Atlanta Nonprofit Gives Thanks As It Celebrates 10 Years of Enchanting Lives

The Enchanted Closet Commemorates Service to Nearly 5000 Girls With Enchanting Lives, a Formal Gala, Supported By a Diverse Mix of Metropolitan Atlanta's Most Caring and Giving Citizens and Philanthropists
 
DECATUR, Ga. - Dec. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- The Marriott Courtyard in downtown Decatur was the location for Enchanting Lives, an elegant gala presented by the Enchanted Closet to commemorate the organization's 10th Anniversary and service to nearly 5000 girls since 2003. The affair attracted 200 of metropolitan Atlanta’s business leaders, citizens,  philanthropists, and girls and families who have benefitted from the service of the organization. It included awards, live entertainment, picture and video montages reflecting  the 10 years of service to metropolitan Atlanta, and extraordinary culinary delights. Complimentary wine was provided by Birthday Cake Wines.

The nonprofit received a proclamation declaring December 7 as Enchanted Closet Day in the City of Atlanta, and recocgnized some businesses and individuals whose acts of giving have significantly impacted the longevity of the organization. Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and letters from President Barack Obama were presented to the organization's founder, Teresha Freckleton-Petite; the first board director, Jay Tribby, who is now Chief of Staff to the Honorable Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Council Member; and two long time volunteers-Bessie Marks and Leigh Anne Anderson. Other award recipients include: Jan and Lynn Saperstein-The Equinox Group, Philanthropy Award; Ceasar and Kristy Gaiters-Suite 20 Day Spa, Corporate Giving Award; Geri Thomas-Bank of America-State President of Georgia and Atlanta Market President, Individual Giving Award; Phillip Michael Bailey and Marcella Meyer-C-Hearts, LLC; Miss Alabama and Georgia Plus America Pageants, Sponsorship Award; Dr. Eda L. Hochgelerent, Sustained Donor Award; Sandy Springs Library, Community Partner Award; Georgia State University-Office of Civic Engagement, Founder's Award; Kathy Fowler-FEG Entertainment, Media Sponsor Award; V-103/WAOK/CBS Radio, Media Award; and Mandi Jackson-Bella Bridesmaid, Retail Sponsor Award.

The Royal Court of Honorary Hosts and Hostesses included: The Honorable Jim Baskett, Mayor-City of Decatur; The Honorable Wenona Belton, Judge-Fulton County Juvenile Court; The Honorable Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Georgia House of Representatives; The Honorable Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Council Member; The Honorable Ruth Wilson, Clerk of Courts-Rockdale County; The Honorable Derrick Boazman, Community Advocate and Talk Show Host-WAOK/CBS Radio.

Fairy Godmother: Elle Duncan, Celebrity Spokesperson and Mistress of Ceremonies, 11 Alive News Team

Charming Hearts Host Committee:  Emanuel L. Balams, Jr., Owner of Balams Law Group; Mandi Jackson, Owner of Bella Bridesmaid-Atlanta (Buckhead); George Street, CEO of GRS Solutions;  Jay Tribby, Chief of Staff to Kwanza Hall; Shukura and Marlon Millender, Enchanted Closet Board Director; Ceasar and Kristy Gaiters, Owners of Suite 20 Day Spa; and Torrance Hill, CEO of C.T. Hill & Associates.

Entertainment was provided by musician, singer, songwriter, and Grammy-winning producer William "Mr. Jonz" Jones; Spoken word artist and writer Jamel Latimore also notoriously known as "Las4eva", and the acoustic band Chill Affinity featuring Dasie Thames.

Funds raised from the event will help to secure the organization's future programming at its new home in Emory Village. Donations are still being accepted at www.enchantedcloset.org

About the Enchanted Closet

Prior to the formation of the Enchanted Closet in 2003, prom season was a stressful time for many metropolitan Atlanta girls living in low-income families, foster care, and group homes. Families faced very tough decisions as they contemplated what bills they would not pay  to afford their daughters the lifetime experience of going to prom. The  Enchanted Closet, Inc. serves as a valuable resource and has saved families close to $1,000,000. By providing nearly 5000 girls with formal dresses for prom, homecoming, graduation, and other special occasions, families have been able to direct their limited funds to maintaining their households, paying for healthcare, senior and college application fees.

The Enchanted Closet’s GIRL$ Service-Learning Program has aided the development of and enhanced the self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency of more than 400 middle and high school girls at-risk for lower educational attainment, abuse, human trafficking, pregnancy, poor health and other adverse conditions. Through each Enchanted Closet program, a little magic is brought into the lives of the girls we serve.  They see possibilities they never knew and are transformed into “belles of the ball” with increased confidence and self esteem. The impacts are not fully measurable. However, grades have improved, there has been a reduction in high-risk behavior such as sexual activity and drug usage, girls have become more confident and comfortable speaking openly with their parents, they have taken on leadership roles in school, are more focused on a college education, and some have started their own businesses. This reflects the three main goals of the program which are to enhance their self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency. Go to www.enchantedcloset.org to view more information about the Enchanted Closet.

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Enchanted Closet, Inc.
***@enchantedcloset.org
404-221-3498
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Tags:Elle Duncan, Enchanted Closet, Emory Village, Kwanza Hall, Atlanta Nonprofit
Industry:Non-profit
Location:Decatur - Georgia - United States
Subject:Events
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