The inaugural Beloved Benefit raised more than $5 million, while shining a spotlight on the ongoing revitalization of Atlanta’s historic Westside. With all event costs underwritten by the Chick-fil-A Foundation and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, funds raised will directly benefit nonprofits serving the Westside community and its legacy residents.
According to a press release, the March 21 event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was inspired by the idea of the Beloved Community – to love, respect and trust each other without bias – preached by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 2,000 Atlantans gathered together to cultivate sustainable change and shape Atlanta’s legacy as a city committed to creating a community free of poverty, hunger and homelessness.
Speakers, presenters and performers included family members of Dr. King (his daughter Rev. Bernice King and granddaughter Yolanda Renee King); comedians Steve Harvey and Jeff Foxworthy; elected officials Congressman John Lewis and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; faith leaders Rabbi Peter Berg and Justin Giboney; athletes Darlington Nagbe and Maya Moore; gospel singers Casey J and Kierra Sheard; business leaders Steve Cannon and Dan Cathy. The star-studded entertainers included Grammy-winning recording artist Bruno Mars, as well as British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, who performed “Hope,” her stunning song about Dr. King.
The benefit honored local nonprofits who are working, volunteering, building and creating new opportunities on Atlanta’s Westside.
Information: www.belovedbenefit.org.
About the Author
