MESSAGE from our Founder & Executive Director
Dear All,
On behalf of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc., Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, a heartfelt “Thank You” is extended to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and all who helped make the Foundation a guiding light and respected foundation in Cobb County.
Since its inception in 2021, our goal has been to serve as an advocate for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and its community engagement efforts, supporting education, health, social service, safety, and other charitable causes. These efforts are aimed specifically at the Cobb County Citizens and agency personnel. In coordination with the Sheriff’s Office, sustained support is provided through donations, sponsors, partnerships, and fundraising events.
THE FOUNDATION’S PILLARS EMBRACING THE COMMUNITY
Building positive relationships by supporting events and initiatives that will positively make a difference in the Cobb communities.
Our dedication and commitment truly reflect our thoughtfulness, care, and compassion for the community and the agency. Through our funds, Greatest Need and Care and Compassion, we have stayed true to our vision and made a positive impact not only for individuals but for communities as well.
Again, thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate or those who just need an extended hand when faced with adversity or hardship. We trust that you share our mission and vision and will support our future initiatives and events. Your support is appreciated and invaluable.
Sincerely,
ROBERT G. HALEY Founder & Executive Director
EMBODYING THE MISSION
Serving our community one community member at a time. ENGAGING THE TEAM
Fostering stronger relationships between the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the communities it serves.
“Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential. – Unknown
BOARD OF DIRECTORS2023
We appreciate our 2023 Board of Directors, which is made up of business and philanthropic leaders from the greater Cobb County area. They were brought together because of their common belief in our mission to collaborate with other organizations and support our community and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.
Mitch Rhoden (Chair) – President & CEO, Futren Hospitality
Frank Wigington (Vice Chair) – President, Frank Wigington Landscaping Company, Inc.
J. Dan Oliver (Treasurer) – Chairman & CEO, Vinings Bank, Retired
Ravi Puri (Secretary) – Chief Portfolio Officer, Americas Capgemini
Governor Roy E. Barnes – Senior Partner, The Barnes Law Group, LLC.
Eddy Benoit, Jr. – Chairman & CEO, The Benoit Group
Phyllis G. Collins – Attorney, Phyllis Law
George “Buddy” Darden – Former United States Representative and Senior Attorney at Pope McGlamry
Reverend Edwina Graham – Associate Pastor, Turner Chapel AME
Kim Gresh – Owner & President, S.A. White Oil Company
Beverly McAfee (deceased)
Chesley McNeil – Meteorologist, WXIA 11 Alive
Colin Meaders – Principal, Meadco Contractor Services
Tod Miller – Owner & President, JRM Management Services, Inc.
Pam Younker – Community Development Officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
“I am honored to serve as a Board Member for the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. Our Board takes its responsibilities seriously, striving to listen attentively, discuss thoroughly, and serve with wisdom.”
– Pam Godfrey Younker — Board Member, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc., Community Development Officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. (CSF) was formed in mid-2021 by volunteers and community leaders. It is a non-profit corporation and shall operate exclusively for agency personnel and the citizens of Cobb County via community engagement and charitable collaboration within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
Recognizing that effective law enforcement is the cornerstone of a free and safe society, the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. is committed to a vision that encompasses quality, integrity, and accountability. The business community and philanthropic leaders serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors will lead efforts in providing support and collaborating with other organizations to assist the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.
VISION
Provide sustained support through private donations, partnerships, and public events to improve the quality of life for agency personnel, underserved communities, and socially disadvantaged citizens.
MISSION
To serve as an advocate for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and its community engagement efforts by supporting education, health, social service, safety, and other charitable causes.
OUR GOALS
To improve the quality of life for the Cobb communities through sustained support and initiatives that are reinforced by partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteers. We aim to provide helpful resources for the citizens and agency personnel and establish a presence through signature community programs for youth and young adults.
TIMELINE
APRIL 2021 Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. Established
MAY 2021 - Care & Compassion Fund, Fallen Personnel Fund, Citizens Fund, and Community Engagement Fund Established
JULY 2021 Inaugural Annual Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation Golf Classic
OCTOBER 2022 — Inaugural Annual
Latino Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
SEPTEMBER 2022 — Fallen
Personnel Fund Supports Fallen Cobb County Sheriff’s Deputies’ Families
DECEMBER 2022 — Inaugural Annual Santa on Wheels Event
AUGUST 2023 Care, Compassion and Fallen Fund & Greatest Need Fund Established
SEPTEMBER 2023 — Special
Memorial Tribute Honoring the Fallen Deputies
MAY 2024 Named 2024 Honoree
Organization by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia
Care, Compassion, and Fallen Fund
Introduced in 2023, the Care, Compassion, and Fallen Fund ensures that our agency personnel, civilian or sworn, full or part-time, and their families receive the assistance and/or recognition they deserve. The success of the Fund hinges on the support and generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community. No contribution is too small; every contribution makes an impact on the lives of those who selflessly protect and serve. The Fund is built on three pillars of support that include:
• Financial Assistance: Provides aid in times of crisis, including hardship or death in the line of duty.
• Family Guidance and Counseling: Provides applicable services and support to assist during extenuating and difficult times.
• Excellence and Dedication: Recognizes and awards those who go the extra mile to achieve excellence.
On September 8, 2022, Deputies Marshall Ervin, Jr. and Jonathan Koleski were fatally killed in an ambush-style attack while on duty in Cobb County. Koleski, a U.S. Army veteran, had served since 2007, while Ervin, Jr. had been with the sheriff’s office since 2012. The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation was immediately summoned, and it was publicly announced that all donations would be directed through the Foundation. Over the next several months, corporations, businesses, Individuals, faith-based, foundations, trusts, funds, committees, and government responded generously to support the widows and families of the Deputies. The support provided was monetary, financial advisors, legal assistance, and mortgage assistance. A year later, in September 2023, a memorial tribute and mural were created in their honor at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center – Staff Dining Hall, providing a space to reflect and remember the lives lost.
IN LOVING MEMORY
We are honored to support and pay tribute to the fallen Deputies Marshall S. Ervin, Jr. and Jonathan R. Koleski with a memorial tribute and mural at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center - Staff Dining Hall. SCAN QR code to view more Impact
Marshall S. Ervin, Jr. Jonathan R. Koleski
OF DEPUTIES
Greatest Need Fund
The Greatest Need Fund is a beacon of hope in Cobb County. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Cobb County citizens and supporting transformative initiatives such as the Annual Cookout with the Sheriff, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, and Santa on Wheels. The Fund fosters positive change and empowers our Cobb Communities by focusing on:
• Quality of Life - Focuses on upgrading the agency, supporting well-being, and encouraging an inclusive environment.
• Transformative Initiatives - Addresses critical issues of these challenging times: poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, health issues, foster care, bullying, and gang violence.
• Education, Enrichment, and Empowerment through Giving - Assists the transformative movement and embrace the spirit of giving, fueling lasting impact and a thriving tomorrow for the Cobb communities.
Our Greatest Need Fund allows the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc., (CSF) to support citizens in various circumstances and needs throughout the Cobb community. Members of the CCSO Domestic Violence Unit were called to a residence to serve a TPO. The team began searching for a safe place for the young woman and child to stay for the night, but none of the local shelters were available. The deputy made contact with the CCSO Community Engagement Unit and, with the assistance of CSF, a temporary stay was found at a hotel for her and her child until adequate accommodations were located.
GREATEST NEEDFUND
INITIATIVES2022 & 2023
Approach to Supporting The Community: Initiatives & Outcomes
Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation Inc. shall always operate on a nonprofit basis for the mutual benefit of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the community. The following will always be the primary factors for support: (1) Protect the Brand; (2) Provide resources and support for a justified need, foster care and/or compassion; and (3) Practice risk aversion.
We strive to connect with citizens and support the pressing issues of the area. Through generous donors and volunteers, we create a positive impact for our Cobb communities, including:
• Cobb Elementary Schools’ End-of-Year Events
• Cobb Homeless Citizens
• Human Trafficking Forum
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Life University – Black History Month
• Relay for Life
• The Sheriff’s Cup Anti-Gang Football Invitational
• Women’s History Week
• Benson Manor Housing for the Elderly
• Bullock House
• Calvary Children’s Home
• Center for Children & Young Adults
• GiGi’s House
• Sheltering Grace Ministry
• The Police Athletic League
Sponsored two community engagement initiatives for 3,000 citizens in minority communities.
Provided funding for backto-school activities for 4 middle schools.
The Care, Compassion, Fallen Fund provided financial assistance in times of hardship to 20 deputies and four civilian personnel in the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.
Sponsored four community initiatives to address community concerns, such as human trafficking, homelessness, hunger, gang violence, domestic violence, and bullying.
Provided funding for four elementary schools and one middle school for end-ofyear activities.
The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. spread the word about the importance of supporting the LESS Crime Tax Credit | SB361. Under the new legislation {O.C.G.A. § 48-7-29.25) with the LESS Crime Tax Credit | SB36, Georgia taxpayers can now claim tax credits for supporting local public safety efforts by contributing to qualified law enforcement foundations.
The Greatest Need Fund sponsored the 2nd Annual Santa on Wheels and delivered toys and goodwill to 3,000 kids in five minority neighborhoods.
Sponsored the festive 2nd Annual Latino Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Care, Compassion, Fallen Fund provided funding to send a cohort from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office to travel to Washington, D.C. to observe the Memorial Day remembrance of the fallen CCSO Deputies.
IMPACTCOMMUNITY
Annual Golf Classic
Our biggest event of the year is our Annual Golf Classic. Proceeds through sponsorships, generous donations, external grants, and partnerships for this event are used specifically to support the two funds of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. Through generous and continued support to our Annual Golf Classic, the Foundation had twenty-six teams of golfers and dedicated volunteers at the Marietta Country Club playing in support of these causes. On behalf of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. and Board of Directors, thank you for your support and trust this dedication will continue for years to come.
“Since the year of formation, the Foundation has instituted a capable board and implemented governance policies, financial reporting procedures, and internal controls. These and other accomplishments have created donor confidence to enable the organization to raise funds to accomplish its mission. This is a model of how to start a nonprofit capable of very quickly making a difference in the
Benoit Group
Dedicated Relaxation Space to Enhance Employee Mental Health and Well-being
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office opened its first-ever Relaxation Room inside the Adult Detention Center, generously sponsored by the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. This initiative is in response to the mental health challenges and the elevated risk of suicides surrounding law enforcement professionals.
“In serving the people of Cobb County, we must make sure our employees are happy, healthy, and thriving.”
– Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens
Hispanic Heritage Celebration and Cultural Enrichment
The 2nd Annual Latino Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated the citizens of Cobb County and support the Latino communities’ histories, cultures and contributions of American Citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America.
To strengthen the relationships between Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Cobb’s Latino communities, the Annual Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Cookout was hosted by the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc.
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Unveils GED Training Center, Empowering Detainees with Education Opportunities
The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. provided funding to the Sheriff’s Office for a GED (General Educational Development) Training Center within its Adult Detention Center. Detainees will have access to computers and onsite testing, making educational opportunities more accessible. The center is a part of The ReAlign ReStart Program, established in July 2022; the GED initiative addresses the pressing need for detainees to acquire employable skills, enhancing their prospects for successful reintegration into the workforce upon release.
The 2nd Annual Santa on Wheels
The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc., and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office brought holiday cheer to underserved families with the annual Santa on Wheels event, also known as Santa Sobre Ruedas. This initiative, provided toys to over 3,000 children in neighborhoods whose households were facing financial challenges during the holidays.
DONORS &VOLUNTEERS2023
Corporations & Businesses
24/7 Fly Free Bail Bonds
A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds
A 24 Hour Bail Bonding Co.
A. Montag & Associates
Abbott & Abbott, PC
AMB Group, LLC
America Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Post 29
Anytime Bail Bonding, Inc.
AXON
Barnes Law Group
Barrow Enterprises, Inc.
Black Creek Integrated Systems Corp.
Black Galaxy Granite & Marble
Bond, James Bond, Inc.
Carnicera Mi Pueblo, Inc.
Carniceria LA Mexicana
Charityvest, Inc.
Chesley Brown
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Individuals
Gary & Deborah Beasley
Elizabeth Bennett
Wayne & Pamela Blankenberry
Sheri Bodie
Ronald Bombolls
Garry Bridgeman
Pastor Jerry Brooks
Steven & Jean Brozek
Judith Bullard
Kathleen Burke
Gail Cody
Eugene Crouch
George “Buddy” Darden
Charles & Priscilla Davis
Kimberly Distel
Steven & Patricia Gaynor
Children’s Hospital
Comprehensive Program Services
DeLUX
Dorchester Management
Dupree, Kimbrough Carl, LLP
East Cobb Lions Club, Inc.
Event Coordinators, Inc.
Exactuals, LLC
Fechheimer
Fore Properties & Investments
Frank Wigington Landscape, Inc.
Free At Last Bail Bonds
Futren Hospitality
Georgia FOP
Global Tel Link
Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc.
Gueros Taquerias, LLC
Handley Insurance, Inc.
Holloway Law Group
Hook Line & Schooner, Vinings
Hotlanta Bonding Company
IBEW Local Union 613
Indian Hills Country Club, Inc.
Inmate Calling Solutions, Inc.
Joan Poster VMD
Joel Pugh Associates, LLC
JRM Management Service, Inc.
Justi Wyatt, PC
La Salasa Restaurant, LLC
Land Green Services, LLC
Las Tortas Locas #7, Inc.
Law Offices Matthew Hines
Leija Construction Group, Inc.
LEJ Sports Group, LLC
LGE Community Credit Union
Lorusso Law Firm, PC
Margom, Inc.
Marietta Daily Journal
Matthew Enslein, PC
Mauldin & Jenkins
Phyllis Gingrey Collins
Gary Greenwood
David & Helen Gustafson
Lawrence Heap
Bill Henslee
Carolyn Herrington
Bill & Gail Holloway
Edward Hughes
Billy Hutson
Harold King
Alaina Kusek
Thomas & Tonya Kusek
Matt Long
Sabra Longshore
Patrick & Kimberly Lupsha
Billy & Brenda Martin
Patricia Martinez
Marianne McDermott
Dan Mclarty
Chesley McNeil
Colin Meaders
Richard Milton
Robert & Marilyn Mintz
Kristin Moody
Kelvin Norris
Noreen Oconnor
Juan Odir Gonzalez
Alan & Barbara Patterson
James Petrie, Jr
James Pizzolato
Judge Roger Plichta
William & Cheryl Poll
MI Casita, LLC
Mission 500, Inc.
Mopdog Creative + Strategy
NetFlix
North Georgia State Fair
Oasis, Inc.
Overland Films, Inc.
Pacific Entertainment
PGA Tour Superstore
Pinnacle
Poole’s Pharmacy, Inc
Raising Help, LLC
Regal Studio, Inc.
Rem Bennet
Rotary Club of North Cobb
SA White Oil Company, Inc.
San Lucas Hiram
Scenic Charters, Inc.
Ser Familia, Inc.
Southeast Scientific
Spring-U
Step Realty, Inc.
Strategic Link Consulting, LP
Summit
Super Mercado Jalisco
Super Mercado Jalisco #3
Super Mercado Talpa #3, Inc.
Synovus
T&T Uniforms, Inc.
Taqueria EL Guero
The Benoit Group
Tyler Technologies
Vend Engine, Inc
Vinings Bank
ViaPath
Viva Mexico
VK Automotive, LLC
Waffle House
Wellpath
Winston Wells Plumbing, Inc.
Bradley & Laura Porter
Ravi & Stacy Puri
William Rackley II
Capt. Robert Radloff
James Riggans
Sylvia Robinson
Tamara & Leon Robinson
Mark & Mary Ross
Charles R Shaw III
Angela Smith
Marian Smith
Roger & Nancy Soiset
Jerry & Julie Sorrels
Leilani St. John
Alan Stirling
William & Pamela Subalusky
Thomas Syers
Fatemeh Tabrizi
Donald & Gail
Thomas
Charles & Kimberly Vaughn
Linda Voyles
Chris Waldman
Thomas Walker
Sandra Walther
Keith & Julie Ward
Guy Watkins
Carl & Amanda Weaver
H. Benjamin Williams
Faith Based
Eastside Baptist Church His Hands Reaching
Foundations, Trust, Funds & Committees
Atlanta Braves Foundation
Auther Blank Foundation
Cobb Community Foundation
Cobb County Democratic Committee
Cobb County Republican Committee
Cobb County Republican Women’s Club
Government
California Dept. of Criminal Justice
Cobb County Board of Commissioners
Volunteers
Shana Adams
Brooke Barard
Nancy Barreto
Robin Clements
Carlos Garcia
Trace Godoy
Lolita Gopal
Cobb Police Foundation, Inc.
David Foundation, Inc.
Fidelty Charitable
Hebrew Order Of David Foundation, Inc.
Helping One Guy
J. C. Kennedy Foundation, Inc.
Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Raymond Granell
Leslie Hammond
Kenya Jackson
LaTaurus Johnson
Micheldia Jones
Tony Leija
Kimberly Lucas
Turner Chapel AME Church
Jess Rousey Honoring Heroes Foundation, Inc.
Marietta Rotary Foundation Fund
Patriot Investment Group
Roberts Family Trust
Ruth Du P Lord Charitable Trust
Ser Familia, Inc.
Stephens County Sheriff’s Office State Court of Cobb County
Charles McCord
Claude Page
Salvador Ramirez
Melissa Rounds
TEOTL Foundation, Inc.
US Christian Chaplain Assoc.
The RE-Education of Molly Singer
Walmart Foundation West Cobb Business Assn.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
– Coretta Scott King
FINANCIAL at a Glance 2023
Transparency
At the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc., we are extremely thankful for all of our donors and sponsors. The generosity of individuals and corporate partners in our community has allowed us to follow our mission, vision and goals.
“The Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, Inc. (CSF) has shown to be the beacon of light and cornerstone in its continuing efforts to effectively serve the Cobb community with much needed resources to uplift education, heath, social services and safety. From caring for the widows and children of fallen heroes to providing school supplies to underrepresented neighbors and to investing in drones and other technologies for increasing public safety, CSF stands ready to meet the ever-changing challenges of our community through selfless care and compassion.”
– Ravi Puri - Board Member, Chief Portfolio Officer, Americas Capgemini
