The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Market raises funds for small nonprofits
Givers need support at times too. That’s a constant message from members of Sandy Springs Society philanthropic organization, which provides donations to Sandy Springs’ smaller nonprofits.
“Our organization is in a position to give grants to nonprofits that are generally too small to go to a Northside Hospital or IBM to get an infusion of money for good work that they do,” said former President Sue Winner.
Today is the final day of Sandy Springs Society’s 11th annual Elegant Elf Marketplace, where holiday gifts are sold by nearly 100 vendors. This year’s two-day event is held in the lobby space of Sandy Springs Performance Arts Center at City Springs. Traditionally, 3,000 shoppers attend.
“The city basically cleared their calendar for us in providing this space and said, ‘This is your time,’” said Winner.
Elegant Elf Marketplace and Sandy Springs Society’s Tossed Out Treasures annual spring market, which sells home goods and gently worn clothing, are the organization’s two major fundraisers.
They have donated $4 million $20,000 to Community since 1988, when the philan- Assistance Center; $4,000 thropic women’s group was to Cancer Support Comformed, said Winner. munity Atlanta; $6,000 to
According to Winner, this Every Woman Works; and year’s grants include $18,000 $4,000 to Mr. Tom’s Heart, to Horizons Atlanta for trans- whose volunteers take disportation needs. The sumcarded food that is still good mer enrichment program to eat from grocery stores for economically disadvanand deliver it to such places taged children is located at as community centers for Holy Innocents’ Episcopal senior citizens, Children’s School. Healthcare of Atlanta and
In addition, Winner said Ronald McDonald House. recent donations include Silent and live auctions were held during the Sandy Springs Society’s “Eve- ning of Elegance” dinner recently. Before the event, thousands of dollars were already raised for a stay in Tuscany, Italy. Atlanta home stylist and author Annette Joseph offered the fortress turned retreat space that she renovated with her husband. The property provides accommodations, as well as art and food workshops.
“We are proud of what we do,” said Winner. “We are not familiar with other organizations that do the same thing that we do in raising funds.”