Blank Foundation donates $2.5 million after Hurricane Melissa
In response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa earlier this week, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is providing $2.5 million in aid.
The foundation is providing an initial grant of $1.5 million to support the work of World Central Kitchen, which offers nourishing meals and fresh water in times of crisis. The foundation is also providing $1 million for Team Rubicon and the deployment of CARE USA funds. Team Rubicon specializes in on-the-ground disaster response and recovery. The funds will come out of CARE USA’s pre-investment account for its Humanitarian Surge Funds, which helps in the rapid deployment of resources for disaster relief.
“Jamaica and the Caribbean hold a special place in my heart, filled with meaningful family memories,” said Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses. “The impact of Hurricane Melissa is profound, but so is the resilience of people in this region.”
Blank said the foundation is pleased to be able to support Team Rubicon and World Central Kitchen to help address the immediate needs in Jamaica and affected communities.
“While the road ahead will be long, our hearts are with those affected,” Blank said. “We hope our support brings comfort and strength along the way.”
— Maria Saporta
Kathy Waller receives legacy award from ARC
At its 2025 State of the Region breakfast on Oct. 24, the Atlanta Regional Commission surprised Kathy N. Waller with its prestigious Harry West Visionary Leadership Award.
Waller is executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress, the current president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and board chair of the Woodruff Arts Center. She is also the former chief financial officer of the Coca-Cola Co., and she serves as a board member of Delta Air Lines.
The award was presented to Waller by Ann Cramer, a civic leader, a former recipient of the ARC award and chair of Atlanta Way 2.0.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also chairs ARC’s board, handed Waller the wooden bowl of Red “Leopard” Maple crafted by Phillip Moulthrop, who is part of a multigenerational Marietta family of woodcrafters. The Moulthrop bowl is passed on each year to the current recipient of the award.
The award is named in honor of the late Harry West, who headed the Atlanta Regional Commission for 25 years.
— Maria Saporta
A new frontier for Eytan Davidson
Longtime communications and civic leader Eytan Davidson is joining Open River Strategies as a partner. Open River Strategies is a social impact consulting firm founded in 2024 by Robert Sills and Aaron Ahlquist to help leaders and organizations solve complex challenges.
Until August, Davidson has been the regional director of ADL Southeast, where he has worked since July 2022.
Before that, Davidson was vice president of Atlanta-based Purpose Built Communities for eight years.
Davidson moved to Atlanta in September 2008 to be vice president of communications and policy for Atlanta Beltline Inc., employee No. 8 at the organization.
“After 24 years working in transformative organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors, I’m excited to begin my new journey as a consultant,” said Davidson, who described Open River Strategies as a one-stop shop for public affairs, policy, communications, strategy and more.
— Maria Saporta
Georgia Council for the Arts awards $600,000 to 62 entities
As a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Council for the Arts announced its 2026 Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grants on Thursday.
A total of $600,000 in funding will go to 62 organizations in 48 Georgia counties. Click here for a list of the awards.
The Vibrant Communities Grant supports a variety of arts programming opportunities throughout the state, including murals, artist performances in schools, community theater productions and festivals. The Cultural Facilities Grant supports capital improvements to or construction of buildings to be used for arts programming, including historic theaters.
“The Georgia Council for the Arts grants announced today will deliver meaningful cultural experiences to Georgians,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “These investments will help communities enhance facilities and support diverse arts programming that make Georgia an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
Tina Lilly, executive director of the Georgia Council for the Arts, gave thanks to the Georgia General Assembly for appropriating funds for the program.
Georgia still remains near or at the bottom of the nation when it comes to per-capita state funding for the arts.
More information how Georgia arts and cultural organizations can apply for grants will be available in December.
— Maria Saporta
InCommunity honors community members at 14th Golden Goals Awards
InCommunity, a Georgia-based nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted its 14th Golden Goals Awards on Oct. 21 at Roswell United Methodist Church. The annual luncheon recognized individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as advocates, community partners and supporters who demonstrate leadership and inclusion.
CEO Meg Blackwood said the event highlights the organization’s mission to empower individuals to live independently and connect with their communities. This year’s honorees included Daniel Wondaferew, recipient of the Community Impact Award; Steven Painter and Ramond Fletcher Thomas, winners of the Dynamic Duo Award; and David Allen, who received the Sunshine Award. Other recipients included Anna Cuviello, Shaquille Cooper, Marlayne Merrell-English, Marsha Kennedy and Brenda Gates.
Founded nearly 46 years ago, InCommunity provides residential services, employment programs, respite care and family support for more than 2,500 individuals across Georgia.
— Derek Prall
SCAD to host fall fine arts showcase
The Savannah College of Art and Design will host its annual Fall Fine Arts Showcase on Friday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at SCAD Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St. NW. The event will feature more than 450 works by over 150 student and alumni artists.
Visitors can explore exhibitions spanning painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and motion-based art. The evening will also include live artist demonstrations, interactive workshops, and music.
Pieces in a variety of mediums will be available for purchase through SCAD Art Sales, the university’s in-house art consultancy that connects students, alumni, and faculty with corporate and private collectors. The service has partnered with several Atlanta organizations, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Coca-Cola, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta.
The showcase is part of SCAD’s ongoing effort to highlight its fine arts and visual communication programs, which emphasize both traditional techniques and digital innovation. The event is free and open to the public. More information is available at SCAD.edu.
— Derek Prall
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival returns this weekend
The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chastain Park. The free, two-day event will feature more than 155 artists and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the festival will include works from painters, photographers, sculptors, metal and leather artists, glass blowers and jewelers. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, artist demonstrations, a children’s area and live music from a DJ.
The event is open to all ages and welcomes dogs. Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
Graceland Thrift Store reopens Nov. 1 with community mural unveiling
Christian City’s Graceland Thrift Store will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Christian City campus in Union City, Ga. The celebration follows a two-month refresh of the store and will include the unveiling of a new outdoor mural by Atlanta-based artist Arshaad Norwood, a former resident of Christian City’s youth housing program.
The mural reflects the organization’s theme of “Loving People, Loving People” and is intended to highlight Christian City’s mission to serve children, families, and older adults in South Metro Atlanta. Event activities include a store reopening ceremony, the mural reveal, and a community shopping event.
Proceeds from Graceland Thrift support Christian City’s nonprofit programs, including housing, mental health services, and family support. The store’s leadership said the updates are designed to improve the shopping experience and expand the store’s role as a community resource.
The event is open to the public. More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
100 trees planted by Atlanta Hawks as part of Rock the Rim campaign
The “City in a Forest” is adding to its tree canopy. On Oct. 28, the Atlanta Hawks teamed up with Smurfit Westrock to plant 100 trees in Freedom Park.
The initiative is part of the Rock the Rim campaign, which commits to planting a tree for every dunk made by the Hawks.
“The ‘Rock the Rim’ initiative is a great way to support the Hawks for every exciting dunk this season while also helping to make a real difference in our community from a sustainability standpoint,” said Andrew Saltzman, President of Business Enterprise and Chief Commercial Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena in a press release, adding Smurfit Westrock is a partner aligned with their sustainability goals. “We’re proud of what we’re undertaking together that helps build a better Atlanta,” he added.
The initiative started in the 2023-2024 season. To date, the campaign has seen 445 trees planted throughout the local Atlanta community. The project is part of the Atlanta Hawks and Statefarm Arena’s larger sustainability efforts, which earned them the title of the first sports and live entertainment venue to receive TRUE Platinum Certification, and diverting upwards of percent of its waste from landfills, according to Statefarm Arena.
— Mark Lannaman
Foodwell Alliance opens its 2026 community garden funding grant applications
Foodwell Alliance is opening its 2026 applications for its Community Garden Grants. The program, running since 2015, has supported 265 gardens with funding to improve or advance their initiatives.
This year, the Foodwell Alliance looks to award $132,500 in direct funding to nearly 80 gardens across two categories. It aims to award 75 gardens with a $1,500 Garden Improvement Grant to help with smaller infrastructure projects, tools, supplies, materials or anything smaller to improve the respective garden. Additionally, it plans to award two $10,000 grants to community gardens to help advance larger projects.
Community gardens must be located in the five-county Metro Atlanta area — Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett — and have at least five individual household members actively engaged in the garden. Types of community gardens that are eligible can be found in the organization’s Frequently Asked Questions video.
Applications close on Nov. 23, and selected gardens will receive their grant funds in early 2026. Community gardens are welcome to apply to both categories, but will only receive one.
— Mark Lannaman
