COVID-19 Prompts Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – to Take Its Largest Fundraiser of the Year Virtual
Duluth, Ga., October 20, 2020 – Just one year ago, Duluth-based Rainbow Village hosted a record-breaking “We Are Family” Benefit Gala at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Over 300 people clad in formal attire descended upon the country club’s ballroom to enjoy silent and live auctions, seated dinner, speeches from the nonprofit’s CEO and one of its graduates, and more. By the end of the evening, the nonprofit with a mission to serve families experiencing homelessness through safe housing, education, and community support systems had raised an unprecedented $337,893. Each year, those Gala funds help support the development and implementation of programs designed to empower the families Rainbow Village serves to confidently embark on a journey to self-sufficiency so they can thrive beyond the borders of this community of transformation. This year, out of an abundance of caution for attendees and staff, Rainbow Village has elected to take its largest fundraiser of the year virtual – streaming live on November 7 starting at 7 p.m. under the new name “We Are Always Family” Benefit Gala.
“In the face of all the challenges, fears and unknowns many of us have endured this year, we have changed the name of the Gala to express our recognition that no matter what life may throw at us… we are ALWAYS family,” said Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner. “Although this event may look a little different from years past, our mission remains the same… to transform the lives of homeless families. While it may look a little different than in years past, the event will still feature many fan-favorite elements – such as our live and silent auctions led by the always engaging Dean Crownover, our famous wall of wine and an inspiring speech from one of our recent graduates who is well on her way to living her best life. Best of all, this year’s Gala is free to attend. We’re hoping that our most fervent supporters will host watch parties to include their closest family members and friends in the incredibly special fellowship and sense of impact that inevitably comes with attendance at our Gala.”
Mobile bidding will allow guests to participate in the silent and live auctions, as well as in a blind selection of numbers from the wine wall for a flat rate of $35. That number will grant the recipient one of a variety of specially procured wines that range from $20 to $100 in value. To participate, prospective attendees are asked to RSVP through the Gala Event page at www.rainbowvillage.org or by texting RVGALA2020 to 76278 and follow the prompts. To learn how to host a watch party, Rainbow Village offers a list of tips and steps at https://conta.cc/3hdkXmH. To preview items in the live and silent auction, Gala guests can visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/gQs/i/.
About Rainbow Village: Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.
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