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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Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 02, 2010
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.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Park Springs Members and Staff Present Check for $5,574 to Alzheimer’s Association
Money raised to be used in metro Atlanta
Park Springs Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), the Southeast’s premier CCRC, presented a check in the amount $5,574 to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter on Thursday, August 6 at its community in Stone Mountain, Ga.
“More than 200,000 people in the state of Georgia are affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rhita Pfleger, director of development for the Alzheimer Association’s Atlanta region. ”The Members and staff at Park Springs have again stepped up to help find a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association is so appreciate of the continued efforts by Park Springs on our behalf. Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – Park Springs has helped to champion those touched. The monies they raised will be used in the metro Atlanta area to continue programs and services to enhance care and support of individuals, families and caregivers,” she added.
Leisure Services at Park Springs and its Members held an assortment of events beginning in May to raise the funds. Events included bake sales, breakfast buffets, music concerts and movie screenings. Park Springs CCRC has been a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association since its inception five years ago.
The Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter was formed in July 2002 when the Greater Georgia, Central Georgia and Augusta chapters of the Alzheimer's Association merged into a single entity dedicated to serving the entire state. Prior to this merger, the Atlanta Area Chapter had been serving the metro area since 1982. The goals of the Georgia Chapter remain consistent with those of the national office: advancing research, enhancing care and support, raising public awareness and building capacity.
Coming together as one statewide chapter has allowed the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter to reach more people more effectively and more efficiently. There are seven regional offices, along with the state office in Atlanta. It is estimated that 199,457 Georgians have Alzheimer's and nearly 500,000 others are affected through their roles as caregivers. In fiscal year 2007, the Georgia Chapter was able to serve over 124,000 individuals through programs and services. The Associations mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and promotion of brain health, and to enhance care and support for all individuals, their families and caregivers. For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.alz.org/georgia/index.asp.
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Park Springs Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), the Southeast’s premier CCRC, presented a check in the amount $5,574 to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter on Thursday, August 6 at its community in Stone Mountain, Ga.
“More than 200,000 people in the state of Georgia are affected by Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rhita Pfleger, director of development for the Alzheimer Association’s Atlanta region. ”The Members and staff at Park Springs have again stepped up to help find a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association is so appreciate of the continued efforts by Park Springs on our behalf. Every 70 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – Park Springs has helped to champion those touched. The monies they raised will be used in the metro Atlanta area to continue programs and services to enhance care and support of individuals, families and caregivers,” she added.
Leisure Services at Park Springs and its Members held an assortment of events beginning in May to raise the funds. Events included bake sales, breakfast buffets, music concerts and movie screenings. Park Springs CCRC has been a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association since its inception five years ago.
The Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter was formed in July 2002 when the Greater Georgia, Central Georgia and Augusta chapters of the Alzheimer's Association merged into a single entity dedicated to serving the entire state. Prior to this merger, the Atlanta Area Chapter had been serving the metro area since 1982. The goals of the Georgia Chapter remain consistent with those of the national office: advancing research, enhancing care and support, raising public awareness and building capacity.
Coming together as one statewide chapter has allowed the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter to reach more people more effectively and more efficiently. There are seven regional offices, along with the state office in Atlanta. It is estimated that 199,457 Georgians have Alzheimer's and nearly 500,000 others are affected through their roles as caregivers. In fiscal year 2007, the Georgia Chapter was able to serve over 124,000 individuals through programs and services. The Associations mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research and promotion of brain health, and to enhance care and support for all individuals, their families and caregivers. For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.alz.org/georgia/index.asp.
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
Atlanta Hawks Foundation Announces 2009 Charitable Grant Recipients
$40,000 awarded to Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, Girls On The Run, North Metro Miracle League and the Ryan Cameron Foundation
The Atlanta Hawks Foundation has announced the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, Girls On The Run, the North Metro Miracle League and the Ryan Cameron Foundation as the recipients of its 2009 charitable grants. Each organization was awarded $10,000 from the Hawks Foundation.
“During these tough economic times, we recognize that many non-profits are being asked to provide services to more people and to do so with fewer resources,” said Tracy White, Atlanta Hawks Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “As a result, the Hawks Foundation is particularly pleased to be able to award grants this year, and it is our hope that these funds will allow our partners to serve even more communities and individuals.”
The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy provides books for preschool children in all 159 counties in Georgia. Children who register for this program receive a book at their homes every month through the U.S. mail until their fifth birthday. Additional literacy support materials are also provided.
Girls On The Run educates and prepares young girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living by empowering third-eighth graders to have a stronger sense of identity and positive self image. Groups of 16 girls meet twice a week at Atlanta area schools, parks and community centers where they discuss social issues and participate in physical fitness activities. The curriculum covers three topics – Self awareness and self care, selecting healthy relationships, and empowerment and community service – and culminates in a non-competitive 5K race for group members.
The North Metro Miracle League provides adapted sports programs and inclusive social activities for children with disabilities in the Atlanta area. The Hawks Foundation’s grant will help fund the organization’s Summer Fitness Day Camp, which features seven weeks of physical therapy facilitated by special education/adapted PE teachers and teen volunteers.
The Ryan Cameron Foundation seeks to create healthy transitions from childhood into adulthood for Atlanta area youth by offering resources and programs designed to empower, inspire and encourage positive growth. The Hawks Foundation and Ryan Cameron Foundation are teaming-up to create the SALUTE Program, which will focus on helping kids understand working together to achieve a goal as well as overcoming barriers and obstacles. The program also includes the Fourth Annual Youth Golf Clinic and Youth Health Fair.
The Hawks Foundation makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Visit the community section of www.hawks.com for more information.
Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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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The Atlanta Hawks Foundation has announced the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, Girls On The Run, the North Metro Miracle League and the Ryan Cameron Foundation as the recipients of its 2009 charitable grants. Each organization was awarded $10,000 from the Hawks Foundation.
“During these tough economic times, we recognize that many non-profits are being asked to provide services to more people and to do so with fewer resources,” said Tracy White, Atlanta Hawks Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “As a result, the Hawks Foundation is particularly pleased to be able to award grants this year, and it is our hope that these funds will allow our partners to serve even more communities and individuals.”
The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy provides books for preschool children in all 159 counties in Georgia. Children who register for this program receive a book at their homes every month through the U.S. mail until their fifth birthday. Additional literacy support materials are also provided.
Girls On The Run educates and prepares young girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living by empowering third-eighth graders to have a stronger sense of identity and positive self image. Groups of 16 girls meet twice a week at Atlanta area schools, parks and community centers where they discuss social issues and participate in physical fitness activities. The curriculum covers three topics – Self awareness and self care, selecting healthy relationships, and empowerment and community service – and culminates in a non-competitive 5K race for group members.
The North Metro Miracle League provides adapted sports programs and inclusive social activities for children with disabilities in the Atlanta area. The Hawks Foundation’s grant will help fund the organization’s Summer Fitness Day Camp, which features seven weeks of physical therapy facilitated by special education/adapted PE teachers and teen volunteers.
The Ryan Cameron Foundation seeks to create healthy transitions from childhood into adulthood for Atlanta area youth by offering resources and programs designed to empower, inspire and encourage positive growth. The Hawks Foundation and Ryan Cameron Foundation are teaming-up to create the SALUTE Program, which will focus on helping kids understand working together to achieve a goal as well as overcoming barriers and obstacles. The program also includes the Fourth Annual Youth Golf Clinic and Youth Health Fair.
The Hawks Foundation makes grants to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Visit the community section of www.hawks.com for more information.
Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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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Thursday, January 01, 2009
How to Give Back During Tough Economic Times
(ARA) -- During tough economic times, it can be hard to find money in your budget to donate to charities. But there are many other ways to give back to the community that allow you to support charitable causes throughout the year.
The need for charitable donations this year is even greater because of the faltering economy -- just as nonprofits fear donations will be decreasing, the demand for their services is increasing. All of this is happening as charities enter their key fundraising period of the year -- between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day -- when up to half of all individual donations are made.
In fact, 2008 and the following year are expected to be one of the most challenging periods charities have seen in some time. According to a survey released by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, donations to charities in 2007 grew by less than they had in years past. While almost two-thirds of charities raised more money in 2007 than 2006, the size of their gains dropped. With daily headlines reminding us that this economic climate will only get tougher, could there be a more compelling reason to give, be it a donation of money, time or skills?
“Families are stretched to the breaking point, and that has strengthened our resolve to do even more,” says Madonna King, president and CEO of Children’s Home Society & Family Services. “Contributions from donors and volunteers are essential, and their generosity makes it possible for us to continue our vital work on behalf of vulnerable children and families, here, at home, and around the world.”
As you look into your wallet and your heart during tough economic times, there are many meaningful ways to give back to the community. Here are some suggestions from nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Home Society & Family Services.
Stretch your holiday dollars to help others
Some stores donate a portion of their holiday sales to charity. It’s a way to increase the impact of your holiday gift giving while doing something good for the community. Another way to help others is to donate to charities in lieu of giving gifts. If you choose to do so, the charity may give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Your time is as good as gold
Choose to donate another precious commodity -- your time. Volunteering for a good cause enables nonprofits to handle increased demand for services, and also allows you to give back in a very personal way. No matter how much time you have to give, you will be welcomed with open arms by those in need.
Where to find volunteer opportunities
Many companies and organizations make volunteering part of their work culture, such as Foresters (TM), a leading fraternal benefit society that provides members with innovative life insurance products and benefits of membership. Foresters customers are known as members and get together locally for such projects as Habitat for Humanity home-builds and to refurbish Ronald McDonald Houses. Last year Foresters members donated 950,000 hours to help more than 400 charities.
Make giving part of your family’s DNA
The holidays are an important time to give back, but don’t forget about the rest of the year. There are worthy nonprofit organizations that offer volunteering opportunities on an ongoing basis. Find a local or national organization that supports a mission you and your family believe in and find a way to be involved regularly. It will help your kids understand important life lessons, help you meet other people and lend a helping hand to those who need your help the most.
Even if your wallet holds less for charitable donations this year, pick up the phone or stop by and volunteer your time wherever you can.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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The need for charitable donations this year is even greater because of the faltering economy -- just as nonprofits fear donations will be decreasing, the demand for their services is increasing. All of this is happening as charities enter their key fundraising period of the year -- between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day -- when up to half of all individual donations are made.
In fact, 2008 and the following year are expected to be one of the most challenging periods charities have seen in some time. According to a survey released by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, donations to charities in 2007 grew by less than they had in years past. While almost two-thirds of charities raised more money in 2007 than 2006, the size of their gains dropped. With daily headlines reminding us that this economic climate will only get tougher, could there be a more compelling reason to give, be it a donation of money, time or skills?
“Families are stretched to the breaking point, and that has strengthened our resolve to do even more,” says Madonna King, president and CEO of Children’s Home Society & Family Services. “Contributions from donors and volunteers are essential, and their generosity makes it possible for us to continue our vital work on behalf of vulnerable children and families, here, at home, and around the world.”
As you look into your wallet and your heart during tough economic times, there are many meaningful ways to give back to the community. Here are some suggestions from nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Home Society & Family Services.
Stretch your holiday dollars to help others
Some stores donate a portion of their holiday sales to charity. It’s a way to increase the impact of your holiday gift giving while doing something good for the community. Another way to help others is to donate to charities in lieu of giving gifts. If you choose to do so, the charity may give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Your time is as good as gold
Choose to donate another precious commodity -- your time. Volunteering for a good cause enables nonprofits to handle increased demand for services, and also allows you to give back in a very personal way. No matter how much time you have to give, you will be welcomed with open arms by those in need.
Where to find volunteer opportunities
Many companies and organizations make volunteering part of their work culture, such as Foresters (TM), a leading fraternal benefit society that provides members with innovative life insurance products and benefits of membership. Foresters customers are known as members and get together locally for such projects as Habitat for Humanity home-builds and to refurbish Ronald McDonald Houses. Last year Foresters members donated 950,000 hours to help more than 400 charities.
Make giving part of your family’s DNA
The holidays are an important time to give back, but don’t forget about the rest of the year. There are worthy nonprofit organizations that offer volunteering opportunities on an ongoing basis. Find a local or national organization that supports a mission you and your family believe in and find a way to be involved regularly. It will help your kids understand important life lessons, help you meet other people and lend a helping hand to those who need your help the most.
Even if your wallet holds less for charitable donations this year, pick up the phone or stop by and volunteer your time wherever you can.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Friday, December 12, 2008
Thanks for Giving 2008 Food Distribution Makes History
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Center for Family Resources (CFR) would like to give thanks for the supporters of Thanks for Giving 2008, the largest distribution in our history! Because of the generous support from local schools, colleges, businesses, volunteers, individuals and civic and religious organizations, CFR provided food boxes to 1,370 families, a 25 percent increase from 2007.
More than 150 food drives helped support Thanks for Giving 2008, a 50 percent increase from 2007, including 56 schools and colleges, 62 businesses and civic organizations and 33 individuals. The support of Cobb County and Marietta City Schools was integral to the success of the food distribution. CFR is pleased to announce Lost Mountain Middle School as the overall largest food drive participant, providing nearly 3,000 food items. Also, Harrison High School and Burruss Elementary School were the largest high and elementary school food drives.
“The food drive participation from the schools quadrupled from our efforts last year,” Jennifer Cain, CFR Development and Volunteer Coordinator said. The increased demand we saw at registration meant the food coming in had to be greater than ever and the schools really helped us meet that challenge. We could not have gotten this done without them.”
The coordination and execution of Thanks for Giving 2008 relied entirely on the support of local individuals, schools, businesses and religious and civic organizations. Sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Turner Construction and Subcontractors, Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta Daily Journal, Audrey Bender, Butch Thompson Enterprises, Inc., James Dalton, Keith Davidson, Davis Elementary School, Genuine Parts Company, Georgia Power, Madelyn Merle, Radio Disney, Repro Products and The Color Spot, Republic Services of Georgia, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, UPS, Vinings Rotary Club, Advantage Office Solutions, Alan Cox Automotive, ARCADIS, Angie Bolton, Chatfield Contracting, Inc., Compass Display Group, Creamer-Pearce, C.W. Matthews, D & H Construction, E. Smith Heating and Air, Eastminster Church of Marietta, Russell Fitzgerald, Great Lakes West, Pam Hickox, J.D.’s Barbeque, Kaiser Permanente, Kroger, Karen Morris, OCI Chemical, PBS&J, Publix, Tri-State Utility Products, Inc., and Wild Wing Cafe.
“As the economy slowed this year, we saw more and more families face real need, many having to ask for help for the first time,” Debbie Abernathy, Thanksgiving Task Force Chair said. The businesses in our community were also suffering, with dwindling revenues and tight budgets but even with these tough conditions Cobb businesses dug down deep and held food drives, helped transport food, sorted, distributed and provided great financial support too. I was just amazed at the generous giving from so many businesses large and small – Cobb really does take care of its own.”
In October, CFR registered more than 1,400 families in need to receive Thanksgiving food baskets. Unfortunately, because of the volume of families in need this season, more than 220 families were turned away. If the level of need continues to escalate in 2009, CFR will work to increase donation and distribution efforts even further. In 2007, CFR provided Thanksgiving baskets to nearly 1,100 families. For more than 20 years, CFR and the Department of Children and Family Services have partnered to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need throughout Cobb County.
Distribution of the food boxes to registered families took place on Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25 at the Cobb County Civic Center.
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More than 150 food drives helped support Thanks for Giving 2008, a 50 percent increase from 2007, including 56 schools and colleges, 62 businesses and civic organizations and 33 individuals. The support of Cobb County and Marietta City Schools was integral to the success of the food distribution. CFR is pleased to announce Lost Mountain Middle School as the overall largest food drive participant, providing nearly 3,000 food items. Also, Harrison High School and Burruss Elementary School were the largest high and elementary school food drives.
“The food drive participation from the schools quadrupled from our efforts last year,” Jennifer Cain, CFR Development and Volunteer Coordinator said. The increased demand we saw at registration meant the food coming in had to be greater than ever and the schools really helped us meet that challenge. We could not have gotten this done without them.”
The coordination and execution of Thanks for Giving 2008 relied entirely on the support of local individuals, schools, businesses and religious and civic organizations. Sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Turner Construction and Subcontractors, Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta Daily Journal, Audrey Bender, Butch Thompson Enterprises, Inc., James Dalton, Keith Davidson, Davis Elementary School, Genuine Parts Company, Georgia Power, Madelyn Merle, Radio Disney, Repro Products and The Color Spot, Republic Services of Georgia, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, UPS, Vinings Rotary Club, Advantage Office Solutions, Alan Cox Automotive, ARCADIS, Angie Bolton, Chatfield Contracting, Inc., Compass Display Group, Creamer-Pearce, C.W. Matthews, D & H Construction, E. Smith Heating and Air, Eastminster Church of Marietta, Russell Fitzgerald, Great Lakes West, Pam Hickox, J.D.’s Barbeque, Kaiser Permanente, Kroger, Karen Morris, OCI Chemical, PBS&J, Publix, Tri-State Utility Products, Inc., and Wild Wing Cafe.
“As the economy slowed this year, we saw more and more families face real need, many having to ask for help for the first time,” Debbie Abernathy, Thanksgiving Task Force Chair said. The businesses in our community were also suffering, with dwindling revenues and tight budgets but even with these tough conditions Cobb businesses dug down deep and held food drives, helped transport food, sorted, distributed and provided great financial support too. I was just amazed at the generous giving from so many businesses large and small – Cobb really does take care of its own.”
In October, CFR registered more than 1,400 families in need to receive Thanksgiving food baskets. Unfortunately, because of the volume of families in need this season, more than 220 families were turned away. If the level of need continues to escalate in 2009, CFR will work to increase donation and distribution efforts even further. In 2007, CFR provided Thanksgiving baskets to nearly 1,100 families. For more than 20 years, CFR and the Department of Children and Family Services have partnered to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need throughout Cobb County.
Distribution of the food boxes to registered families took place on Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25 at the Cobb County Civic Center.
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Friday, October 24, 2008
4-H’ers Treat Elderly to Fall Festival
Instead of heading home after school to get ready to trick-or-treat, Bacon County 4-H’ers will go to the Twin Oaks Nursing Home in Alma, Ga., to hand out treats and good times.
Every year, 4-H’ers run the home’s fall festival – a project that is one of many the students do to help the town’s elderly residents.
“I feel like it’s so important to teach our young people to give back to the community,” said Ann Wildes, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension 4-H agent in Bacon County. “If you don’t give them the opportunity to give back to make their community better, they’re not going to know how to or where to give back. And we all have the responsibility of serving others and striving to make our communities a better place to live and grow.”
Seven years ago, nursing home staff asked Wildes to help with the festival. The next year, her 4-H’ers planned it, secured prizes, served as escorts, took photographs, worked the booths and cleaned up afterwards.
No resident is left out. Each one who participates receives a prize at each booth. Whether it’s a diet soda, stuffed animal, necklace, chips, plastic clapping hands or a crazy hat, the prizes are safe and fun. The 4-H’ers work closely with the home’s staff to make sure they are.
“The 4-H’ers who help out at this event volunteer to come. They learn the importance of commitment to a project,” Wildes said. “(They learn) the elderly are not to be feared or shunned, and they have a responsibility to bring joy and fun into the lives of the elderly.”
Georgia’s state 4-H leader Bo Ryles says programs that connect young people and the elderly enhance life for both groups.
“Bacon County 4-H’ers’ work with the elderly is outstanding,” Ryles said. “This is just one of many ways 4-H programs give back to their communities across the state.”
Working with the elderly isn’t for every 4-H’er, Wildes said, but some children have a gift for it.
“At one time, we had a young man who didn’t participate in anything but going to the nursing home,” she said. “That was his moment that just shined.”
At first, she said, going to the nursing home was hard for her. She now teaches her students to give back to the community’s seniors.
“They are the ones who have gone before us,” she said. “They have so much wisdom. There is a lot we can learn from them. If we will only take the time and give of ourselves, then we will be the ones blessed.”
The students do more than just the festival. Each month, they hold a bingo game at the Sun City Retirement Home. Wildes started the Sun City game 25 years ago when she was a high school teacher. She continued it when she became the county’s UGA Extension agent 10 years ago.
Wildes uses the game to teach responsibility. To help, students must commit to go to the nursing home every month. One student and her mother did more than just bingo. They bought groceries and cleaned house for a resident who was hospitalized.
The 4-H’ers organize a beauty pageant for elderly residents on Valentine’s Day, an Easter celebration and classes at the local senior center, too.
“To me there’s just a unique connection between the elderly and children, something my age group doesn’t have with them,” Wildes said. “They just have a special relationship. The elderly love it, love it, love it when the children come to visit.”
Wildes wants the students to realize that they will grow old one day, too.
“If you expect someone to come visit you, send you a card, give a gift, you need to be modeling that for the children coming behind you,” she said. “I think our elderly people should never, ever be forgotten.”
By Stephanie Schupska
Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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Every year, 4-H’ers run the home’s fall festival – a project that is one of many the students do to help the town’s elderly residents.
“I feel like it’s so important to teach our young people to give back to the community,” said Ann Wildes, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension 4-H agent in Bacon County. “If you don’t give them the opportunity to give back to make their community better, they’re not going to know how to or where to give back. And we all have the responsibility of serving others and striving to make our communities a better place to live and grow.”
Seven years ago, nursing home staff asked Wildes to help with the festival. The next year, her 4-H’ers planned it, secured prizes, served as escorts, took photographs, worked the booths and cleaned up afterwards.
No resident is left out. Each one who participates receives a prize at each booth. Whether it’s a diet soda, stuffed animal, necklace, chips, plastic clapping hands or a crazy hat, the prizes are safe and fun. The 4-H’ers work closely with the home’s staff to make sure they are.
“The 4-H’ers who help out at this event volunteer to come. They learn the importance of commitment to a project,” Wildes said. “(They learn) the elderly are not to be feared or shunned, and they have a responsibility to bring joy and fun into the lives of the elderly.”
Georgia’s state 4-H leader Bo Ryles says programs that connect young people and the elderly enhance life for both groups.
“Bacon County 4-H’ers’ work with the elderly is outstanding,” Ryles said. “This is just one of many ways 4-H programs give back to their communities across the state.”
Working with the elderly isn’t for every 4-H’er, Wildes said, but some children have a gift for it.
“At one time, we had a young man who didn’t participate in anything but going to the nursing home,” she said. “That was his moment that just shined.”
At first, she said, going to the nursing home was hard for her. She now teaches her students to give back to the community’s seniors.
“They are the ones who have gone before us,” she said. “They have so much wisdom. There is a lot we can learn from them. If we will only take the time and give of ourselves, then we will be the ones blessed.”
The students do more than just the festival. Each month, they hold a bingo game at the Sun City Retirement Home. Wildes started the Sun City game 25 years ago when she was a high school teacher. She continued it when she became the county’s UGA Extension agent 10 years ago.
Wildes uses the game to teach responsibility. To help, students must commit to go to the nursing home every month. One student and her mother did more than just bingo. They bought groceries and cleaned house for a resident who was hospitalized.
The 4-H’ers organize a beauty pageant for elderly residents on Valentine’s Day, an Easter celebration and classes at the local senior center, too.
“To me there’s just a unique connection between the elderly and children, something my age group doesn’t have with them,” Wildes said. “They just have a special relationship. The elderly love it, love it, love it when the children come to visit.”
Wildes wants the students to realize that they will grow old one day, too.
“If you expect someone to come visit you, send you a card, give a gift, you need to be modeling that for the children coming behind you,” she said. “I think our elderly people should never, ever be forgotten.”
By Stephanie Schupska
Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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