Key Points:
• The Community Assistance Center raises $480,000 through its Broadway Lights gala.
• The CAC launched an $18 million Compassion in Action campaign at the gala.
The Community Assistance Center launched an $18 million fundraising campaign during its Broadway Lights Gala.
The CAC raised $480,000 through its Broadway Lights Gala on Sept. 20 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, according to a news release.
The record-breaking crowd, which approached 400 attendees, witnessed the CAC’s launch of its three-year Compassion in Action comprehensive fundraising campaign. The news release said the campaign goal was set at $18 million.
The funds raised through the campaign will address growing community needs and enable the expansion of CAC’s programs and operational capacity. Funds raised from the gala helped bring the total committed toward the campaign up to $3 million, according to the news release.
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• Working poor seek help from Community Assistance Center as food insecurity rises
Guests at the gala enjoyed a medley of Broadway classics performed by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory, along with live and silent auctions and a paddle raise.
Event co-chairs were Arjé McCarty and Dana Wexler. Mercedes-Benz USA served as the presenting sponsor.
The Compassion in Action Campaign is led by a co-chair committee with Gene Barnes, Jan Beaves, Tom Bever, Richard DuBow, Mark Estes, Terry Hartigan, Doug Hunter, Gail and John Jokerst, Catherine Lautenbacher, Bianca Mazzarella, Beth Robertson, Zach Solomon, Van Westmoreland, Cece Webster, and Loretta Zimmermann.
“Our community leaders, supporters, volunteers, and advocates came together for an incredible evening of inspiration, celebration and generosity,” said George Northrop, CAC director of development, according to the release. “The funds raised will enable CAC to expand its capacity to serve more people in more ways now and for years to come.”
CAC programs include food, clothing, and financial assistance, youth programs, adult education, career assistance services, and free tax assistance.
CAC assisted nearly 10,000 individuals, distributed approximately one million pounds of food and helped prevent more than 1,000 evictions in 2024.
