In Brief

THEATER

'Idol' winner Fantasia takes on leading role

Fantasia Barrino is returning to Atlanta for a starring role in "The Color Purple" this fall.

Barrino plays the leading role of Celie, whose irrepressible spirit guides her from life with an abusive husband to triumph as a business owner. Barrino's career was launched when she emerged the "American Idol" victor in 2004, having auditioned in Atlanta. The Theater of the Stars' production of "The Color Purple" runs from Sept. 15 to Sept. 27 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-982-2787.

JENNIFER BRETT

FASHION

Designer Wu tops bill at Komen fund-raiser

Emerging fashion talent Jason Wu will be the guest designer at the 17th annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares fashion show fund-raiser, which takes place Aug. 31. On Thursday, event co-chairs Lila Hertz and Sacha Taylor hosted a meet and greet with the young designer who became widely known outside of fashion circles when first lady Michelle Obama wore his gown to the inaugural balls. Jeffrey Fashion Cares is an annual event founded by Jeffrey Kalinsky to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund. Last year's event raised a record $800,000.

NEDRA RHONE

FAITH & VALUES

Christian charity gives $1.5 million

The National Christian Foundation of Atlanta granted $1.5 million Thursday from one of its nonprofits to OneHope of Florida, which helps needy children. That puts the foundation above the $2 billion mark in giving since 1982.

It helps philanthropists set up and then administers donor-advised funds and holds more than $2 billion in assets.

The $1.5 million came from the Green Fund, a nonprofit fund of Hobby Lobby and David Green, its chief executive officer.

CHRISTOPHER QUINN

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