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Dinner Together was hosted by Atlanta International School (AIS).

Photo: Marjan Nadir

On the evening of Saturday, September 23, 2023, more than 150 community members from across the city gathered for the ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) in Atlanta’s inaugural fundraising event, Dinner Together, hosted at the . Aiming to bring together influential business and elected leaders, dedicated philanthropists, and individuals with a shared dedication to improving the lives of refugees and immigrants, the event was presented by sponsors Accenture, Unifi, and Newrest, and raised over $78,000. 

The event was organized and supported by the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta’s dedicated and much-appreciated Economic Empowerment Advisory Council.

Photo: Marjan Nadir

The event was organized and supported by the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta’s dedicated and much-appreciated Economic Empowerment Advisory Council: Bernard van der Lande, Chair; Qasim Karimi, Vice President, Corporate & Institutional Bank – PNC; Ash Dhokte, Vice President, Onboard Service Operations – Delta; David Healy, Client Executive – Sodexo; and Jill Goodrich, President, Founder, & CEO of the Women's Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees heard from special guest speakers and community voices including EEAC member, Qasim Karimi, who was resettled by the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta from Afghanistan in 2000 after fleeing the Taliban regime, and Nimota Salami Dairo, originally from Nigeria, who is the owner of Royal Nigerian Foods and an active client of the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta’s highly successful Microenterprise Development program.

Owner of Royal Nigerian Foods, Nimota Salami, guest speaker and ̽����ѡ Microenterprise Development client

Photo: Marjan Nadir

HR Manager, Sally Elias, Communications Manager, Fiona Freeman, Deputy Director of Resettlement Programs, Omar Aziz, and Finance Director, Nadine Umuhire - the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta

Photo: Marjan Nadir

During the event, Executive Director, Justin Howell, presented “The Spirit of the ̽����ѡ Award” to three dedicated ̽����ѡ partners representing different sectors. Our nonprofit partner awardee was the Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN), for their continued support and dedication in partnering to serve Afghan allies who were evacuated in 2021. Our community partner awardee was Trinity Presbyterian Church, for their commitment in welcoming several newly arrived families over the past two years through the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta’s HOME program. And our volunteer awardee was Norman Slawsky, in celebration of his more than seven years of service with the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta across several of our programs. 

Kate McNeely, Development Director, Alpa Amin, Executive Director - Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network - GAIN - presented with The Spirit of the ̽����ѡ Award for nonprofit partner.

Photo: Marjan Nadir

Reverend Lucy Strong and Julie Hope of Trinity Presbyterian Church received The Spirit of the ̽����ѡ Award for community partner.

Photo: Marjan Nadir

The Spirit of the ̽����ѡ Award was presented to Volunteer, Norman Slawsky, in honor of his 7+ years of volunteer support to the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta.

Photo: Marjan Nadir

Thank you to our sponsors: Accenture, Unifi, Newrest, Mainline Aviation, Ash Dhokte, Sodexo, Green Boom, Tula, Wayne Sanderson, Diaz Foods, and Norman Slawsky.  

In coming together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of our new American neighbors in Atlanta, showcasing the transformative effect of compassion and support in nurturing a stronger, more inclusive community.  

To learn more about the work of the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the ̽����ѡ as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

Stay connected to the ̽����ѡ in Atlanta! , and for announcements and upcoming events!