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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.
-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

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.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP