Tuesday, November 30, 2010

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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Monday, November 29, 2010

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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Saturday, November 27, 2010

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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Friday, November 26, 2010

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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Saturday, November 20, 2010

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.


Friday, November 19, 2010

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.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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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Friday, November 12, 2010

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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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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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Monday, November 08, 2010

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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Wednesday, November 03, 2010

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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Monday, November 01, 2010

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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