CHRIS 180, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on trauma-informed behavioral health services, raised more than $900,000,a record, at its annual fundraiser, The CHRIStal Ball. Five hundred guests attended the organization’s signature event Saturday, August 17 at Flourish Atlanta.

“We are thankful for the generosity of all of those who supported us and attended our annual fundraiser,” said CHRIStal Ball co-chair Cyril Turner. “These gifts empower us to continue our mission to provide high-quality trauma-informed counseling, wraparound services and support to uplift the children, youth, young adults and families of Metro Atlanta.”

The event honored Kathy Colbenson, who announced her retirement earlier this year after serving the Atlanta community for 37 years as President & CEO of the organization. Colbenson’s groundbreaking work was highlighted in several tribute videos where key partners, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, thanked her for her innovation and service to the community. The CHRIStal Ball’s presenting Sponsor Delta Airlines made a gift of $100,000 in Colbenson’s honor.

Attendees at The CHRIStal Ball also heard stories told firsthand by clients whose lives have been positively impacted by CHRIS 180. Tykeria is part of CHRIS 180’s WRAPround program and is served by a three-person care team that combines clinical intervention, behavioral support and intensive care coordination while she’s in foster care. The Gwinnett County seventh grader is learning to manage her anger and says she’s “blossoming” like one of the flowers she paints. Raine moved with his mom to Atlanta a year ago and was grieving the loss of his father. He started therapy at one of the At-Promise Centers on the Westside and is now thriving at Carver STEAM Academy with the confidence of the CHIRS 180 community behind him.

Additional sponsors of the event included Georgia-Pacific, Cox Communications, Georgia Power and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, all Champion Sponsors. Protector Sponsors were Holder, Atlanta Hawks Basketball, Cadence Bank, Atlanta Braves Foundation, Wes Adams & Claudia Patton and Terrin & Rich McKay.