Beacham agents support community through numerous charities

Beacham & Company agents are consistently involved in community events, charities, schools, churches and other civic organizations. While it is not uncommon for Realtors to participate in charitable activities in the community they serve, it is rare that a firm of Beacham’s size is as involved in so many charities – more than 100 in fact.

To see a complete list of the philanthropies and civic organizations that Beacham agents support, click here: http://beacham.com/company/philanthropy.php.

Below we highlight a small sampling of the charities our agents support.  If you would like more information or to know how you can get involved with that charity, just click on the agent’s name to go to their agent bio and email them for more information.

Agent Team: Kristen Sodemann & Ruth Skogstad 

Organization(s): Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta

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The Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are two of the city’s most celebrated charities. Both organizations have put Atlanta on the map in the realm of children’s medical care and offering a safe haven for families who need a fresh start. Without the selfless commitment of all of the Atlanta volunteers and donors, the success of both would be impossible. To support these two charities, Ruth and Kristen participate in local fashion shows, sponsor tennis tournaments and Brookhaven social favorites such as “Brookhaven Dines In” and the “Brookhaven Tour of Homes.”  

Agent: Erin Yabroudy 

Organization(s): Ronald McDonald House

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Erin Yabroudy is also an active volunteer for The Ronald McDonald House of Atlanta. Since the Ronald McDonald House opened its Atlanta doors in 1979, the charity has hosted more than 40,000 families. For five years and counting, volunteers have come together to host Atlanta Dines In, an event directly benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Atlanta. Chefs from some of Atlanta’s top restaurants enter the homes of charitable Atlantans to prepare and serve up gourmet cuisines. This year, Erin Yabroudy was among those opening her home for the event. Featuring a meal prepared by Rosebud in Morningside, her participation contributed to the event’s success.

Agent: Kim Foley

Organization: Habitat for Humanity

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Habitat for Humanity is known worldwide for putting a roof over the heads of those who are less fortunate. The organization “believes that every man deserves a decent, safe and affordable place to live.” With the help of volunteers like Kim Foley, the charity has been repairing and constructing homes all over the world.

“One of the best experiences as a real estate professional is the joy I share with my clients when they receive the keys to their new home.  Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Atlanta has given me an even greater appreciation for sharing that joy with others who thought owning a home would never be possible. ” – Kim Foley 

Agent : Denise Miller

Organization: Winship Cancer Center

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Winship Cancer Institute of Emory  is an organization dedicated to cancer research. Friends of Winship is a volunteer organization that formed in June 2010. Their stated mission is “to build community understanding and awareness about Winship Cancer Institute, while raising financial and human resources.” Each year the group organizes several fundraising events  including “Fashion for a Cure,” a fashion show held at the Piedmont Driving Club to raise money to fight cancers that affect women. Beacham agent and cancer survivor Denise Miller participated in the event last year as a model. Several local boutiques donated their services to help dress the models who were cancer survivors or had a member of their family affected by cancer.

Agent: Ross Kotkin 

Organization: Member of the High Museum’s Circle Salon 

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The High Museum of Art is an Atlanta staple. Some of the most impressive exhibits in the world have graced its walls including the works of Picasso and Warhol. Many Atlantans support the museum by becoming a member on one of four different levels. Since he moved to Atlanta from Miami, Ross Kotkin has been an active member of the High Museum of Art’s Circle Salon, one of the highest levels of membership offered. While he enjoys several advantages of being a circle member, he has also been involved in setting up several exhibits, most recently the Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting. His participation earned him a feature article in the High Museum Magazine.

 

Agent: Anne Powers 

Organization: Forward Arts Fountain 

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The Forward Arts Foundation was created in 1965 as a non-profit organization by 12 community-minded Atlanta women who were dedicated to supporting visual arts in Atlanta.  They selected as their home the carriage house of the Edward Inman estate (Swan House) located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center where today’s 185 Forward Arts members manage the Swan Coach House restaurant, gift shop, art gallery and two major fundraising events.  One of these fundraising events is the Saks Fifth Avenue/Forward Arts Foundation Fashion Show and Luncheon which will be held again this year at the St. Regis Hotel on December 16.  Beacham’s Anne Powers will be co-chairing the 2013 fashion show with Sarah Kennedy, both active members of the organization.   Anne Cox Chambers will be the honorary chairperson and Beacham & Company, Realtors will be a corporate sponsor.  Among the past beneficiaries are the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the High Museum of Art, the Michael Carlos Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Agent: Neno Schildgen 

Organization: Shepherd Spinal Center 

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The Shepherd Center is a private, nonprofit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries. The 152-bed facility believes in taking a team approach to treatment. “We understand that patients are going through more than just recovery from an injury; they are learning a new way of life,” according to the Shepherd website. To raise money for Shepherd, Beacham’s very spunky Neno Schildgen recently participated in a trap shooting competition that raised nearly $2,000 for the Shepherd Center.

 

Agent: Ashley Czeschin

Organization: Chastain Horse Park

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Chastain Park is one of Atlanta’s most desirable areas because of its numerous recreational amenities all situated in the heart of Buckhead. This public park operated by the City of Atlanta offers swimming, tennis, walking trails and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts. The area is also home to  Chastain Horse Park, which offers lessons for riders of all shapes, sizes and skill levels. The horse park also offers a program for children with special needs. An experienced rider, Ashley Czeschin volunteers her services, helping these children saddle and clean the horses, as well as teaches them proper posture for riding. The program is certified by PATH and the goal is to teach the children patience and responsibility.

Agent: Jennifer Moyers

Organization: YMCA Camp High Harbour

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Camp High Harbour, which is affiliated with the YMCA, is located on Lake Burton near the town of Clayton in northeast Georgia. With premier programs and a scenic setting, the overnight camp has become one of the top in the southeast. Jennifer Moyers has served on the camp’s board of directors and lends her money and time to allow children who are less fortunate to attend.

 

 

Agent: Cindy Smith

Organization: Street Grace

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“I’ve been a supporter and volunteer for an organization known as Street Grace for the past four years. The purpose of this group is to help end sexual exploitation/trafficking of minor children in metro Atlanta, which unfortunately has one of the worst rates of trafficking in the United States. Street Grace has been instrumental in creating awareness as well as educating the public and law enforcement as it exposes the issue and continues to be effective in helping change our current laws to protect these at risk children. 

Over time, it has been amazing to join similar organizations on Lobby Day at our state capitol when hundreds of volunteers have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers – at times on a one-to-one basis to help them understand the need for swift action.” – Cindy Smith 

Agent: Lauren Zgutowicz

Organization: Visiting Nurse’s

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Visiting Nurse Health System is Georgia’s largest nonprofit provider of healthcare at home. The organization understands that when a loved one is in the recovery process, finding the right care can be a daunting task. Visiting Nurse is dedicated to finding the most compassionate caregivers who always go the extra mile for patients and their families. Their reputation is outstanding; they have the most advanced technology and well-educated caregivers, offering services that include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, remote monitoring and a unique HouseCall program. Their long-term care helps senior adults and the disabled live safely and comfortable in their homes.

This year, Lauren Zgutowicz is on the host committee for Visiting Nurse’s annual gala, “In the Moment- A Celebration of Life.” The gala on September 28th will include a cocktail reception, dinner and a live silent auction.  Last year, Visiting Nurse provided $5 million in services to care for underinsured patients and 80% of the care provided was from donor support.  Please help Lauren support this wonderful cause!

Agent: Gwynie Dennard

Organization: Atlanta Humane Society, Skyland Trail and LaAmistad 

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New addition Gwynie Denard not only comes to Beacham with a wealth of knowledge about real estate, she’s also actively involved in several local charities. She is on the advisory board of both the Atlanta Humane Society, a no-kill shelter in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood. The shelter places approximately 8,000 animals each year.

Another charity she supports is Skyland Trail, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing long term care for recovering patients of mental illness. Charles B. West, the founder of the organization, recognized that while plenty of facilities were dedicated to the hospitalization of those with acute mental illness, there was a void when it came to a place that would help patients gather the skills they needed to reintegrate back into the community. Skyland Trail does that by recognizing the fact that recovery is possible – something that most people don’t realize.

Lastly, Gwynie is involved in LaAmistad an organization that “supports Latino and other first-generation students and their families through tutoring, mentoring, and programming that promotes academic, physical and personal growth.” Dennard volunteers at their Atlanta center with first graders.

Agent: Lauren Head 

Organization: The Chastain Society, Chastain Park Conservancy

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Lauren Head isn’t afraid to blaze a trail. Along with the help of a few others, Lauren founded The Chastain Society, a group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the efforts of The Chastain Park Conservancy and introducing other young professionals to the varied programs and works of the cconservancy.  Initially, the society formalized the structure of the organization. Now, through volunteer activities, social events and networking opportunities, the society assists in cultivating the next generation of leaders committed to the Chastain Park Conservancy and its mission to preserve,enhance, maintain and improve to the Park.

The firm itself is also involved in many local charities, but one of the company’s primary philanthropies is the Genesis Shelter, an Atlanta nonprofit committed to changing the lives of families in need. It is the organization’s mission is to “provide a supportive environment that enables homeless newborns and their families to achieve positive life outcomes for this generation and those to come.” The nonprofit started in 1994 when Rabbi Alvin Sugarman and Rev. Joanna Adams recognized that not every woman is lucky enough to experience the excitement of bringing their newborn home for the first time. For many women leaving the hospital, home is either the streets or their cars. Sugarman and Adams brought together a coalition of faith based organizations to address this issue and the Genesis Shelter was born (click here to see a list of organizations involved).

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Here is a photograph of several Beacham & Company agents and staff members at the unveiling of the shelter’s new and improved common area. The firm raised more than $18,000 for the endeavor, including a major donation from Beacham agent Ginger Scott.  With the help of talented interior designer, Laura Green, owner of L. Green Studios,  the room – where so many Genesis Shelter families spend most of their time at the shelter – was given a refreshing facelift. Not only did Beacham agents donate to the cause, they were hands on throughout the entire project.

To read a previous post about Beacham & Company’s involvement with the Genesis Shelter, click here! 

For more information on how to get involved in the Genesis Shelter, click here.