Northwest Georgia Giving Magazine

NORTHWEST GEORGIA

GIVING THE YOUNG

PHILANTHROPISTS TREVOR LAWRENCE AND MARISSA MOWRY ON GIVING BACK

FUNDRAISING during a pandemic

RECYCLING for good

DARYL ROBERTS and service abroad

We promote philanthropy throughout the region and beyond. Charity is not just what we do, it’s who we are.

Making

NWGA STRONGER

LETTER from the PRESIDENT So Many Examples of Philanthropy

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am often called upon to draw upon my memories and connections and share stories that exemplify how charitable giving enhances the health and welfare of Northwest Georgia and the many communities nestled in its rolling hills.

Through these stories, I educate, inform, and ultimately, build bridges between people’s desire to help and the wonderful cast of charities, churches, and civic groups whose work makes our world a better and safer place to live, work, and play.

We designed this digital magazine to do just that — spotlight the good work of philanthropists, large and small, and the wonderful array of organizations they support, and in doing so, provide ideas and inspiration to our readers.

In this inaugural issue, we are proud to present two young philanthroptists from Bartow County who’re leveraging their positions as well-known collegiate athletes to raise money to provide food assistance to families in need.

Their story begins on page 10.

We also introduce you to Daryl Roberts, an entrepreneur with Gordon and Bartow County ties who was called to act while on a church mission.

Please read about Johnny Jennings, a 93-year-old man from Catoosa County who turned an idea into a nearly half-milliondollar donation to the Georgia Children’s Home. Mr. Jennings’ story starts on page 6.

We spoke with United Way of Gordon County and chronicled how they still hosted their annual “Dancing with the Stars” themed fundraiser in the year of COVID-19, when so many nonprofit organizations had no

other choice but to cancel their events.

Finally, we feature a story about a few regional attractions and organizations that were started by gifts from local philanthropists.

Every act of kindness and giving provides a blueprint that can guide others. By sharing these experiences, we hope, in some small measure, to challenge you to see yourself on a similar journey and further your own charitable work.

The Community Foundation’s mission is to “promote philanthropy and charitable giving.” Our intention with this publication is to shine a spotlight on our region’s many generous givers and prompt you to set your dreams of serving others or helping causes you care about into motion today. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

David Aft, President Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia

NORTHWEST GEORGIA

GIVING Magazine PUBLISHER

Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia

EDITOR/DESIGNER Amber Lanier Nagle

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA P.O. Box 942 714 South Thornton Avenue Dalton, GA 30722 (706) 275-9117 (706) 275-9118 fax

Northwest Georgia GIVING Magazine is a product of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia.

OUR MISSION

To promote and facilitate philanthropy throughout the region and beyond.

EDITORIAL IDEAS

Send to Amber Nagle at Amber.Nagle@ CommunityFoundationNWGA.org We are not responsible for unsolicited submissions.

Reproductions or use of any editorial, photo, or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without written consent.

CONTACT US

If you have questions about the stories in this publication or services provided by the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, call (706) 275-9117 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or email info@ CommunityFoundationNWGA.org.

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Northwest Georgia GIVING

FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK MURRAY COUNTY

CONTENT 6

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY

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TOUCHDOWN!

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DANCING FOR DOLLARS

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HE COULDN’T WALK AWAY

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CONNECTING PASSION WITH PURPOSE

A chance meeting with a parentless child in 1949 prompted Johnny Jennings of Ringgold to do something extraordinary.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, and fiance, Marissa Mowry charged into overtime to provide hunger relief to families in Bartow County and Upstate South Carolina.

For nine years, Calhoun residents have been performing dance routines in public to raise money for United Way of Gordon County, and this year was no exception.

After witnessing children living in horrendous living conditions while on a mission trip to Africa, Calhoun native Daryl Roberts launched a nonprofit that continues to change and save lives in Liberia, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Georgia.

Many regional attractions were started with a simple idea and flourished through the magic of philanthropy. Could you leave a legacy for future generations of Georgians to enjoy?

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JOHNNY JENNINGS CATOOSA COUNTY Johnny Jennings poses in his driveway with some of the recyclables he converts to cash.

He donates the proceeds to his favorite charity. Photo by Amber Nagle.

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FOR THE

CHILDREN Johnny Jennings still remembers a chance meeting with three young boys from Hapeville’s Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries (GBCHFM) in 1949. Built in 1872 after the Civil War, the home has housed and provided for thousands of Georgia’s destitute and orphaned children.

“They threw their little arms around my knees and waist, and asked me, ‘Will you be our daddy?’” 93-year-old Jennings says. “After that day, I knew I had to help the children there. I didn’t know how, and I didn’t know when, but I made a promise to myself and to them that I’d find a way to help.”

Jennings grew up on Oak Road in Catoosa County. He grew up working on the family farm baling hay and learning the many gifts of hard work and accomplishment. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Marines and fought in the Korean War. He married his high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn, over six decades ago and supported his family through a long career as a welder.

When their son, Brent, was four or five, Jennings taught him about recycling. “ I wanted him to know that it’s not only good for the environment, but you can make money recycling,” Jennings says. “We started recycling together. It Autumn 2020

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As of last year, Johnny Jennings had donated over $416,000 to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries — all from the proceeds of his recycling efforts.

Jennings takes off his hat during a ceremony presenting him with an official state resolution commending the work he’s done raising money for GBCHFM. Photo by Shay Love.

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was our bonding time. When Brent got married in 1986, he had saved enough money from recycling to make a down payment on a house.”

Years later, an idea came to him while leading Sunday School at Burning Bush Baptist Church in Ringgold.

“We were talking about service projects and raising money for the Home,” he remembers. “The little boys in my class asked, ‘What can we do to raise money?’

And I suggested we collect paper, cardboard and aluminum cans to recycle. We earned $57 in that first year — that was 1985 — and donated every cent to the Home.”

For over three decades, Jennings collected pennies and recyclables from his neighbors, local businesses and churches; hauled the products to a recycling center in Chattanooga; exchanged his loads of recyclable materials for cash; then returned to his home in the countryside of Catoosa County.

As of

Northwest Georgia GIVING

last year, he had donated over $416,000 to his favorite charity by collecting $29,799.65 in pennies and converting 500,000 aluminum cans and 10,613,820 pounds of cardboard and paper to money. He has kept the receipts to keep track of his progress.

A smart business man, he holds the aluminum through the summer months and cashes in his crushed cans in winter, when conversion rates are at their max. He records every transaction and notes that his recycling efforts allowed him to donate a whopping $35,000 to the Home in 2019.

“I had two mini strokes a couple of years ago, but when I got out of the hospital, I started my recycling route again,” says Jennings, who retired several years ago.

He was honored last year with an official state resolution commending his tireless efforts in raising significant funds for the Children’s Home.

“My favorite quote is, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift.

The purpose of life is to give it away,’” Jennings says. “I believe that’s true.”

Though the pandemic and his age have slowed his efforts, Jennings doesn’t plan to stop his fundraising — or friendraising.

“I won’t stop until the undertaker turns my toes up,” he laughs. “This is my mission, and I will continue to serve as long as I can. What I’m doing helps the children, and that’s important to me.”

Minor Firm.

Major Results.

The Minor Firm was formed in 1983 and today is home to approximately 15 lawyers with practices serving international, national, regional and local clients. The Firm provides a broad range of legal services for a variety of individual and business clients. The firm concentrates in areas of general business clients, corporations, partnerships, commercial transactions, corpo real estate, general civil and business litigation, estate planning, probate and estate administration and health care.

Our lawyers are committed to excellent client service, supported with an outstanding staff, technology and support services. In addition, both lawyers and administrative staff are active in giving back to the community – with volunteer and charitable support of throughout northwest Georgia.

From small businesses to huge corporations; simple wills to complex estates; residential and commercial real estate transactions; and general civil or business litigation matters, The Minor Firm is a vailable to serve your legal needs.

745 College Drive, Suite B

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Dalton, GA 30720

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9 (706) 259-2586

Autumn 2020

TOUCHD OWN COVID-19 changed everything. In the wake of the pandemic, Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, and fiance, Marissa Mowry, charged into overtime to provide hunger relief to struggling families in Bartow County and Upstate South Carolina.

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n March, as the world slowed down and people across the globe began to experience the fallout resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, Trevor Lawrence and then-girlfriend, Marissa Mowry, felt compelled to do something. They setup a GoFundMe page to raise money for families in need, but the NCAA asked the couple to end their campaign citing a rule prohibiting student-athletes from using their name, image or likeness for crowd funding efforts.

Both are student-athletes who grew up in Cartersville. Lawrence is the superstar Clemson quarterback with a million-dollar smile and a heart of pure gold. Mowry, a gifted soccer player at Anderson University who is in her Junior year, sows seeds of kindness and is open about her strong faith and how her beliefs lead her to be of service to others.

With great disapointment, the couple took their GoFundMe page down, but the NCAA soon made 10

Northwest Georgia GIVING

an exception during the coronavirus outbreak and allowed the page to return.

“Shoutout to the NCAA,” Lawrence posted to his Instagram account soon after the decision. “Thank y’all so much for granting a waiver.”

Then he addressed his Instagram followers. “They’re allowing us to continue to raise money for what we were doing originally. So we’re gonna take some time and kind of think about how we’re going to restart it back up. We’re going to take the night and maybe some of tomorrow or whatever to figure out exactly how we want to do it to be as efficient and to help as many people as possible.”

The following day, David Aft, president of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, received a phone call from board member Jennifer Wiggins-Mathews.

“Jennifer told me that she is a friend of the Lawrence family, and Trevor wanted to learn more about how

LAWRENCE AND MOWRY BARTOW COUNTY Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry

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the Foundation could assist him and his girlfriend in raising money to serve individuals and families affected by the pandemic, and also awarding those funds to vetted charities.”

Aft notes that he was quite impressed by the young couple.

“They asked thoughtful questions,” he

“The needs will change over time, but we will work with trusted local charities to serve the communities we both love. Right now, we continue to assist families as they struggle with some pretty basic needs.”

— Marissa Mowry says. “They were 100 percent engaged.”

Within twenty-four hours, the Foundation launched the “Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry COVID-19 Relief Fund” to raise money to provide direct assistance to families affected by the pandemic.

“Marissa and I have created the Fund to help our friends and neighbors in the 12

Northwest Georgia GIVING

Cartersville and Upstate South Carolina communities deal with some of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 situation,” Lawrence tweeted at the time.

“We hope others will join us in supporting the many families in need. These are challenging times, and no one should be left behind.”

Just after he posted the information on social media, donations began pouring into the Fund via the Foundation’s website.

“The donations have ranged from $5 to thousands,” Aft says. “Their ‘ask’ touched the hearts of so many across the country.

These young people have learned that they can leverage their platform to do good in the world. It’s refreshing.”

The Fund is still actively accepting contributions. Donors may direct their funds to efforts in the Cartersville, Georgia area or to efforts in the Upstate South Carolina (Clemson and Anderson communities).

To date, the fund has collected $22,000.

The couple awarded grants in July to organizations providing hunger assistance

The Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry COVID-19 Relief Fund has awarded grants to fight hunger in: Bartow County Tabernacle Baptist Church NorthPointe Church Red Door Food Pantry The Church at Liberty Square Upstate South Carolina The Lot Project Clemson Community Care Anderson Interfaith Ministries Rebuild Upstate * Click here to make an online donation to Trevor and Marissa’s Fund

in the two communities cited.

“In Bartow County, the funds were distributed to Tabernacle Baptist Church’s food pantry programs, NorthPointe Church in Adairsville, Red Door Food Pantry and The Church at Liberty Square,” Aft reports.

In South Carolina, they partnered with The Lot Project, Clemson Community Care, Anderson Interfaith Ministries, and Rebuild Upstate to provide assistance to individuals and families who are food insecure.”

Both Lawrence and Mowry, who announced their engagement in July, state that their lives are guided by divine faith.

“We believe as Christians, it is our responsibility to love and serve those around us, especially through this pandemic,” Lawrence said. “We appreciate any and all efforts from you all. Every dollar makes a difference.”

“The needs will change over time, but we will work with trusted local charities to serve the communities we both love,” remarked Mowry. “Right now, we continue to assist families as they struggle with some pretty basic needs.”

In a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated, Lawrence said his talent on the football field was a gift from God. “I don’t think anyone has abilities for no reason,” Lawrence said. “I don’t think anything is coincidence. God gave me these things for a reason, not just talent on the field, but other opportunities to be a

“It is our responsibility to love and serve those around us, especially through this pandemic. We appreciate any and all efforts from you all. Every dollar makes a difference.”

— Trevor Lawrence light to people.”

The couple regularly expresses their gratitude.

“Thank you all for your generosity and love,” Mowry noted. “If you don’t feel led to donate to our Fund, we encourage you to consider charities serving your own communities.”

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UNITED WAY FUNDRAISING GORDON COUNTY 14

THE SHOW M

EVEN IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, UNITED WAY OF FUNDRAISER, MOHAWK PRESENTS CALHOUN’S DANC THEY PULL IT OFF?

Northwest Georgia GIVING

MUST GO ON

F GORDON COUNTY HOSTED THEIR ANNUAL CING WITH THE STARS GETS SCHOOLED. HOW DID

ARTICLE BY AMBER NAGLE AND JONI HARBIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY BAXTER AND OTHERS

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s Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the economy and dropped a cloud of fear and uncertainty over the nation, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations closed their doors to protect students, employees, and clients. The world seemed to go quiet for a while.

Like other charitable organizations, United Way of Gordon County was trying to find their footing amid the fog of the pandemic.

Moreover, their signature fundraiser, Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars Gets Schooled, was oringinally scheduled for late May. “By late March, the students were already practicing their routines, most of their fundraising goals were met, and then lockdown happened,” says Jennifer Latour, Executive Director of United Way of Gordon County. “Events were ‘banned’ under the [Governor’s] Executive Order, so we made the decision to postpone the event to a later date.”

She notes that at the time, they did not know if the event would even happen in 2020. A planning committee had been hard at work for months putting the show together under the direction of Latour. She had formed a powerhouse committee consisting of local professionals who were fully committed to the success of the event including Andy Baxter with Andy Baxter Photography, Kristy Brown with Greater Community Bank, retired

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Northwest Georgia GIVING

educator and fitness instructor Michelle Frix Ward, Joni Harbin with the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce and Calhoun-Gordon Council for a Literate Community, Bekah Kirby with United Way of Gordon County, and Dr. Amy Parker with Gordon County Schools.

Several other professionals not on the planning committee shared their talents before and during the show. India Galyean, a Calhoun City Schools Chorus Instructor, assisted with ticketing and production details while Ben Riley, a Calhoun City Schools Special Education teacher, was responsible for sound and lighting. Joni Harbin returned as the event emcee, but this year she had a partner for the first time since the show debuted nine years ago. Olivia Harbin, a Client Manager for the Valent Group in Birmingham, joined her onstage and the duo added some mother-daughter banter to the script.

“As the summer waned on and new orders were released concerning events, we decided to move forward and rescheduled the live performance for August 8 at the Calhoun Performing Arts Center,” Latour continues.“We were anxious about the virus, but we felt that we could hold the event in a safe way. So we modified and adjusted the show until we checkedoff all the boxes under the standing Executive Order concerning events. We did not sell tickets

RIGHT: After many weeks of practicing in private, Isaac Brackett and Aubrey Dorsey performed live in August at Calhoun Performing Arts Center and won the 1st Place Judges’ Choice Award.

BELOW: Ethan Crump lifts Meghan Young high in a lively dance routine at Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing With The Stars Gets Schooled in August. Crump and Young raised over $17,000 for United Way of Gordon County.

OPPOSITE: Olivia Harbin poses with Joni Harbin in August at the live dancing competition event. The beloved motherdaughter duo were emcees for the event.

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TOP: The Judges’ Choice Winners are: Megan Wright, Jackson Murray, Isaac Brackett, Aubry Dorsey, Caitlyn Glaze and Hayes Carpenter.

LOWER: And the People’s Choice Winners are: Megan Wright, Jackson Murray, Ethan Crump, Meghan Young, Catherine Govignon, and Ben Bingham.

to the public, and only allowed a maximum of 180 people in the venue, which, for perspective, can seat over 1,500 people. Sponsors and immediate family members were the only ones admitted to the show.”

The school marked off seats within the auditorium so that members in the audience were at least sixfeet apart. Volunteers handed out free masks to all attendees. The event did not include an intermission.

Indeed, the lobby remained closed during the event.

In August, eighteen talented students (who had been practicing in private sessions in order to maintain social distance) took to the stage and danced their hearts out for a good cause — one that each of them believes in — in front of a not-so-packed house.

Listed alphabetically, this year’s dancers were Ben 18

Northwest Georgia GIVING

Bingham, Isaac Brackett, Hayes Carpenter, Ethan Crump, Jayce Derryberry, Aubrey Dorsey, Madeline Erwin, Caitlyn Glaze, Catherine Govignon, Will Holden, Marlee Jackson, Mariah Key, Aavyn Lee, Jackson Murray, Sierra Scott, Cameron West, Megan Wright, and Meghan Young. In consideration of health concerns and in order to maintain social distancing, they eliminated the group dance number.

A panel of judges scored the dancers’ performances and scholarships were awarded to each student on the teams placing first, second, and third.

Judge’s Choice winners were: 1st Place: Aubry Dorsey and Isaac Brackett, who were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

2nd Place: Megan Wright and Jackson Murray, who were each awarded a $750 scholarship.

3rd Place: Caitlyn Glaze and Hayes Carpenter, who each received a $500 scholarship.

The People’s Choice awards are given to recognize dancers who raise the most money. This year, the People’s Choice awards went out to: 1st Place: Meghan Young and Ethan Crump, who raised an impressive $17,372. Both received a $1,000 scholarship.

2nd Place: Catherine Govignon and Ben Bingham, who raised the large sum of $11,356. Both received a $750 scholarship.

3rd Place: Megan Wright and Jackson Murray, who raised an astounding $10,556. Both were awarded a $500 scholarship.

“After the show, we dismissed audience members in sections to allow plenty of space between our guests,” Latour says. “Overall, we received outstanding feedback concerning safety, and gratitude from

students and parents. They were so happy that they were able to participate in the event.”

A whopping $59,774 was raised for United Way and its partner agencies — another success, but this one in the year of COVID-19, when so many other organizations canceled their plans and fundraisers or attempted to raise money virtually.

“Yes, there were wrinkles to iron out, but we were determined to hold the event albeit a little differently than in years past,” says Latour. “Our greatest concern was for the safety of the community and the dancers, so we deferred to the state standards and recommendations in place at showtime.”

Because the students were not able to circulate throughout the community, their team fundraising efforts and agency visits were curtailed, but they developed successful campaigns on social media.

“United Way of Gordon County is very grateful to the eighteen students,” she says. “Our dancers demonstrated nothing but grace and resiliency as they cooperated with the DWTS Committee working to reschedule the show and propose changes to the format of the show. United Way is so thankful for the community’s continued support and patience as we tried to navigate event planning and fundraising during these unique and unprecedented times.”

Mohawk Presents Dancing with the Stars was created as a fundraiser to help supplement the organization’s annual workplace campaigns. This year’s show was the fourth student show, which spun off the adult version that ran for five years at the historic GEM Theatre.

The pandemic has affected every aspect of life including local families’ needs for United Way services.

“Like many, we had to quickly shift gears to meet our community’s evolving needs by providing additional support both monetarily and in the form of Personal Protection Equipment, PPE,” Latour says.

“Our community partners have continued to serve on the frontlines so that our children can stay connected to education; families can have access to food; and people can stay in their homes. The additional funds raised are already hard at work.”

Since April 2020, Latour reports that well over 488 people have received help with utilities, rent, food and COVID-19 related expenses. Last year, donations made through Workplace Campaigns helped over 24,000 lives in Gordon County.

As for the dancing fundraiser, all profits will be used to support the agencies operating under the United

Way of Gordon County umbrella. Partner agencies include: Animal Rescue League of Northwest GA, Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts (Northwest Georgia Council), Calhoun - Gordon Council for a Literate Community, Calhoun Recreation Department, Camp New Adventure, Coulter Hampton Foundation, George Chambers Resource Center, Girls Scouts, Gordon County 4-H, Gordon County Domestic Violence Outreach Office, Gordon County Recreation Department, Gordon County Special Olympics, LEJO (Latinos for Education & Justice Organization), American Red Cross (Northwest Georgia Chapter), Prevent Child Abuse - Family Resource Center of Gordon County, Voluntary Action Center (VAC) and The Bridge, and The Winner’s Club.

The mission of United Way of Gordon County is to accurately assess the needs of Gordon County and to mobilize available resources to meet those needs. It serves as a referral source for the community.

Latour has some advice for other organizations wondering if they should cancel their fundraisers this year.

“Don’t give up,” she says. “Have faith in your community. They’ll work with you. Just don’t give up.”

Bekah Kirby, Director of Community Relations and Accounting, poses with Jennifer Latour, Executive Director of United Way of Gordon County in August at their live fundraiser.

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DARYL ROBERTS

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Northwest Georgia GIVING

DARYL ROBERTS BARTOW AND GORDON COUNTY

While on a mission trip to Liberia in early 2008, Daryl Roberts of Cartersville visited an orphanage sitting on a tiny hill. A brutal civil war had shattered the country leaving thousands of children orphaned and abandoned. Roberts knew that the children he met at the orphanage were but a few.

“It was there that my heart was broken and the trajectory of my life was changed forever,” says Roberts. “There were over sixty children living in horrific conditions. On that little hill, I witnessed a place where heaven and earth came together. I felt a calm, and then and there, I knew the care of these children had been placed in my hands.”

He and friends — and friends of friends —organized and served together under the name, Orphan Aid Liberia. In the last year, they’ve changed their name to LIVE2540, but the charity’s mission remains the same.

They are committed to the restoration of hope and health for the abused and abandoned, the hungry and Autumn 2020

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“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 the sick. They work together to create a climate where the Holy Spirit abides, compassion flows freely, and in turn, the Glory of God is revealed.

While Daryl was still in Africa on the mission trip, his wife, Chrissy, began collecting food, clothing and other necessities back home in Georgia. Dozens of friends and associates helped them as they began planning follow-up trips to distribute supplies and provide services for those in need.

The charity has distributed over 5 million meals in Liberia as well as the Phillipines; they’ve given hundreds of babies lifesaving nourishment each week; they are distributing solar audio Bibles; they are implementing anti-trafficking initiatives; they’ve helped construct school buildings, dorms and chicken houses; they’ve worked to deworm thousands of children and adults; they’ve provided hundreds of scholarships for children to attend school — many at the University level; they’ve provided much needed malaria treatments; and so much more.

“The last eleven years have been a challenging but joyous journey,” he says.

“Our mission is the same, though we’ve expanded our reach and scope. LIVE2540, derives its name from scripture — Matthew 25:40. The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

At the heart of LIVE2540 is the belief that we all share a calling to care for “the least of these.”

“As you open your heart, and those around you open their hearts, a ripple of love will 22

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turn into a mighty wave that cannot be stopped,” says Roberts, who just returned from his 33rd trip to Liberia earlier this year.

“The masses will be fed. The sick will find care. Hope will be restored. They will know they are loved and have not been forgotten.”

Most recenlty, as the pandemic spread across the globe, wreaking havoc in even the most remote regions of the world, LOVE2540 sprang to action and moved supplies into Liberia where staff members could access food and medications for the children and orphans in their care.

They also focused on how they could best support their local community during the crisis. Organization photographer and storyteller, Zach Brown, changed their traditional LOVE logo to include the shape of the state of Georgia as the “O.” They posted the new design and used the #ForBartow hashtag on their social media pages.

A few minutes after posting, the organization started receiving requests for the shirt with the local design. They donated proceeds from the shirt sales to local Bartow County charities engaged in local relief work related to the impacts of COVID19.

CHARITY IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Daryl and Chrissy Roberts currently reside in Cartersville, but they also have ties to Calhoun. Both graduated from Calhoun High School. They own CrossFit Trackside on North King Street.

Family is a priority and they are proud parents of two young men, Jake and Luke.

Their charity is a family affair — a way of life allowing them to live out God’s calling as a family. The four of them have visited

Liberia together, and their sons love the work and interacting with the children and sharing their love.

Roberts notes that their experiences have shifted the family’s focus and enriched their lives.

“We now have a clear idea of what you need, and what you really don’t need,” he says. “We’ve learned the meaning of true value.”

SHIRTS FOR GOOD

You’ve probably seen the shirts. They are very popular throughout Northwest Georgia — one might even refer to them as fashion

statements. But you may not know the meaning of the graphic.

The word, “LOVE,” is transferred onto soft shirts, and at first glance, the “O” has been replaced with the shape of the African continent. But look closer at the shape and you will realize that a child’s silohuette graces the upper, left coastline.

“The purchase of just one of these shirts provides thirty-six meals for a child in need,” Roberts notes. “Our LOVE shirts have provided over three million meals and counting. We’ve combined retail with mission and God continues to grow us.”

So far, the organization has sold thousands Autumn 2020

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of shirts — each sale helping the organization fulfill their important work and mission. These shirts represent a large amount of LIVE2450’s fundraising efforts. The shirts also help publicize the organizaition and their work.

The organization operates its offices and LOVE Shop under the downtown bridge at 24 E. Church Street in Cartersville. So much of the nonprofit’s mission has been accomplished through sales of its LOVE tees, and that includes the #ForBartow pieces, as well, that help local groups serving Bartow. Along with their apparel, their fair trade shop in downtown Cartersville offers crafts, 24

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baskets and jewelry made by skilled artisans from west and east Africa.

They also sell their shirts online at bestshirtonearth.com.

“For our work to be sustained, as well as to grow, God has called on you — the young and the old — to be the answer,” Roberts says. “You can be a champion in their corner. Please join us.”

LIVE2540, Inc.

orphanaidliberia.org 24 E. Church Street Cartersville, Georgia 30120

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From PASSION to PURPOSE

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Northwest Georgia GIVING

Northwest Georgia boasts many regional attractions made possible by the gift of philanthropy. Here are five local gifts that keep on giving.

1

Booth Western Art Museum 501 Museum Drive Cartersville (770) 387-1300 boothmuseum.org

The Booth Western Art Museum was started by a family who call Cartersville home and have been Western art collectors for many years. It was their wish to share their art with the community, particularly young people who might not otherwise be exposed to art. The Museum was named for Sam Booth, a good friend and mentor to the founders of the Museum.

Today, the fabulous Booth Western Art Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a 120,000-square-foot museum that tells America’s story through contemporary Western artwork, presidential portraits and letters, Civil War art, more than 200 Native American artifacts, and so much more. It is the second largest art museum in the state and houses the largest permanent

exhibition space for Western art in the country.

The Booth’s permanent collection covers more than a dozen galleries, showcasing legendary artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles Russell to contemporary masters Howard Terpning and Andy Warhol.

Unique to the Booth, the Millar Presidential Gallery displays a portrait and original hand-signed letter from each U.S. President, George Washington through Donald Trump. Supplementing the permanent collection are several temporary galleries.

The Museum operates under Georgia Museums, Inc., which also includes Tellus Science Museum, Bartow History Museum and, coming soon, Savoy Automobile Museum.

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2 Finster’s Paradise Garden 200 N Lewis Street Summerville (706) 808-0800 paradisegardenfoundation.org World-renowned folk artist and Baptist Minister, Howard Finster, began creating Paradise Garden in 1951, though fame didn’t find him until 1975, when an Atlanta television station ran a story that got a lot of attention. Esquire magazine dubbed his museum, a “Paradise Garden.” He made his first exhibition appearance in 1976 and painted four paintings for the Library of Congress in 1977. He was also selected to be part of the Venice Biennale in 1984.

Finster gained momentum after his work with the rock band R.E.M., who filmed the video for the group’s debut single “Radio Free Europe” in Finster’s Paradise Garden in 1983. Lead singer, Michael Stipe 28

Northwest Georgia GIVING

and Finster collaborated on a painting for the cover of their second album titled, “Reckoning.”

The garden features a selection of Finster’s outsider art—sculpture and paintings—drawing tourists from around the world. Concrete structures feature bits and pieces Finster saved from a junk yard. Walkways are embellished with ceramic shards, marbles, tools, and other oddities.

His outdoor art projects fell into disrepair two decades ago before a small group of art lovers and students began fundraising to save Paradise Garden.

They created a gallery and established a Bed and Breakfast facility on the premises to generate perpetual income. Today, the attraction welcomes thousands of visitors. The annual folk art festival, Finster Fest, showcases an array of gifted folk artists including Missionary Mary Proctor, Peter Loose, Deb “Miz Thang” Garner, and Jim Shores.

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The flooring industry started it all.

S T A R T.

Le-Glue inventor Tripp Phillips, winner of the 2018 PitchDIA competition

Dalton is a vibrant community with a history of ingenuity that’s experiencing a renaissance - as a place to work, live, and build a life. Powered by a dynamic economy and fueled by engaged citizens, Dalton offers exceptional opportunitites to thrive in a diverse, welcoming community.

Community here is more than just place - it’s the people who connect and collaborate in the spirit of enriching every aspect of life in Dalton.

D R E A M.

Off the Rails Summer Music Series at Burr Performing Arts Park Downtown

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3 Burr Performing Arts Park 101 S Hamilton Street Dalton (706) 278-3332 Facebook: @BurrPark Jeanne Burr was in her nineties when she and her son, Jeff, scheduled a meeting at the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia to discuss her desire “to do something big for the community she loved so dearly.”

After that 2016 discussion, the staff proposed building a performing arts park in Downtown Dalton.

“That’s how it started — with a charitable inclination and an idea,” remembers David Aft, President of the Foundation and personal friend to the late, Jeanne Burr. “We opened Burr Performing Arts Park in the spring of 2018 at the site of the old Lee Printing building.”

Burr’s vision was that the park bearing her name would be a place the people of Dalton and the surrounding areas 30

Northwest Georgia GIVING

could come together and celebrate community, friendship and, most of all, the performing arts.

“Mom was looking for a project that would change things,” Jeff Burr says. “She didn’t just want to write a check and walk away, she wanted this to be something special — a legacy of sorts.”

Burr took an active role in the grand opening of the park.

She sat under a tent canopy and welcomed visitors. Young and old stepped under the canopy to formally thank Burr for her generaous gift to the city.

Since then, Burr Park has become the hub of Downtown Dalton, hosting thousands with its performances and atmosphere.

The Foundation is currently working with the City of Dalton to build bathrooms and a concession area for the park.

“The park is exactly what Jeanne Burr had in mind,” said Aft. “It’s just one example of how we can help philanthropists turn their dreams into realities.”

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RECYCLING for good

DARYL ROBERTS and service abroad

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4 Lula Lake Land Trust 5000 Lula Lake Rd Lookout Mountain ​(706) 820-0520 lulalake.org The Lula Lake Land Trust was established by the will of Robert M. Davenport in January of 1994 to protect and preserve the natural beauty and abundant resources within the Rock Creek watershed for present and future generations.

In 1958, Davenport began to acquire pieces of property that would later form the core of the land trust project.

These original acquisitions included two exquisite natural features — Lula Lake and Lula Falls.

Mining, clear-cut timber harvests, garbage dumping and 32

Northwest Georgia GIVING

unrestricted public access had left much of the surrounding land denuded of its beauty and apparent value, giving Davenport the opportunity to quietly amass several hundred acres throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Once closed to public access in the early 1980s, he began rejuvenating the land by cleaning up the dump sites and replanting timbered areas.

Davenport was passionate about long-term goals for Lula Lake, such as preserving the property and conducting biological inventories to identify any rare or unique plants and animals. By the time of his death in 1994, Davenport had acquired over 1,200 acres surrounding Lula Lake.

Since then, the Land Trust has increased protection within the watershed to over 8,000 acres.

Admission to the property is limited. Visit the website to schedule a hiking adventure to the glorious falls.

5 Harris Arts Center 212 S Wall Street Calhoun (706) 629-2599 harrisartscenter.com In 1997, the Calhoun Gordon Arts Council undertook the daunting task of renovating Downtown Calhoun’s old Rooker Hotel, circa 1935, which had become a vacant eyesore.The project had three goals: • To save the Rooker, a building with historical significance and beauty; • To provide both a permanent home for the Arts Council and a community center dedicated to the arts; and • To reignite interest in saving, preserving, and

investing in downtown Calhoun.

Overwhelming support from local businesses and corporations, coupled with generous donations from individuals, the Harris Foundation, and the Ratner Foundation, made the dream a reality.

In January 2000, the 10,000-square-foot Harris Arts Center opened, including a visual arts gallery, dance studio, art studio, classrooms, music practice rooms, and the Roland Hayes Museum on the main floor.

In 2004, a 200-seat theater, additional offices and restrooms, an elevator, two galleries, and a lobby were added. Supporters raised over $2 million for these projects.

Today, HAC is a showpiece in Downtown Calhoun and hosts an eclectic collection of art as well as several community events including the annual Festival of Trees and the String Band Festival and Fiddlers Convention.

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Touch the

FUTURE

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Northwest Georgia GIVING

We promote philanthropy throughout the region and beyond. Charity is not just what we do, it’s who we are.