Market raises funds for small nonprofits
Givers need support at times too. That’s a constant message from members of Sandy Springs Society philanthropic organization, which provides donations to Sandy Springs’ smaller nonprofits.
“Our organization is in a position to give grants to nonprofits that are generally too small to go to a Northside Hospital or IBM to get an infusion of money for good work that they do,” said former president Sue Winner.
Nov. 10 is the final day of Sandy Springs Society’s 11th annual Elegant Elf Marketplace, where holiday gifts are sold by nearly 100 vendors. This year’s two-day event is held in the lobby space of Sandy Springs Performance Arts Center at City Springs. Traditionally, 3000 shoppers attend.
“The city basically cleared their calendar for us in providing this space and said, ‘This is your time,’ ” said Winner.
Elegant Elf Marketplace and Sandy Springs Society’s Tossed Out Treasures annual spring market, which sells home goods and gently worn clothing, are the organization’s two major fundraisers. They have donated $4 million since 1988 when the philanthropic women’s group was formed, said Winner.
According to Winner, this year’s grants include $18,000 to Horizons Atlanta for transportation needs. The summer enrichment program for economically disadvantaged children is located at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.
In addition, Winner said recent donations include $20,000 to Community Assistance Center; $4,000 to Cancer Support Community Atlanta; $6,000 to Every Woman Works and $4,000 to Mr. Tom’s Heart, whose volunteers take discarded food that is still good to eat from grocery stores and deliver to such places as community centers for senior citizens, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Ronald McDonald House.
Silent and live auctions were held during the Sandy Springs Society’s “Evening of Elegance” dinner last week. Before the event, thousands of dollars were already raised for a stay in Tuscany, Italy. Atlanta home stylist and author Annette Joseph offered the fortress turned retreat space that she renovated with her husband. The property provides accommodations, as well as art and food workshops.
“We are proud of what we do,” said Winner. “We are not familiar with other organizations that do the same thing that we do in raising funds.”
Visit sandyspringssociety.org
Who’s doing good? Each Sunday, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com
