Local artists, sponsors, hosts, community leaders, and volunteers, came together in December for the eighth annual “Chair-ity” Event benefitting The Children’s Village at Christian City. This special event is named for the unique, one-of-a-kind chairs (decorated and donated by community artists) that are auctioned off to raise funds for the children. This year’s celebration was the most successful to date, with over $100,000 raised to support the ongoing needs of the abandoned, abused, and neglected children who make their home at Christian City.
“We’re overwhelmed by the show of support for our kids,” said Phil Kouns, Chief Operating Office of The Children’s Village at Christian City. “The beautiful one-of-a-kind chairs donated by artists, the hours worked by the Volunteer Committee, auction items donated by businesses and individuals, and the financial support of our sponsors – we’re so grateful for all of it!” The Children’s Village also registered some new monthly sponsors at the event. “Monthly support is vital to the work we do,” continued Kouns. “Without those donations, we would not be able to provide the quality of care these children need.”
Artists who contributed to this year’s event included Sarah Booth, Peggi Caldwell, Honey Corbin, Gilbert Davenport, Fiona Dennis, Janet McGregor Dunn, Erwin Gettys, Noel Gilliam, Charlotte Godbee, Pam Green, Dee Dee Harvey, Laura Johnson, Melissa Kennemore, Christie Marzari, Chris McGregor, Raquel Monday, Debbie Pitts, Lexie Reese, Ashley Riner, Kathy Schultz, Karen Slimm, Stacy Somerville, Cathy Spitz, Patricia Trice, Vicki Turner, Vickki Weigel, and Kelly Wurster.
This year’s sponsors included Nestle Purina, Pruitt Health, Communication Cabling Specialists, Inc., Georgia Power, BB&T, Lexus of South Atlanta, The Harbin Agency, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Fayette Woman Magazine, Minuteman Press in Peachtree City, and many more.
Hosts for this year’s event included Congressman Lynn and Joan Westmoreland, State Senator and Mrs. Ronnie Chance, State Senator and Mrs. Marty Harbin, State Representative and Mrs. Virgil Fludd, State Representative & Mrs. Ronnie Mabra, State Representative & Mrs. Matt Ramsey, Union City Mayor & Mrs. Vince Williams, and Woolsey Mayor & Mrs. Gary Laggis. Also hosting were Bob & Holly Adams, Chris Allessio, Heidi Becker, Michael & Amy Burnett, Bill Davenport, Greg & Janet Dunn, Steve & Bridget Forsyth, Mark & Kathy Gray, Randy & Janet Hall, Dr. M. A. Jaleel, Bob & Debi Lenox, Tommy & Vicki Turner, Glenn Valencia, and Mike & Joan Velsmid.
Serving on the 2014 Volunteer Committee were: Angela Bean, Renie Cochran, Janet McGregor Dunn, Yvonne Dwyer Janet Hall, Pat Hawthorne, Anna Marie Hendry, Donna Johnson, Elizabeth Lawrence-Fugate, Debi Lenox, Anita Libby, Yvonne Martin, Vicki Turner, and Carla Waters.
The drop-in event took place at The Dolce in Peachtree City and featured hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, live jazz by the Rick Massengale Trio, and holiday shopping in a magical Winter Wonderland setting. “It was such a great night,” said Ashley Bonner, Fund Development Specialist for Christian City. “We’re so grateful for this show of support from the community.”
The Children’s Village at Christian City is a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Union City. Since 1965 it has offered life services and a safe haven for children in crisis, aged 5-17. The majority who come to the program are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Some are placed through State custody, others come through private placements, and some come through the Safe Place program for runaway and homeless youth. Christian City offers them a welcoming home environment, loving house parents, and a chance to heal and grow.
“It’s hard to overstate how important fundraisers like these are to our ministries,” said Christian City President & CEO, Bob Crutchfield, also in attendance at the event. “Because of the dedication of the Hosts, Sponsors, Volunteers and Artists, children in need will receive the care they deserve.”
Plans are already in the works for next year’s event. “Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Chair-ity Event on December 3, 2015,” continued Bonner. “You won’t want to miss it!”
