Two events to inspire philanthropy

We were delighted to host two important events for our donors on Tuesday, October 22nd, one profoundly thought-provoking and one wonderfully inspirational.

In partnership with Woodruff Arts Center at Atlanta Symphony Hall, we hosted a dramatic reading of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ award-winning book Between the World and Me. The performance, first staged at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, was reimagined for Atlanta and featured a roster of celebrities, including Pauletta Washington, Lynn Whitfield and Killer Mike. The reading conveyed the poetic voice of Mr. Coates’ writing and evoked the realities experienced by black men in the United States. Following the reading, our Lesley Grady, senior vice president of community, spoke on “A Courageous Conversation on Race,” a panel that engaged audience members in dynamic conversation.

That same evening we welcomed New York Times bestselling author and Foundation friend Bruce Feiler to the Junior Achievement Discovery Center where he spoke about the power of legacy and telling your story. The basis of the evening was Bruce’s book The Council of Dads. As recounted in the book, when Bruce was faced with one of life’s greatest challenges, he asked six friends to support his young daughters with their wisdom and to be his voice. We were also treated to a preview of his soon to be released book, Life is the Story You Tell Yourself, which explores how we can navigate the growing number of life transitions we face with greater purpose and skill. Building on the theme of the power of legacy, the Community Foundation unveiled the refreshed planned giving society, EnTrustATL: click here for a look.