East Cobb Community Service

Cobb Diaper Day collection drive continues through October

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2023 Cobb Diaper Day collection drive

Submitted information:

The 15th Annual Cobb Diaper Day is being held virtually throughout October 2023. Through the efforts of the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund – Cobb Diaper Day Committee, more than two million diapers have been donated to assist low-income families in Cobb County. The goal this year is to collect over 100,000 diapers.

Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in variousways:

  • Make a donation at www.cobbdiaperday.com.
  • Purchase diapers on Amazon through the Cobb Diaper DayWish-list.
  • Declare a day to collect diapers from fellow employees, organization members, neighbors or friends.
  • Drop off donations on one of our community collection days:

Cobb Diaper Day was founded by the late Barbara Hickey in 2008 to help families in Cobb County. Barbara envisioned the community coming together to support local families in need and reminded us all that it is often the little things in our lives that make the biggest difference. Low-income families often have the daily stress of choosing between food and diapers. Prolonged wearing of a wet diaper causes diaper rash, and a crying baby leads to more stress in the home. Low-income families also face additional challenges:

  • Food stamps do not include hygiene products such as diapers.
  • On average, the cost to purchase diapers is approximately $100/month.
  • Daycare centers require parents to provide their own diapers.

To help ease some of the burdens of the thousands of families in critical need, diaper donations will be distributed to the community through the following community partners:

  • Cobb Douglas Public Health
  • Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County
  • LiveSafe Resources
  • MUST Ministries
  • Ser Familia
  • Simple Needs GA
  • Sweetwater Mission
  • The Center for Family Resources

For additional information, please visit www.cobbdiaperday.com or donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund to support the efforts. To arrange for a diaper pick-up or for any other questions, please email DiaperDayCobb@gmail.com.

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2023 East Cobb Public Safety Appreciation donations accepted

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East Cobb Public Safety Appreciation Dinner
Precinct 4 officers and staff enjoying a Public Safety Appreciation Celebration at Olde Towne Athletic Club. ECN file.

Three organizations, including the East Cobb Business Association, are putting together an appreciation celebration for Cobb Police Precinct 4 personnel next month and are collecting donations from the public.

Susan Hampton, who’s a co-chair of the joint effort with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Cobb Public Safety Foundation, said the event will take place in November and the deadline for making donations is Nov. 1.

Precinct 4 personnel are treated to a night of food and entertainment and are presented with gifts and door prizes as a show of appreication from the community (see our previous coverage).

She said that gift cards “are ideal” and that popular items include gift cards in general, as well as for those for big-box stores, restaurants and AMEX/Visa/Master Card gift cards. The suggested amounts are $25, $50 and $100.

Hampton said that you can make donations online at the Cobb Public Safety Foundation website or contact her at 404-218-6216 or Susan.Hampton6216@gmail.com.

If you’re writing a check, make it payable to “CCPSF, Inc.” and include “public safety celebration” in the memo line.

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The donations are tax-deductible

Junior League Cobb-Marietta announces 2023 Mistletoe Market

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Junior League Cobb-Marietta 2023 Mistletoe Market
Submitted information and photo:

The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta (“JLCM” or “The League”) will host its 29th annual Mistletoe Market, a premier two-night philanthropic shopping event to help raise funds for the JLCM, from November 9 through November 11 at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. The JLCM is a nonprofit organization which serves women and children in Cobb County by advancing social activism-focused projects that benefit the local community. More than 60 local vendors will participate in this year’s charity holiday event.   

“The League is excited to welcome back our many returning merchants and to be able to continue to grow the number of merchants year after year in support of our local community,” said Cristin Kennedy, JLCM’s 2023-24 VP of Fund Development. “This event is not only our League’s largest and most impactful fundraiser, but it’s a wonderful time to highlight local artists and small businesses. It most definitely is a win-win event.” 

JLCM’s Mistletoe Market, which has been a holiday tradition in Cobb County, metro Atlanta, and across the Southeast for almost 30 years now will feature locally created, premium goods, and shoppers will have access to personalized gifts, holiday décor, jewelry and much more. 

Tickets for the event’s special Premier Night and Market Days, which will be sold separately, are available at jlcm.org. Premier Night tickets are $25, and Market Days tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Dates and hours of operation listed below:

  • Premiere Night: Thursday, November 9, from 6-9 p.m.  

Mistletoe Market Days: 

  • Friday, November 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Premiere Night access allows guests to be the first to shop our merchants. The first 100 guests will receive an exclusive shopping bag and all can enjoy light bites, beverages, and entertainment. 

“Mistletoe Market is not just a reason to have fun while shopping for you or your loved ones,” said Tammy Thorpe, 2023-24 JLCM President. “It’s an event that truly makes a difference in our community. The public’s support of the market allows JLCM to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.” 

Proceeds from the 2022 Mistletoe Market helped JLCM supply kits containing household essentials and file organizers to teens in foster care who graduated in Spring of 2023, which positively impacted 15 deserving students. The League also provided period products to Cobb County women and girls in public schools and local community partners, as more than one in four women struggle to purchase period products due to lack of income according to the Alliance for Period Supplies.   

The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta will continue to accept merchant applications for this year’s market. Interested artisans and businesses can email MistletoeMarket@jlcm.org for more information. 

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MUST Ministries has soft opening for East Cobb ‘Marketplace’

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MUST Ministries has relocated its Marketplace store to East Cobb.MUST Ministries East Cobb Marketplace soft opening

The Marietta-based non-profit’s retail store at Sandy Plains Village (4651 Woodstock Road) is in a soft opening phase, selling clothing, furniture, home goods, and more at a discount, with proceeds benefitting its programs.

A grand opening event will be on Nov. 1, from 4-6 p.m. at the store. The event includes refreshments, special discounts and a tour of the new facility.

The store sells donated items to assist MUST’s mission of helping those in need of housing and dealing with the effects of poverty. In July, MUST closed the Marketplace location at Cobb Parkway, and since then has been renovating the larger space at Sandy Plains Village.

The Marketplace is open from 10-5 Monday-Saturday and is holding a special sale through this Saturday of 20 percent off furniture items.

MUST announced that the new location is accepting non-food donations, something that couldn’t be done at the former site.

For large items such as furniture, call the MUST Marketplace 770-790-3900 in advance.

MUST’s donation center on Field Parkway in Marietta is remaining open and is open from 9-5 Monday-Saturday.

For more information on the Marketplace, click here. Updates are also being provided on the store’s Facebook page.

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East Cobb man swims 15 miles in fundraiser for first responders

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East Cobb man swims 15 miles for first responders fundraiser
James Whitcomb (holding signs) with friends and family members who supported his 15-mile swim on Sept. 11 at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.

As we’ve updated over the last couple of years, East Cobb resident James Whitcomb has undertaken “mega” swims on the Sept. 11 date to raise funds for a charity that assists first responders.

It’s called the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, and Whitcomb has received pledges for his swims at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.

This year was his most ambitious endeavor yet, as he vowed to swim 15 miles. He started at around 6 a.m. and finished right before 5:30 p.m., taking a few short breaks along the way.

Here are the details:

  • Distance swam: 15 miles / 528 laps / 26,400 yards
  • Total swim time 9 hours, 20 minutes, 50 seconds
  • Average 1-mile swim time:37 minutes, 22 seconds
  • Fastest 1-mile swim time: 32 minutes, 31 seconds
  • Total break time: 1 hour, 21 minutes, 35 seconds
  • Heartbeats throughout swim: 66,638
  • Arm strokes (per arm): 13,728  
  • Funds raised to date: $21,305
  • Original target raise amount: $35,000

A friend also made a video of the event that you can watch by clicking here.

Whitcomb said he’s still accepting donations and updates about next year’s event at www.swim2help.org.

“I know that our military, first responders, and their families appreciate your help,” he said.

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Catholic churches begin work on two Habitat homes in Marietta

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Catholic Habitat homes Marietta

Submitted information and photos:

The Catholics 4 Habitat coalition hammered the first nails and raised the first walls on two simultaneous, neighboring home builds on Frasier Street in Marietta. Using lots donated by the City of Marietta earlier this year, the coalition is building its 48th and 49th Habitat homes with Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. The faith coalition has never missed a year of building in its 31 years of existence.  

The 2023 Coalition includes: Holy Family Catholic Church, Catholic Church of St. Ann, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Catholic Church of the Transfiguration. 

The two houses will become homes before the holidays for City of Marietta public servants Tracey and Di’Ana.  

Tracey has been working for the City of Marietta for almost 20 years and was the first woman employee of the Sanitation Services Division of Public Works. Her hard work and leadership paved the way to her current position of Sanitation Foreperson.  

She has strived to buy a home for five years, but even with homebuyer assistance programs, has not been able to qualify for a mortgage large enough to match the rising housing costs. Tracey has a compassionate spirit and exhibits God-given love for others. She excited to have a kitchen where she can bring others together and provide space for her 85-year-old mother. 

Tracy says, “I love my job — it has enabled me to use my CDL to help other employees to better provide for their families,” She continues, “It also has shown other women that they can achieve this goal.” 

Di’Ana is a Marietta City Schools bus driver. She says she originally chose this line of work because it provided the perfect schedule to spend quality time with her daughter Saniah, now 15. The family currently lives in an apartment in Marietta.  

Di’Ana says she loves her job. “I love my kids and my students are like my babies, all 100-plus of them! The work environment at Marietta is nothing less than family. I want to become a homeowner because I want to break the cycle of renting and building someone else’s dreams rather than focusing on my dream of providing my daughter with a forever home that we can pass down for generations,” she says. 

Catholic Habitat homes Marietta

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2023 Cobb Youth Leadership class includes East Cobb students

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Seven students from high schools in East Cobb have been named to the 2023 class of Cobb Youth Leadership, a development program from high school juniors.Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce said in a release that the program is sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and includes interactive participation.

The students recently had their orientation session and will be introduced to community leaders and activities in public safety, public service, business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, health and sports and armed forces:

“Through six evening programs during the course of the school year participants in the CYL program are introduced to local, state, and national leaders. They also receive information on the responsibility, ethics, and tools for effective leadership, as well as potential career paths for after graduation. The monthly programs run from August through April. They cover topics such as community service, arts & culture, armed forces, and business. Students also participate in one overnight retreat where they focus on team building and personality inventories.”

This year there are 55 students participating, and they include the following from East Cobb schools:

  • Josh Markwood and Kali Sweeney, Wheeler High School
  • Aidan Matthews, Walton High School
  • Ryan Duckett, Lassiter High School
  • Sam Moon and Rebekah Ives, Sprayberry High School
  • Dylan Tolchinski, Pope High School

 

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McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA seeks volunteers for service event

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Submitted information:East Cobb YMCA branches taking part in Days of Service event

The McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA is seeking volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 9 to pack and distribute food to local families in need. Attendees will also assist with beautification upgrades at Green Acres Baptist Church. Community members are invited to take part in the service project from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church located at 591 Pat Mell Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080.

This event is part of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Annual Days of Service events. The Y is hosting this year’s annual events on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9. The organization will bring together volunteers from across the metro Atlanta area to complete service projects benefiting neighbors and partners in need. Working together with volunteers, staff and partner organizations, the Y aims to make a measurable collective impact within the community.

For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/daysofservice.

 

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Cobb Chamber seeking 2023 Citizen of the Year nominations

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East Cobb Citizens of the Year 2022
Judy Boyce (center) and her late husband, former Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce, were the 2022 East Cobb Citizens of the Year.

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Citizen of the Year Awards, created by Cobb County civic clubs and co-sponsored by the Cobb Chamber Area Councils and Cobb County business associations, have annually been presented to extraordinary individuals for the work they have done in Cobb County.

Awards are given to deserving individuals based on nine local area nominations: Acworth, Austell, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, and West Cobb. Given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model, these outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

Nominations are now open through Friday, September 29 at https://tinyurl.com/4vdexdk4.

The presenting sponsor is Capital City Bank. For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or kguice@cobbchamber.org. 

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Junior League of Cobb-Marietta announces 2023 Mistletoe Market

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Submitted information:2023 Cobb-Marietta Junior League Mistletoe Market

Premier Night—the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s kick off to its annual Mistletoe Market—will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta.

“Premiere Night is a fun event that gives Mistletoe Market shoppers a first glance at some amazing specialty holiday gifts,” says Cristin Kennedy, JLCM’s 2023-24 VP of Fund Development. “It is a fun evening out with friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and more to help kickstart the holiday season.”

Mistletoe Market, the Marietta-headquartered nonprofit’s fall fundraiser, brings together more than 50 specialty merchants from across the Southeast for the premiere holiday shopping experience in our area. The market features locally created, premium goods, and shoppers also have access to on-site monogramming, holiday décor, jewelry and much more!

The 2023 event will be held from Thursday, Nov. 9, to Saturday, Nov. 11. Tickets for Premier Night and Market Day, which will be sold separately, will be available online starting Friday, Sept. 1, at jlcm.org. Tickets for Premier Night will be $25 each, and Market Day tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

2023 Mistletoe Market Shopping Days and Hours

  • Premiere Night: Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m.
  • Mistletoe Market Days:
    • Friday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2023 Premiere Night, which is always a fan-favorite among guests and merchants, will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. Join us for a festive night with your friends and family, and be the first to shop this year’s merchants. Guests will also enjoy light bites, beverages and entertainment, and the first 100 guests will receive an exclusive swag bag filled with goodies and discounts from many of our vendors, as well as local donors and sponsors.

Thanks to proceeds from the 2023 Mistletoe Market, JLCM awarded scholarships to Cobb-Paulding County Adult Education so that 10 women could graduate and receive their GEDs. We also provided period products to every Cobb County public school that requested them, among other initiatives.

“Mistletoe Market is not just a reason to have fun while shopping for you and/or your loved ones,” says Tammy Thorpe, 2023-24 JLCM President. “This an event that truly makes a difference in our community. Your support of the market allows of League of incredible women to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta is still accepting merchant applications for this year’s market, and interested artisans and businesses can email JLCMMistletoeMarket@jlcm.org for more information about participating in this year’s event.

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Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation to hold fundraising event

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Submitted information:Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation to hold fundraising event

The Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation Board of Directors is hosting Concerts & Cocktails, a fundraising event, 5 – 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at The Cowan Historic Hall, 4271 Southside Drive, Acworth. Proceeds will benefit the Cobb Veterans Memorial Park. This event is free for all veterans and $10 for non-veterans.
 
The park will feature a 142-foot “Star Tower” monument and honor walls listing names of veterans from each of the country’s military branches. It will also have a plaza for events, two reflection pools and a service hub providing information to veterans and their families. Construction is expected to be completed in 2024. 

This event is free for all veterans and $10 for non-veterans. 

Sponsorships are available for this event.
 
For more information and to donate, go to cobbveteransmemorial.com.

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Town Center community accepting nominations for Townie Awards

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Town Center community accepting nominations for Townie Awards

Submitted information:

Town Center Community has announced nominations are open for the 2023 Townie Awards. The annual ceremony recognizes community members, leaders and businesses for contributions to Town Center Community, one of the most accessible and prosperous areas in metro Atlanta.

“From transformational projects and innovation to economic prosperity and growth, we have so much to celebrate,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center CID. “Our success depends on the people who make Town Center a community, and these awards are our chance to say thank you.”

Award categories include:

Community Champion

This category recognizes an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to Town Center and the community at large. Through evident commitment to the betterment of the community in all they do, it acknowledges efforts to make Town Center Community a vibrant place for the future.

Commercial Champion

Awarded to a commercial property owner and/or business located within Town Center CID’s district, this category celebrates community involvement to create a thriving Town Center. Whether through investment, relocation or community engagement, it recognizes work that advances Town Center CID’s vision of connecting commerce, retail, restaurants, parks, trails and residential communities.

Town Center Champion

This category honors an individual or organization who is a Town Center Community ambassador, contributing to the legacy of creating a vision for a more prosperous future that will impact generations to come.

“These awards are about partnership which is even reflected in the award’s design,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community for the Town Center CID. “It was through our partnership with KSU and the Master Craftsmen Program that we were able to procure a beautiful, customized design that speaks directly to Town Center Community’s vision to integrate infrastructure with natural elements and spaces.”

Nominations are open until Oct. 13, and winners will be announced at the State of the District event on Oct. 24, 2023. Award submissions can be completed online by visiting towncentercid.com/surveys-events.

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East Cobb man to continue ‘mega’ swim for first responders group

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East Cobb resident swimming challenge

For the third year in a row, East Cobb resident James Whitcomb will be swimming to benefit a group that assists first responders and veterans stemming from 9/11.

Whitcomb is collecting pledges that for Tunnel2Towers Foundation, a non-profit which helps first responders, veterans and their families who need assistance with housing.

He’ll jump into the pool at the Mountain View Aquatic Center on Monday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 a.m., just as he has the last two years.

But this year, he’s raised his goals.

He swam 13 miles, but wants to make it 15, with some short nutrition breaks. And Whitcomb wants to raise $30,000 again after aiming for $20,000 in his first year.

Thus far, he’s raised more than $11,000 in pledges, and is accepting them through his swim.

The public is invited to cheer him on, and hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled for all to enjoy.

For information, and to pledge, click here.

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‘Harmonies for Homes’ concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity

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Submitted information:Harmonies for Homes concert

Two well-known musicians will headline the third annual “Harmonies for Homes” concert to be held on Sunday, October 8 benefiting Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. The concert will be held for the first time at the beautiful outdoor City Green amphitheater in Sandy Springs. Tickets and sponsorships are available at: citysprings.com/events/harmonies-homes.   

The singer-songwriter event will feature renowned artist, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, and guitarist and singer, David Ryan Harris of John Mayer Band. This year Habitat will also welcome Chesley McNeil, Morning Meteorologist from 11Alive, as emcee for the event.  

Emily Saliers is one half of the Grammy Award-winning folk rock music duo, Indigo Girls, along with Amy Ray. Over the years, they have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, as well as earned six Grammy nominations. In 1989, they were nominated for Best New Artist and took home the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Indigo Girls’ latest critically acclaimed album Look Long was released in the spring of 2020.

Saliers plays acoustic and electric guitars, as well as banjo, piano, mandolin, and ukulele. Saliers has written many of the Indigo Girls’ fan-favorite songs and concert standouts such as “Closer to Fine,” “Get Out the Map,” “Least Complicated,” “Power of Two,” and “Galileo” to name a few. A documentary about the 40-year journey of the Indigo Girls, “It’s Only Life After All,” intimately covering their lives as artists and activists, debuted to rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. 

David Ryan Harris is an American guitarist and singer based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Harris moved to Atlanta at a young age to launch his career. Harris has had a varied career as a musician. 

He has been performing on stage since the 1980s when he served as the front man for the Atlanta rock group, Follow for Now. The band was given a record deal and released their self-titled in 1991. The band toured with such acts as Fishbone, HR of Bad Brains, Pearl Jam, Faith No More, and 24–7 Spyz. While Harris continues to promote his solo act, he can frequently be seen on stage performing with artists such as John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana, Sister Hazel, Better Than Ezra, and Collective Soul.

Tickets for the concert are $200 each and tax-deductible sponsorships begin at $1,000. Every guest receives two drink tickets with admission. Guests should bring a chair or blanket, and food truck selections and beverages will be available for purchase. This year’s concert is being presented by sponsor Bercher Homes. This event raises proceeds to support Habitat’s mission to continue building, refurbishing, and repairing homes for families in need in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties.  

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2023 Dog Days Run raises record $100K+ for local charities

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2023 Dog Days Run
Scouts from Troop 1011, sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Cobb.

A woman crossed the finish line carrying a baby.

A short time before, a woman expecting a baby completed her run.

So did families, couples, flag-bearing Boy Scouts and quite a few people with dogs.

It’s the Dog Days Run, of course, and canines were warmly welcomed as participants enjoyed a pleasant Saturday morning event at at the McCleskey Family-East Cobb YMCA.

It was the 18th running of the Rotary Club of East Cobb, and it was a record-setting one.

The 5K/Fun Run attracted around 600 runners, which has been typical in recent years.

But the combination of race registrations and sponsorships netted more than $100,000 for the first time in what’s the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, president Butch Carter said.

The Rotary Club hands out the proceeds to more than 20 local non-profits and charities (list here), ranging from MUST Ministries to the Friends for the East Cobb Park to the Cobb Library Foundation and more.

Those recipients will be honored at a “Give Back” dinner next March.

The Dog Days Run is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, and awards were given out across a number of categories—including one for actual dogs—and human age groups.

This year’s sponsors included Dentistry at East Piedmont, Wellstar Health System, Malon D. Mimms Company, The Hanna Family, The Romanoff Family, Honest-1 Auto Care, Indian Hills Country Club and more.

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East Cobb Civitan Club names 2023 ‘Servant’s Heart’ winner

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East Cobb Civitan 2023 Servant's Heart Award
Lou Alvarado (in wheelchair), board chairman of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, with CEO Chris Brand

Submitted information and photo:

The East Cobb Civitan Club is pleased to announce the 2023 Civitan International “Servant’s Heart Award” has been bestowed on Chris Brand who, since 2003, has served as the President and CEO of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC). FODAC is the nation’s largest provider of low cost, or free refurbished home medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and other durable medical goods.  Over the years FODAC has provided thousands of disabled individuals with improved mobility. Brand has personally made a great impact during his tenure by adding opportunities to increase the distribution of durable medical goods in Cobb and surrounding communities.

The Servant’s Heart Award, a program of Civitan International, seeks to recognize and honor those “unsung heroes” from the nonprofit, local government, public education and other sectors who have dedicated their lives in service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Other 2023 finalists nominated for this year’s Award are Jim Hamm, founder of Special Populations Tennis and Renate’ Elliott, Accessibility Services Supervisor for the Cobb County Public Library System.

Civitan International is a global organization impacting lives at the grass roots level through local service clubs. Members of Civitan share a Servant’s Heart and a desire to create positive change for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. There are currently 40 clubs in Georgia, including Camp Big Heart, a service club dedicated to providing inclusive overnight camping for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Interested new members are always welcome at upcoming Civitan meetings.  For more information about Civitans International and local clubs, please contact Carolyn Polakowski, East Cobb Civitans at 770.722.7075 or Carolyn@caycommunications.com

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An East Cobb back-to-school backpack-n-swag celebration

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East Cobb back-to-school celebration

As he was planning another back-t0-school extravaganza earlier this summer, D.A. Layne lost his mother.

She was so much more than a parent, as he told friends and participants at his 5th annual In The Layne Backpack-N-Swag event Saturday in East Cobb.

She was his inspiration for so many things beyond the successful basketball career he enjoyed at Wheeler High School and the University of Georgia.

She taught him to give back to the community, and helped him start the event that provides free backpacks and school supplies for students in need at the start of the school year.

“What she wanted for me was what she wanted for all of us,” Layne said as a small group of friends and families honored her memory with a balloon release at the basketball courts at Grace Church Marietta on Holt Road.

Earlier in the afternoon, families turned out to enjoy food, live music, bouncy houses and the backpack giveaways.

While there was plenty of labor and goodies donated—including the box lunches from Zaxby’s—Layne said his foundation pays for the backpacks and school supplies.

Nearly 500 people signed up in advance, and Layne said they had to cut off registration after that.

“We want to reach everybody we can,” he said, adding that those turning out come from beyond the East Cobb community to include other parts of metro Atlanta. “Thousands even.”

He began In the Layne Hoops to help children through basketball, but his community work has gone beyond the court.

During the Christmas holiday season, he works with sponsors to hold a toy drive for children who otherwise wouldn’t get gifts.

It’s part of what he said his mother stressed to him from a very young age, and it’s an influence he hopes to continue spreading.

“We’re still grieving here,” he said. “But we have to keep it going.”

East Cobb back-to-school celebration

East Cobb back-to-school celebration
Layne and his family observe a moment of silence for his mother before a balloon release in her honor.

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Editor’s Note: East Cobb businesses and community-building CD

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East Cobb businesses and community building
Butch Carter, his wife Kimberly Shea-Carter and MUST Ministries CEO Ike Reighard at the July ECBA luncheon.

Shortly after launching East Cobb News six years ago, I joined the East Cobb Business Association.

It made common sense as a first-time business owner to meet others for networking, referrals, and doing some business.

What I didn’t know was the extent to which many of these small-business owners go to serve their communities.

As in really serving their communities.

After a corporate sales career, ECBA member Butch Carter in 2013 became the owner of Honest-1 Auto Care in East Cobb and Johns Creek, and where I’ve happily had my vehicles serviced over the years.

But like many business owners I’ve come to know through ECBA and elsewhere, that’s only the start of what Carter means for the community.

He’s also the current president of the Rotary Club of East Cobb, which next weekend will stage its biggest fundraiser, the Dog Days Run.

The Rotary Club is involved in charitable work in this community and beyond to an amazing degree, and has set a goal of raising $100,000 from that event that it will give out to more than 20 non-profit organizations.

Carter touched on this effort earlier this month at the ECBA regular business luncheon, which was themed around the ideas of business and community building.

“We’re typical of a lot of small businesses in East Cobb in that we give back to the community,” Carter said.

He calls what he advocates “cause marketing” and at the luncheon representatives of other Cobb non-profits spoke, including Shelly Owen of the Cobb Community Foundation, which she says connects “donors who care with causes they like.

“We’re not the fixer of the problem, but we’re the convener of those who can.”

She said the CCF last did an extensive human needs assessment in 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be conducting another one this fall.

CCF helps connect major and corporate donors with its Corporate Community Champions program.

“It’s an awesome way to connect with others in the community,” Owen said.

On a small-business scale, Honest-1 is involved in efforts to raise awareness for breast cancer that started by selling pink wiper-blades.

He urged his fellow business owners to think creatively about how they can help, by donating items or products or services from their businesses, as well as expertise.

An Air Force veteran, Carter has has held cookouts for veterans at his shop on East Cobb Drive and has supported the work of United Military Care, an East Cobb non-profit that assists veterans and next weekend will have its We CARE Vet Fair at the Cobb Civic Center.

It’s a place for veterans who need services, help navigating the Veterans Administration bureaucracy, and basic assistance with food, housing and medical care.

Leenie Ruben, a retired marketing professional who does community outreach for United Military Care, has found the value of associating with the ECBA, and attends many events.

She said at the luncheon that the work of UMC continues to grow, with the ranks of veterans in Cobb County swelling to more than 44,000.

Another longtime ECBA member, Susan Hampton, has spearheaded the organization’s sponsorship of an appreciation dinner for Cobb Police Precinct 4 staff and the entire Cobb Fire and Emergency Services Department.

She’s expanded that advocacy into a role with the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation, a non-profit that supports local public safety professionals.

Next Saturday, that group also will have a benefit event, the First Responder 5K Run/Walk, at The Battery Atlanta.

East Cobb businesses and community-building
ECBA member Susan Hampton is also involved with the Cobb Public Safety Foundation and the East Cobb Lions Club.

Hampton, a former East Cobb Citizen of the Year, also is involved with the East Cobb Lions Club, which conducts 15,000 eye screenings a year for children in need.

These are all examples of what MUST Ministries CEO Dr. Ike Reighard offered to urge business owners and leaders to start “kicking your buts.”

“I would like to help, but . . . ” is the common refrain that Reighard, also the senior pastor of Piedmont Church in East Cobb, said he has heard in many years of community advocacy.

He picked up on the theme of cause marketing by explaining that “people look for companies and organizations that are oriented that way.”

He rattled off many things that “volunteering does for you,” including making new friends and staying connected with people close, instead of resorting to screen companionship.

“You get surrounded by people who have the same values that you have,” Reighard said. “And you’re building friendships along the way. It makes you happier.”

Volunteering “also gets you out of your comfort zone. The day your memories are greater than your dreams, you’re dead in the water. It gives you a sense of purpose.”

Carter said the work of blending business and serving community is an easy “win-win” for both.

“Our goal is to help build a better community.”

If you’d to get involved in any of these organizations financially and/or as a volunteer—and you don’t have to be a business owner—here are their links:

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East Cobb faith communities take part in new Habitat project

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East Cobb faith communities take part in new Habitat project

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Last weekend, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta and the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC) hammered the first nails and raised the first walls on their 22rd annual Habitat house.  

This year’s faith groups include Smyrna First United Methodist Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, the Islamic Center of Marietta, East Cobb Islamic Center, Temple Kol Emeth, St. Thomas the Apostle, Log Cabin Church, Covenant UMC, Unity North Church, McEachern United Methodist Church, St. Catherine’s Episcopal, First Presbyterian of Marietta, and Due West United Methodist Church.                                                             

This year’s corporate partners include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Fortune Johnson, Foresite Group, Moore Colson, Atlanta West Carpets, and Nissan. 

The build is for future homeowner Vernita, who has worked as a General Manager at McDonald’s for 21 years. Vernita is always willing to lend a helping hand, a quality that has allowed her to create a family environment with her work staff. She chose this role because it gave her the flexibility to spend time with her daughter Diamond, who is now 21. 

The family of two lives in a Villa Rica apartment where the living conditions are very stressful. Vernita didn’t think she would be able to afford the down payment on a home, but now that she is approved for Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program, she is so excited to have a place to call home. She is most excited about spending time outside working in the yard. 

“For more than two decades multiple religious organizations from many different faiths and denominational backgrounds, come together with corporate partners for the common purpose to build,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Cobb County Habitat Coalition.” 

The CIHC coalition uses the motto, ‘We Build to Coexist, We Coexist to Build’. Henry Hene, longtime coalition co-chair said, “Despite obstacles, and regardless of the economy, for 22 years, this coalition stayed the course of showing selfless service and demonstrating faith in action.”  

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East Cobb Rotary seeking sponsors, runners for Dog Days Runy

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Dog Days Run

One of the largest community fundraisers in East Cobb—the Dog Days Run—is just around the corner.

It’s the 18th edition of the event staged by the Rotary Club of East Cobb, and takes place Aug. 5 at the McCleskey Family-East Cobb YMCA (1055 E. Piedmont Road). The run/walk is a 5K format that starts at 7:30 a.m.

Last year, the event generated nearly $100,000, with proceeds going to more than 20 charities in East Cobb. After the run, awards will be given out to top finishers in various categories and sponsors and community groups will have tables in a mini-festival setting.

Butch Carter, current president of the Rotary Club, said runner registrations “typically more than cover the race expense, so that combined with the business sponsorships are what allow us to give back to the community.”

Dog Days Run

Sponsorships range from $250 for a “Friend of Rotary” sponsorship that includes a race entry and t-shirt to a $15,000 presenting sponsor designation. They’re designed to appeal to all sizes of businesses and community organizations.

Other sponsorship levels include silver ($1,250), lazy dog ($2,500), gold ($3,000) and platinum ($5,000), and include a variety of verbal and logo recognitions, Rotary Club breakfast invitations, race entries, t-shirts and festival booths.

Higher-level sponsorships also receive tickets to the Rotary’s “Give Back” dinners during which charities receive their donations from the run.

You can find more sponsorship information by clicking here.

This year’s sponsors include Honest-1 Auto Care, Indian Hills Country Club, Dentistry at East Piedmont, the YMCA, The Hanna Family and Malon D. Mimms Company.

Race beneficiaries include the following:

  • MDE School; American Cancer Society Relay for Life; Boy Scouts of America; Brumby Elementary School; Camp Kudzu; Center for Children and Young Adults; Cobb Library Foundation; Cobb County Public Safety; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; East Cobb Park; Family Promise of Cobb County; Laws of Life School Essay Contest; Kidz2Leaders; Project Mail Call; Rally Foundation; Rotary Youth Exchange Program; “Service Above Self” Heroes; Walton/East Cobb Robotics; WellStar Foundation (Hospice); Wheeler High School AVID Program; YMCA NE/East Cobb

The registration fee is $30 through July 31 and is $35 after that and for phantom runners.

Prize Money includes $200 each for the overall male and female winners, $200 for the master (age 40-49) male winner, $150 for the master female winner; $150 for the grandmaster (50+) male and female winners; $100 each for the senior (60+) male winner; $50 for the senior female winner.

For more information and to register, click here. Volunteer information can be found by clicking here.

East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run grant recipients
The Rotary Club of East Cobb holds a “Give Back” event for charity recipients of the Dog Days Run.

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