The Beloved Benefit Dinner

By Lori Hanford

Despite the severe weather in the Atlanta area, the Beloved Benefit dinner commemorating the formation of the newly formed, The Same House Organization, was held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the ultra-exclusive Delta Lounge. This event was filled with community and civic leaders, corporate partners, and individuals whose aim is to create healthy, harmonious communities throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Hosted by the legendary journalist Monica Kaufman-Pearson and Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House Foundation and former Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Chick-fil-A, this event was dedicated to raising funds to stimulate Atlanta communities and recognize deserving leaders who have made a substantial impact in the communities in which they serve. This year’s beneficiaries were named and applauded for the work that they do to tackle local economic mobility, ensure access to education and employment as well as support small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout their respective communities. The beneficiaries are as followed: The Westside Future Fund, The Boys & Girls of Metro Atlanta, The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs and The Urban League of Greater Atlanta. These respective organizations are truly curating the culture of success for their respective leaders and communities.

The “Same House” theme was also reverberated throughout the night which came from a very empowering quote from the late civil right activist-congressman, John Lewis, “We’re one people and we all live in the same house. Not the American house but the world house.” These words still ring true to this day as his family and friends were in attendance to witness the official launch of The Same House Foundation, which was established after the overwhelming success of the Beloved Benefit Foundation raising over $12 million dollars in charitable donations to support economic growth in Metro Atlanta in 2019. Although the Beloved Event has already been established, Rodney Bullard stated at tonight’s event that, “The Same House will not replace the Beloved Benefit, but it will build on the same concept to support communities across Georgia and beyond.” Its mission of furthering economic opportunities in communities will still be realized as the two organizations work harmoniously together to ensure that all of Atlanta is equitable in its resources and economic stability.

With over $6.2 million dollars raised for the Beloved Event in 2022, organizers are confident that this year’s goal will far exceed this amount after the surprise announcement that the legendary singer, John Legend, will be performing at the 2023 Beloved Benefit Concert. This widely anticipated event will be held on August 24, 2023 at the Georgia World Congress Center and it will celebrate the success of business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change makers in the Atlanta area.

For more information or to make donations to The Same House Organization, visit them at www.thesamehouse.org.

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