The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Record crowds fill philanthropic events
Two recent philanthropic events drew record crowds and raised vital funds for causes that affect us all: aging and the environment.
The Foundation of Wesley Woods’ April 19 Heroes, Saints & Legends gala at Flourish drew a capacity crowd of more than 330 people. It raised more than $350,000 — including more than $60,000 raised on the spot the night of the event — for programs that serve about 1,800 senior adults annually.
“Wesley Woods means an awful lot to a lot of us in this room,” Peachtree Road United Methodist Church senior pastor Bill Britt, who shared an anecdote about one of his parishioners. “As she was approaching 100, she realized her health was declining and finances weren’t there. They cared for her for the rest of her life.”
Banker and philanthropist Merritt Steed Bond, attorney Edward J. “Jack” Hardin and the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery and his late wife Evelyn were this year’s honorees. Lowery, 96, was not able to attend but sent heartwarming greetings in a video message.
“I want to give my appreciation to Wesley Woods, a good Methodist institution, for the award they are giving me and my wife,” he said. “I’m sorry Evelyn won’t be here to get it, but I’ll pass it on to her because we talk often.”
Hardin, saluted for his work to combat homelessness, used the occasion to highlight others who join him in the cause.
“As much as I enjoy all of this recognition,” he said, “I recognize it is
about the several hundred agencies and the several thousand people who are out there every day with diligence and compassion, addressing the needs of people who are struggling with homelessness, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, substance dependencies and all the other complications of crushing and undeserved intergenerational poverty.”
Bond shared the spotlight with the entire Wesley Woods family, including “the 1,800 Wesley Woods residents at our communities who each day get up with a smile on their face and a positive outlook on life,” and “the 285 employees who each day look after our residents, serving with kindness and humor.”
More than 750 outdoors enthusiasts, undeterred by a spring drizzle that became a downpour, attended this year’s Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Landmark Luncheon. The April 26 event raised more than $360,000 and honored the Atlanta Track Club with the Legacy Award for its commitment
to creating an active and healthy Atlanta through events such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. The Coca-Cola Company earned the Green Giant Award for its support of Piedmont Park’s recycling and water stewardship programs.
“Piedmont Park is truly the backyard of Atlanta,” board chair Mitchell King said. “Everyone can find something to do to be active and enjoy the park.”
Including keynote speaker Arthur Blank, who shared memories of jogging in the park early in his career. Channel 2 Action News anchor Justin Farmer moderated a fascinating conversation with the Atlanta Falcons and United owner, but despite his tenacity as a journalist, was unable to pry any draft-strategy secrets out of Blank.
“If anyone has any opinions, you’re welcome to throw them out,” Blank quipped. “We’re going to come up with a roster you’re going to be pleased with.”