Shining a spotlight on Atlanta leaders who have made a significant contribution in transforming their communities through early childhood education, Sheltering Arms, Georgia’s largest nonprofit early education and child care organization, is pleased to recognize three honorees at its annual fundraising event, Celebration Dinner, on October 20, 2018, at Porsche Experience Center Atlanta.
 
Early Education Champion Award: Elizabeth Correll Richards

Sheltering Arms will once again present the Early Education Champion Award, which recognizes an individual’s outstanding work in advocating for and supporting early childhood education in Atlanta. This year’s honoree is Elizabeth Correll Richards, CEO, Quality Staffing of America, and long-time early childhood education supporter.
 
“We are thrilled to recognize Elizabeth, who shares our passion for giving children the best start possible by championing high-quality education in the earliest years of a child’s life,” said Blythe Keeler Robinson, president and CEO, Sheltering Arms. “Her dedicated work with Sheltering Arms, Camp Twin Lakes and Trinity Early Learning Center, among others, has benefitted so many children beyond measure.”
 
Last year, the Early Education Champion Award was presented to Comer Yates, executive director of the Atlanta Speech School; the inaugural recipient in 2016 was Sarah-Elizabeth Reed, former First Lady of the City of Atlanta.
 
Corporate Community Impact Award: Georgia Power

For the first time ever, Sheltering Arms will present the Corporate Community Impact Award, which celebrates a company that has made a positive impact on the Atlanta community through education.
 
“Georgia Power’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives that impact all children, regardless of family income, strongly aligns with our vision,” added Robinson. “I applaud their efforts that make a difference for little ones across the state of Georgia and right here in Atlanta.”
 
Education Partnership Honoree: Dr. Meria Carstarphen

Sheltering Arms also will present, for the first time, the Education Partnership Award, which honors an individual, business or organization that joins Sheltering Arms in the work of supporting and improving student achievement and educational success.  Dr. Meria Carstarphen, superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools, will receive this honor.
 
“No doubt, Dr. Carstarphen is passionate about preparing Atlanta’s children for success in kindergarten and beyond,” continued Robinson. “We have Sheltering Arms centers located on the campuses of Dunbar Elementary School and the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, promoting a direct pipeline for education. This is just one example of our strong partnership with Atlanta Public Schools.”
 
Celebration Dinner will bring together leaders from metro Atlanta’s business, education and civic communities to celebrate the power and promise of quality early childhood education. Sheltering Arms is also celebrating 130 years of providing high-quality early education and support services to Atlanta’s children and families.
 
Attendees will enjoy an exhilarating evening of Porsche driving experiences, an open bar, seated dinner and competitive bidding during the auction. Tickets are still available for $350; tables of ten are $3,500. Patron packages and sponsorship opportunities are also available and offer a variety of benefits, including premium seating and prominent name recognition. For more information about the event or to register, please visit shelteringarmsforkids.com/celebration-dinner.
 
Sponsors of this year’s event include: Kaiser Permanente, Georgia Power, Performance Food Group/Milton’s, Scholastic, UPS, Brasfield & Gorrie, J. Smith Lanier, and The Correll Family Foundation.
 
Proceeds from the event will help Sheltering Arms provide needs-based tuition scholarships and books for children, and specialized teacher training.