to Seiler, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's 2009 Online Red Kettle campaign netted the organization $91,000 last holiday season. This year, the charitable organization hopes to raise at least $200,000.

"The virtual kettles allow us to expand the program's time frame and encourage larger average gifts than the change typically placed with Bellringers outside of the stores. They also help us reach donors who elect to do their holiday shopping online. The credit card machines at kettles mean those who typically do not carry cash can still stop by a kettle and make a donation."

Credit card kettles will be positioned at metro Atlanta area Wal-Marts, Simon Malls, and Kroger locations.

This year, 43,581 people received emergency assistance through The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta area programs and services. Of them, 20,814 were first-time recipients of any form of Salvation Army assistance. A large number of them stated that they had contributed to The Salvation Army's Red Kettles in the past.

The 2009 Red Kettle Campaign raised $1.9 million dollars in funds used to provide new toys, clothing, meals, and provide emergency assistance to homeless and hungry families. This year, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta hopes to raise $2.1 million to help address the increasing needs of local individuals and families in need.

Statistical highlights:

* 43,581 people received emergency assistance with rent, utilities and food assistance. (50% of whom were first-time recipients of Salvation Army services)
* 139,249 meals were served to homeless men, women and children
* 47,243 holiday gifts were distributed to impoverished children and the elderly
* 14,501 visits to the elderly, sick and shut-ins in institutions during the holidays


Find out more about The Salvation Army's Metro Atlanta programs, or become a holiday volunteer at www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, www.facebook.com/salvationarmymetroatlanta, @SalvationArmyA on Twitter.

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Dominique Wilkins Encourages Older Adults in Georgia to Get a Jump on Diabetes Through Screening and Prevention

/PRNewswire/ -- Former Atlanta Hawks forward and Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins today (November 9) urged older adults in Georgia, especially those ages 65 and older, to learn more about diabetes, its risk factors and get screened for this very serious disease. Wilkins joined with other city and community leaders – including Rep. John Lewis, City Council President Ceasar Mitchell and City Council Member Michael Julian Bond – and more than 100 older adults to launch "Get a Jump on Diabetes," an initiative of the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP).

"I'm teaming up with the MDSP to help spread the word about the importance of screening, detection and prevention of diabetes," said Wilkins. "My mom, aunt and I all have diabetes, so I understand how serious this disease can be. But if you can get a jump on diabetes by getting screened, you can take steps to prevent or control diabetes."

The goal of MDSP is to help inform older adults about the importance of diabetes screening, detection and early prevention by taking advantage of the Medicare's free diabetes screening benefit. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, the Healthcare Leadership Council, the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, Grady Health System, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and more than 20 other Georgia-based organizations, the MDSP is now launching in Atlanta after successfully working since 2007 in Columbus, Macon, Savannah and other cities in Georgia and in other parts of the country to raise awareness about diabetes screening for Medicare beneficiaries.

"Diabetes is a national epidemic, but has a significant impact in Georgia, affecting far too many of our residents, especially people of color and older adults. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented and those diagnosed with the disease are able to live long healthy lives," said Congressman John Lewis (D-5th) who provided opening remarks during today's event.

Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes are significant problems among adults ages 65 and older in Georgia, with more than 150,000 with undiagnosed diabetes and an additional 450,000 with pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal, but not yet in the range for diabetes, and when there may still be time to prevent or delay disease onset.

Medicare covers free, annual diabetes screening for beneficiaries 65 and older who have one risk factor for diabetes: overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of diabetes, or history of diabetes during pregnancy. There is no co-pay or deductible for the screening. Despite the high numbers of people with undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes only 9 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Georgia were screened in 2008 according to Medicare data.

City Council President Mitchell reinforced diabetes' impact on the Atlanta community. "I've seen close-up the devastation that diabetes can cause, and I know it doesn't have to happen," said City Council President Mitchell. "Undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes remain significant problems in the state of Georgia. That's why all adults ages 65 and older should take that first step on the road to better health by asking their doctors or health care providers about the Medicare screenings."

Local advocates, including Dr. John Johnson, a primary care physician in the Atlanta area and Cathie Berger of the Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging, answered questions about screening, detection and the importance of prevention and treatment, while encouraging older adults to share this message with other older adults in their communities. Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, moderated the discussion.

"The Atlanta Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging will pick up the ball from Dominique and run with it into next year, continuing the good work that's beginning right here, today," said Cathie Berger, Director, Atlanta Regional Commission/Aging Service Division. "As sponsor of metro Atlanta RSVP, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, ARC will turn to our volunteers from the RSVP Senior Corps to be ambassadors in their communities, delivering messages about diabetes and the Medicare diabetes screening benefits to older adults throughout the Atlanta area. The volunteers will help deliver the message that the essential first step for prevention is screening."

Today's event is one example of how the MDSP is working with city officials, senior centers, churches, and other community-based organizations to promote use of Medicare's benefits for diabetes screening. Wilkins and the MDSP are also partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and will be distributing information about the free Medicare diabetes screening benefit during the November 12th and 14th Hawks home games at Philips Arena.

About the Medicare Screening Project

The Medicare Diabetes Screening Project in Atlanta is a community-based effort to reach and motivate seniors who have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, and encourage them to see their doctors or other health care providers, and take advantage of the free diabetes screening benefits offered by Medicare. Attached is a list of Georgia organizations involved with the MDSP "Get a Jump on Diabetes" campaign. To learn more, visit www.screenfordiabetes.org.

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Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers to Again Collect Toys for 2010 Toys for Tots Campaign

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, Colonel Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, announced today that the Department will again be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots Program. He said Georgia State Troopers, officers with the Department's Motor Carrier Compliance Division, and Capitol Police officers are teaming with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for the 2010 Toys for Tots program.

Collection boxes are being placed at the 48 Georgia State Patrol posts across the state. The toys donated should be new and unwrapped and may be dropped off at the GSP posts between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Additional collection sites are in the lobby at the Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters on East Confederate Avenue in Atlanta and the Capitol Police Services Office at 130 Memorial Drive near the Georgia State Capitol.

Colonel Hitchens said the annual collection drive provides toys to needy children and the Georgia Department of Public Safety is on board to help the local communities. "Many of our Department members have served in the Marine Corps, including myself, the deputy commissioner, and the commanding officer of the Georgia State Patrol Division, and we know firsthand the impact Toys for Tots has on helping others," he said.

"This is about neighbors helping neighbors," he noted.

For a complete list of Georgia State Patrol posts and addresses, visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety website at http://dps.georgia.gov .

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Christian City Calls on Community With Needs List For Children and Seniors

The Children’s Village at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

Monetary donations
Paper plates, napkins, cups
Toilet tissue and paper towels
Dental hygiene products
Canned fruits and vegetables
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Peanut butter
Individually wrapped snacks and drinks
Kid friendly cereals
Batteries
Personal hygiene items for girls
Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, or Publix

The Assisted Living Facility and Alzheimer’s Unit at Christian City is in need of the following items and would appreciate any help the community can provide:

· Dental hygiene products
· Deodorant
· Lotion
· Combs/Brushes/Hairspray
· Sleep wear (male and female)
· T-shirts
· Camisoles/bras
· Puzzle books
· Sugar free hard candy and cookies.

Please contact Heidi Becker at 770-703-2636 for drop off or pick up details or for more information about Christian City. The Christian City campus is an active retirement community as well as a refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected children. We minister to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of those who we serve. Christian City is home to over 1,000 children and seniors. For more information, please visit our website at www.christiancity.org.
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City of Fayetteville Participating in Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade

The City of Fayetteville will be doing its part to make the holiday season special for residents of the state’s mental health and retardation hospitals.

For 52 years, cities across Georgia have brought the joy of the holiday season to patients at Georgia’s seven regional mental health and retardation hospitals through the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade.

The program, begun by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in cooperation with Governor Ernest Vandiver, relies on citizen participation in each city to donate gifts for the patients, many of who would not receive gifts or be recognized without the Mayor’s Christmas Motorcade. According to hospital staff, many of the patients at these hospitals have lived there most of their lives and have little, if any, support or contact with friends and family.

Donated items from the City of Fayetteville will be delivered to West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga. on December 2, 2010. Civic organizations, businesses, churches, schools, scout troops and individual citizens are encouraged to help with the collection of gifts for the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade. For more information on how groups can participate, please call Anne Barnard at 770-719-4159.

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its 512 member cities.

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Festive Holiday Photo Contest Kicks Off 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

/PRNewswire/ -- To kick off the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation is launching the "Be There with Bells On" Flickr Photo Contest asking people to submit images of their favorite "bells" – from the Liberty Bell to sleigh bells.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off the holidays with family, friends and coworkers while positively impacting the lives of the 50 million Americans with arthritis. Thousands of runners and walkers will hit the nation's pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis. With some 67 million Americans projected to have arthritis by 2030, now is the time to escalate efforts to prevent, treat and cure the most common cause of disability in the U.S.

"The Jingle Bell Run/Walk aims to raise funds in the name of preventing, controlling and curing arthritis," said Dr. John Klippel, Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, "all while encouraging daily physical activity for better health."

Submissions to the contest will be solicited online via Flickr and at all participating 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk events and entries will be housed on the Arthritis Foundation's Flickr page. An overall contest winner will be chosen in January 2011 and will receive the grand prize of two roundtrip tickets and a weekend getaway courtesy of Delta and Hilton Honors.

For more information on the "Be There with Bells On" Flickr Photo Contest, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthritis-foundation/. To find the nearest Jingle Bell Run/Walk event contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter or visit www.arthritis.org.

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Prevent Child Abuse Henry County 1st Annual Tennis Tournament November 6-7

Come out and play tennis while helping others.  This tennis tournament is for the junior and adult players with the 8 game pro set format.  


Prevent Child Abuse Henry County’s
1st Annual Tennis Tournament
Richard Craig Park, 825 South Cedar Street, McDonough

Saturday, November 6th for Ages 15-Adult
Registration Saturday:  8:00 a.m.-9:00a.m.
Cost Per Person:  $35.00 (Continental Breakfast, Lunch and T-shirt included)

Sunday, November 7th for Ages 10-14
Registration Sunday:  1:00-2:00
Cost Per Person:  $20.00 (T-shirt and Snack Included)

Make Checks Payable to:
Prevent Child Abuse Henry County
Send Registration Form and Check to:
Prevent Child Abuse Henry County
P.O. Box 1525
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Deadline for Registration:  November 2, 2010

Consolation Games will be played.
Please call 770-507-9900 with any questions.


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Delta Volunteers Build 15 Houses with Habitat for Humanity in Chile

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Habitat for Humanity will join forces Nov. 1-3, to build 15 Habitat houses in El Monte, Chile, as part of Delta's Force for Global Good program to effect positive local and global change. The group leaves on Friday evening from Atlanta.

This will be the second time Delta volunteers and Habitat for Humanity will work together in Chile. Two years ago, 60 Delta employees traveled to Chile to build 15 houses in Casablanca. This year, more than 80 employees will build houses in El Monte, where many families are in need of housing following the Feb. 27 earthquake and its aftershocks. El Monte is 34 miles southwest of Santiago, Chile's capital.

"At Delta, we have a responsibility to help communities in need, especially those communities we serve. The need for safe, affordable housing is still great. It is our privilege to help Chilean families rebuild and improve their living conditions," said Ed Bastian, president—Delta Air Lines, and Habitat for Humanity International Board Member.

Delta volunteers will be joined by Mary Beth Witzel of Petaluma, California, a Delta SkyMiles® member who bid 338,000 miles in an online auction to win the opportunity to go on the trip. The miles will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Mary Beth Witzel invited her daughter, Lisa Witzel to accompany her on the trip and participate on the build.

"The generous partnership of national and international volunteers provides great support for Habitat Chile's affordable housing work," said Luis Santibanez, national director for Habitat for Humanity Chile. "We appreciate Delta's dedication and contribution to helping us improve the living conditions of families in El Monte."

Delta has supported Habitat for Humanity for more than 20 years, and strengthened the partnership in 2006 when the airline unveiled the first 767-300 featuring a unique Habitat for Humanity livery and a Delta "Force for Global Good" decal.

This is Delta's sixth international build with Habitat for Humanity. Delta employees from around the globe use vacation time and pay a portion of their expenses to volunteer on the international builds and help those in need of simple, decent and affordable housing, while also taking the opportunity to know more about the country and its culture. Delta has been involved in similar projects in South Africa, Ghana, India and Thailand. Within the United States, Delta's volunteers also have built houses in New York, Mississippi, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida and California.

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Delta Air Lines Commits $1 Million to Atlanta's National Center for Civil and Human Rights

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has pledged $1 million to support the National Center for Civil and Human Rights' current programming and planned facility in downtown Atlanta.

"The mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is to tell the compelling story of the ongoing quest for civil and human rights worldwide, is a vital one for our community," said Richard Anderson, chief executive officer of Delta Air Lines. "Our support for the Center fits perfectly with Delta's focus on directing our sponsorship dollars in Atlanta and elsewhere toward charitable organizations."

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, scheduled to break ground in late 2011 and open in 2013, will feature permanent collections, timely exhibitions and interactive education opportunities to engage visitors in the historical and current struggle to secure and express human rights. The Center will be located in Atlanta's Pemberton Place adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, The New World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.

The Center's Executive Director Doug Shipman said of Delta's commitment, "The National Center for Civil and Human Rights depends on individual and corporate citizens seeing the value of an institution dedicated to the ongoing education and conversation surrounding human rights. In keeping with the company's legacy of corporate social responsibility, Delta Air Lines has made a generous show of support for our work, and their gift brings us closer to groundbreaking."

Delta, which is headquartered in Atlanta and operates its largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, focuses on improving the communities it serves by advancing global diversity, improving global wellness and the environment, and promoting arts and culture. This year, Delta was the recipient of the Corporation of the Year Award from the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries. With 75,000 employees worldwide and 25,000 employees based in Atlanta, Delta supports a wide variety of non-profit organizations through a combination of corporate philanthropy and employee giving.

With this gift, Delta Air Lines joins other prominent corporate supporters of the Center such as The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot Foundation, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and The UPS Foundation.

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Top Hollywood Celebrities to Attend and Perform at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Second Hearts and Hands Gala November 6th

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) announces its Hearts and Hands Gala at 7pm on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Georgia Aquarium. Atlanta’s own Ryan Seacrest will serve as emcee of the black tie dinner, which will feature live and silent auctions and a performance by platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw. The Coca-Cola Company is the event’s presenting sponsor. The Event Chair is Javier Goizueta, Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company and President of the McDonald’s Division Worldwide. Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Coca-Cola Company is Honorary Chair.

Last year’s inaugural Hearts and Hands Gala was sold out, and while it is also expected that this year’s event will sell out, a few seats remain.

“The Coca-Cola Company has been a long-standing supporter of ARMHC, and we were delighted by the positive response we received from Atlanta’s corporate and philanthropic communities for this event in its inaugural year,” said Javier Goizueta. “We expect this year’s event to be even more successful in raising funds to support local families in need.”

Proceeds from the Hearts and Hands Gala will support the operations of Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. “With so many families facing financial hardships – especially those also dealing with the uncertainty of a child’s illness – the safe haven provided by the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses is more important than ever,” said Linda M. Morris, President/CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Increased demand led to the expansion of the local Ronald McDonald House programs. In 2008, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities opened a new state-of-the-art 50-bedroom $15.7 million Ronald McDonald House near Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston to meet the growing need. An 11-bedroom Ronald McDonald House on Peachtree Dunwoody Road continues to operate at full capacity to serve families of children receiving medical treatment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Combined, the two local Houses serve more than 2,000 families a year.

Seacrest is returning to his hometown for the weekend of November 5 - 6 in support of two prominent children’s causes --- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and to raise awareness for his newly launched Ryan Seacrest Foundation (RSF).

Seacrest created the non-profit to bring unique and interactive programs to help enlighten, entertain and educate children through the creative realms of radio and television during their 2 hospital stay. The first initiative of RSF is a broadcast media center, THE VOICEsm, which will be located in the lobby of Children’s at Egleston and will also be linked to Children’s at Hughes Spalding and Children’s at Scottish Rite.

For more information on the Hearts and Hands Gala ticket availability, please contact Shannon Courtney at (678) 704-8086.

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Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS on November 6

Join Jenny and Team DeMario for the walk to defeat ALS on November 6, 2010 at Centennial Park in Atlanta, GA. As ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), hits close to home for Jenny, it affects many people each year in the United States and all over the world.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells. Those with ALS lose the ability to control their voluntary muscles. The disease makes it difficult for people to swallow, speak, walk and breathe. Every 90 minutes, a person is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes, someone loses the battle to the disease.

This walk was started by Jenny and her family in loving memory of her father. This will be the 3rd year that they will do the walk for ALS. This is an incredible opportunity to support those who are affected by ALS, raise money for the cause spread awareness, and ultimately find a cure for this crippling and fatal disease.

For more information about Jenny's Walk to Defeat ALS or information on sponsoring the event, please visit:
http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/Georgia?px=2764083&pg=personal&fr_id=6581

Find Jenny's Walk on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JennysWalkToDefeatALS

This event is proudly sponsored by Klik Marketing.

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