ATLANTA, March 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Beloved Benefit raised more than $5 million, while shining a spotlight on the ongoing revitalization of Atlanta's historic Westside. With all event costs underwritten by the Chick-fil-A Foundation and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, funds raised will directly benefit nonprofits serving the Westside community and its legacy residents.
More than 2,000 Atlantans gathered to cultivate sustainable change on the city's westside at the inaugural Beloved Benefit at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Atlanta.
Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy, honorary co-chair of the Beloved Benefit, welcomes Rabbi Peter Berg to the stage for the invocation during the event on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Rev. Bernice King delivers a monologue about her father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his vision of the Beloved Community at the inaugural Beloved Benefit at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Atlanta.
British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé performed her song, "Hope," inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the inaugural Beloved Benefit at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Atlanta.
Westside students from Hollis Academy share their dreams during a powerful performance by Emeli Sandé at the inaugural Beloved Benefit at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in Atlanta.
The March 21 event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was inspired by the idea of the Beloved Community – to love, respect and trust each other without bias – preached by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 2,000 Atlantans gathered together to cultivate sustainable change and shape Atlanta's legacy as a city committed to creating a community free of poverty, hunger and homelessness.
"Dr. King gave us a powerful idea many years ago when he spoke of the Beloved Community. It is a place that makes the needs of others become our needs, too. It is an idea that love can bring miracles in the hearts of all people," said Dan Cathy, chairman and CEO, Chick-fil-A. "We are inspired to see the fulfillment of Dr. King's vision. There is a lot of great work going on in our city, but our passion here is focused on the fulfillment of the Beloved Community and that work begins for me in Atlanta's historic Westside. This inaugural event is a new Atlanta tradition to celebrate Dr. King's ideas and ideals."
Speakers, presenters and performers included Dr. King’s daughter, Rev. Bernice A. King; comedians Steve Harvey and Jeff Foxworthy; elected officials Congressman John Lewis and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms; faith leaders Rabbi Peter Berg and Justin Giboney; athletes Darlington Nagbe and Maya Moore; gospel singers Casey J and Crystal Nicole; business leaders Steve Cannon and Dan Cathy. The star-studded entertainers included Grammy-winning recording artist Bruno Mars, as well as British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé, who performed "Hope," her stunning song about Dr. King.
The benefit honored local nonprofits who are working, volunteering, building and creating new opportunities on Atlanta's Westside. Benefit proceeds were given to the following beneficiaries:
The At-Promise Youth and Community Center
City of Refuge
Grove Park Foundation
The Westside Future Fund
Westside Works
In addition, event presenters announced recipients for 10 Community Beacon Awards. Presented by the SunTrust Foundation, the following award recipients are grassroots, nonprofit organizations that are working across Westside communities:
The Atlanta Music Project
Antioch Urban Ministries, Inc.
Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Beloved Atlanta
Good Samaritan Health Center
L.E.A.D.
Quest Community Housing
Raising Expectations
Veterans Empowerment Organization
West Atlanta Watershed Alliance
"Across the Blank Family of Businesses, we embody six core values, including putting people first. This benefit has allowed diverse members of our community to come together to support and honor those in Atlanta's historic Westside," said Steve Cannon, CEO, AMB Group. "Our goal is to heighten awareness for the beloved Atlanta community and continue to work together to positively impact their lives."
Additional event sponsors included The Home Depot Foundation, Georgia Power, Peach Bowl, Inc., WestRock Foundation, AT&T Communications, Choate Construction Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Sunkist, Kaiser Permanente and UPS.
About the Beloved Benefit Based on the idea of the Beloved Community amplified by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Beloved Benefit was born out of respect for inclusivity and collaboration of all Atlantans. The annual event brings business leaders, nonprofits and community members to the table, side-by-side, for the opportunity to not only learn about each other, but also build a foundation for future work together. The Beloved Benefit at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is representative of Atlanta, with musical acts, food and performances that highlight the city's vibrancy and diversity. More information about the Beloved Benefit is available at www.belovedbenefit.org.
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