Rainbow Village

D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award

eallen — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:40:38 +0000

Friday night was a truly magical evening for Rainbow Village. As a recipient of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award, Rainbow Village was recognized before an audience of over 1,000 individuals. Many who know our history know that through the years Scott Hudgens was instrumental in not only putting his philanthropy beliefs to use through monetary investments in Rainbow Village, but he also provided the opportunity in his infinite wisdom for us to purchase the land that currently is the building site for our new all-inclusive 30 family “Village.” We are proud of this honor and hope that our mission to transform lives for homeless families with children of North metro Atlanta through a community based transitional housing program that promotes self-sufficiency will always honor him.

A Night of Comedy, Valentine’s Day

eallen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:55:08 +0000

The Gwinnett Rotary Club invites you and your special valentine to join us for a night of comedy featuring nationally acclaimed comedian Pat Dixon to benefit homeless families with children in our community.

Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2012 at the 1818 Club from 6:30-9:30pm.

$50.00 per person.

You can purchase tickets online at www.gwinnettrotary.com

Board Spotlight: Marshall Barton

Rainbow Village — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:03:50 +0000

Occupation: Senior Counsel, Merial Limited

Hometown: Born in Alexandria, VA but grew up in Knoxville, TN

Family: Husband, Thomas Barton – 5 Children – 2 Grandchildren

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt and Law degree from William & Mary

Who does Marshall Barton cheer for on the weekends?
The UGA Bulldogs!

What brought you to Atlanta?
My first job brought me to Atlanta in 1994.

How did you learn about Rainbow Village?
I attend Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, and a few years ago I was asked to help with some contractual negotiations with Rainbow Village when they were looking to provide some programs on our church property. Later, I was participating in Leadership Gwinnett and came to be friends with Nancy Harris. As she learned of my passion to help the homeless, she encouraged me to learn more about the great work of Rainbow Village and get more involved in their mission. It was a great fit for us all.

What is it about homelessness that strikes a chord in you to get involved?
Housing is such a basic necessity and it is easy to take it for granted. My work in the community has exposed me to the real economic disparities around us. The disparity between people’s lives has touched a chord in me. I have been given a lot in this world, and it is very important for me to be able to contribute in some way to narrowing the gap.

What do you do for fun?
I play with my grandchildren, Emma (6) and Chuck (2). I also love to read, travel and run.

Do you run for fun or do you run to win?
I don’t run to compete against anyone but myself. It’s the finishing that challenges me. I try to push myself to finish with a better time than the time before.

What’s your favorite movie?
“The Princess Bride”

Who inspires you?
Jesus Christ.

What are your words to live by?
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31)

What excites you most about the future of Rainbow Village?
The expansion. The new village will give us the opportunity to touch and impact so many more lives, especially the children. We’ll be able to help so many more lives move in a positive direction.

Don’t forget the upcoming “Texas Hold’em & Bingo Party: hosted by Rotary Club of Duluth

eallen — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:20:32 +0000

Who: All Card Sharks, and BINGO Enthusiasts, Rotary Members, Friends & Family

When: Thursday, January 26, 2012

Where: GWINNETT MARRIOTT, 1775 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, Georgia

Heavy hors d’ouvres & Cash Bar

Time: 6:00 -7:00 Social Hour 7:00 – 10:00 Texas Hold’em and Bingo

Tickets: $40.00 per person

RSVP by January 14th to Michael Ballenger at: mballenger@gwinnettcommunitybank.com

Rainbow Village to welcome new Board Members for 2012

eallen — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:43:43 +0000

We’d like to welcome to our Board Ken Boughrum (Novelis’ Director of Strategic Global Communications), Edwina Knox-Betty (LCSW), Stan Hall (Gwinnett Sports Commission Director), and Frank Rinker (Retired Healthcare Executive). We are grateful for the leadership, passion and expertise they bring to Rainbow Village!

Rainbow Village to receive Award

eallen — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:33:50 +0000

Rainbow Village has been selected to receive the Gwinnett Chamber’s “D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award” at the 64th Annual Dinner February 2012. This is the Chamber’s largest event. Rainbow Village is being recognized for embodying the spirit of compassion and … Continue reading →

2011 Holiday Party

Rainbow Village — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:21:20 +0000

More than 100 people attended our Holiday party on Saturday, December 17. Rainbow Village families, graduates, Board members, volunteers, staff and their families all came together to enjoy a delicious meal together, make crafts, decorate Rice Krispie treats and Santa made a point to stop by and give every child a present. We thank Beltmann Relocation Group, Mark Terrell, Young Mens Service League of Greater Atlanta Christian School and their parents, John Barber and his family, Jennifer Padilla, Patsy Miller, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian, and Children’s Restoration Network for their help in making it a special event for all involved.

Holiday Party Photos

View photos from the event here!

Santa’s Toy Run 2011

eallen — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:49:49 +0000

Rainbow Village would like to thank Ron and the racing community with NASA-SE for donating toys to our families. The toys were delivered on December 19th and our families couldn’t be happier.

Rainbow Village Partners with the Gwinnett Thrift Store

eallen — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:26:11 +0000

The Gwinnett Thrift Store benefiting Rainbow Village is officially open and now serves as the official drop-off site for all in-kind donations to Rainbow Village. Owner Tim Hur allows us to use his storage space to keep our needed household items safe and sound until future residents need them and those that we don’t have a specific purpose for can be sold via consignment in his store and generate a 40% sales return for Rainbow Village. Nancy Yancey shares, “Tim has done an amazing job helping us get this set up and it’s proving to be a win-win model for all involved.” The store, located inside Galleria Mall at 5265 Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross, is open for sales and donations Thursdays – Mondays 11 am to 9 pm. Tim reports, “We started with a soft launch and are pleased to report we’ve already generated several hundred dollars to benefit Rainbow Village families. If the donations and sales continue to trend as they have, we might find ourselves open daily much sooner than expected.”

Thank-you to Taste of Britain

eallen — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:19:57 +0000

Thanks to Taste of Britain who sponsored the British Car Fayre and raised $450 for Rainbow Village. Everyone who attended had a great time and benefited a great cause!