'This is Home' Gala Raises Funds for Wellroot

Thanks to the generous support of attendees, Wellroot's 2024 'This is Home' gala raised more than $350,000 to help provide safe and loving homes to families and youth in Georgia!
 

Wellroot Family Services (formerly named the United Methodist Children’s Home) hosted its annual fundraising gala at Zoo Atlanta with support from the Liz Blake Giving Fund and co-chairs Cannon Carr and Eddy Benoit Jr. 

The evening began with a lively reception overlooking the Zoo's elephant exhibit on the Tembo Trek. Guests browsed silent auction items benefiting Wellroot’s programs while mingling and enjoying light refreshments. Anticipation grew before the doors opened to the Carlos ballroom in Savana Hall. 

After a spirited opening performance by talented dueling pianists Mark Kovaly and Ty Reynolds, Wellroot’s Board president, Brad MacAfee, welcomed guests, followed by event co-chairs Cannon and Eddie, who thanked the many sponsors that helped make the gala possible.

Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas's moving prayer set the tone for the evening, followed by two powerful mission videos that highlighted Wellroot’s impact.

After a dinner offered by Proof of the Pudding catering, the gala continued with scholarship awards to current and former residents of Wellroot’s Transitional Living Program.

Wellroot Family Services’ president and CEO, Allison Ashe, and Wellroot board member Trish Paterson presented the 2024 scholarships to recipients, recognizing each student for their academic performance and demonstrated leadership in the community.

Former UMCH resident and youth advocate Eshontee Rowe shared a poignant story about her childhood, highlighting critical moments during her formative years and how the support of Wellroot’s beloved staff members proved to be pivotal in her life. The time she spent aging out of foster care, receiving vital support from Wellroot, inspired her work today as a youth advocate. Eshontee now leads a network of independent, youth-led foster groups across the U.S. and Canada.

Her personal testimonial was beautifully conveyed through a vocal performance of “You Raise Me Up.” She received a standing ovation from gala attendees.

Allison Ashe provided an organizational update, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure every child experiences a loving home. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing family preservation, and housing assistance as the solutions to the challenges many families face before children enter the foster care system. Attendees embraced the opportunity to support this vision and make a difference, as the Fund-A-Need segment provided a chance to invest in the programs and services at Wellroot Family Services, raising $69,000.

Excitement peaked with a live auction of an in-home piano concert by Mark Kovaly, followed by an electrifying dueling pianos performance.

The annual This is Home gala was an inspirational evening for attendees, uplifting the collective impact of their support for Wellroot’s vital mission.

Learn more about Wellroot at https://wellroot.org/.