The Sullivan Center Inc. Launches A Garden Party Fundraiser



Fox 5's The Georgia Gang Host and Atlanta Business Chronicle Columnist Dick Williams will emcee "A Garden Party," this year's fabulous fundraiser for The Sullivan Center, Inc., which provides help with dignity to individuals and families in crisis in the Atlanta area. With live and silent auctions offering something for everyone, Atlantans will enjoy music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres and networking, while benefiting a worthy cause. Tickets are now on sale to the public for the Sept. 22 gala at 999 Peachtree, 6th floor, in Midtown from 7-10 p.m.

"There are certain charitable causes that just resonate with liberals and conservatives. It's more a hand up than a hand out and a helping hand," said Williams. "What they accomplish just dazzles me."

Drawing from the Center's Garden Program the theme of "Planting Seeds of Hope" is the mission of the Center and all its programs, which is to enable people to make choices that lead to increased self-reliance.

Sister Sullivan hopes the summertime ripens her garden -- and brings in a fresh wave of donations. Tickets to the Party start at just $50. Be there to win tickets to an array of entertainment venues from professional sports and performing arts to a fusion of restaurants. And for the adventure-seeker, a fun St. Simon's Island vacation and extraordinary Montana ranch getaway are on the auction block.

"Sister Sullivan is a social service diva," said the Center's Employment Counselor Jim Fleming. "And it's pretty well-known all over if you get financial aid from The Sullivan Center, Inc. you had to do XYZ."

The Garden Program offers neighbors and youth an opportunity to sustain an on-site garden and bring to market its organic fruit, vegetables and flowers, while learning life skills in financial management, nutrition, leadership and good work ethics. It also runs a youth camp in partnership with University of Georgia and All Saints Catholic Church.    

Under the guidance of Sister Sullivan a small staff and many volunteers provide employment mentoring and administer financial aid that empowers those in crisis to help themselves emerge from temporarily difficult circumstances. Their misfortunes come from unexpected illness or disability to death in the family or the loss of a job.

Ninety percent of applicants met eligibility requirements this year, but due to funding restraints the Center can accept only an average of 75 applicants per month, or about one third of those who applied.

"A $500 cash gift could give a real boost to a person who loses a job and still has bills coming in," said Sister Sullivan. "To really put an average family who comes in here on its feet, I really need $1,000 for rent, utilities and transportation."

One hundred percent of the event's proceeds are used to support the Center, so you can bid or donate with the confidence that preventing homelessness is a cost-effective use of your contribution dollars, said Sister Sullivan, who is the Center's Executive Director, and has been serving the community since 1983.

After raising more than $17,000 at last year's event, the fundraising alliance set a goal to triple that amount this time. Working together are CBeyond's Terry Trout, a Sullivan Center Board Member and 2007 Women in Technology Woman of the Year Award recipient, and Mary Trantow, president of Dunwoody's All Saints Catholic Church Women's Guild and co-chairwoman of the event.

Already sponsoring at the Platinum level are CBeyond, and at the Gold Level Denmark The Agency, SDOC Publishing, and BeavEx Inc.

Individuals and businesses can be recognized for their various levels of contribution on the Center's web site and the gala auction brochure.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities call Mary Trantow at 770-457-6061 or visit



The Sullivan Center Inc. Launches A Garden Party Fundraiser