Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team will be fundraising for World Central Kitchen (WCK) during Atlanta Market with the debut of its “Party with a Purpose” on Tuesday, January 14 at AmericasMart Atlanta. Tickets for the fundraising event, which runs from 6-8 PM in the Currey & Company showroom (Building 1, Floor 1, Suite L3), are available here
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our industry and partners,” said Ivystone Group’s Russ Jones, Chair of Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team. “The success of our High Point events, which raised over $47,000 in 2024, demonstrates the power of coming together to support a global cause. We’re excited to continue that momentum at Atlanta Market, when we unite again to support WCK’s important work feeding communities impacted by crisis.”
The Home vs Hunger “Party with a Purpose” event will feature wine, beer, and delicious bites, generously provided by Currey & Company, with all proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen’s hunger relief efforts. A minimum donation of $20 per person is requested for entry, with tickets available for purchase in advance through www.giftforlife.org/donate or at the door on Thursday, January 14.
“We are building on the remarkable success of Home vs Hunger in High Point to continue to raise funds for hunger relief,” said Sarah Mount, Chair of Gift for Life. “The Atlanta event offers a chance to expand our reach and make an even greater impact. We invite the industry to join us for an evening of fun and fundraising.”
Home vs Hunger has raised over $100,000 for World Central Kitchen since its inception at the Fall 2022 High Point Market. This includes significant funds raised to support disaster relief efforts following earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023, and more recently damaging hurricanes in Asheville, N.C., and Tampa, Fla. With a goal of raising $20,000 or more at the Atlanta event, Gift for Life hopes to continue its tradition of helping feed those in need, while providing attendees with a memorable evening of giving back.
Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team members include Chris Amos, ANDMORE; Mark Furlet, ANDMORE; Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Christie Schellenbach, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment, and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s COVID-related hunger relief. Since that time, Gift for Life has led gift and home industry efforts to fund the provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for AIDS Walk NY which benefits GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and advocacy programs. More information is available here
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines in providing fresh meals in response to crises while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team immediately mobilizes to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more here
