Wellroot Family Services, previously known as the United Methodist Children's Home, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families in crisis, announced its fundraising gala will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Zoo Atlanta. The annual event aims to raise close to $400K to support Wellroot's mission to restore children and families from trauma.

The gala, themed “This is Home,” will include a cocktail reception overlooking Zoo Atlanta’s elephant exhibit, live entertainment, a silent auction, and seated dinner. The evening will highlight progress stories from Wellroot’s programs featuring youth, foster families, residents and clients, including:

Anwar, a young man who experienced foster care and is now on a path to self-sufficiency via Wellroot’s Independent Living Program, has obtained his GED, secured a job, and is studying to become a welder;

Shanqual, a woman whose story includes financial stress, housing insecurity and generational trauma, found support in Wellroot’s Family Housing program;

Melissa, a single mom who has dealt with homelessness, addiction, and caring for her children through multiple traumas, graduated from Wellroot’s Functional Family Therapy program, earned a promotion at her work and now dedicates time to encourage and support other families facing similar challenges;

Dara and Mark, a couple motivated by a shared belief in providing love and stability, who became foster parents at the height of the pandemic and opened their home during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.

“With nearly 11,000 kids in care across the state of Georgia, the need is so great,” said Allison Ashe, president and CEO of Wellroot Family Services. “All funds raised will help us provide essential services, support and resources to these children and families. It’s amazing the difference we as a community can make when we come together to support and uplift those facing adversity.”

Wellroot has almost quadrupled the number of people served across its programs since the pandemic. Wellroot offers evidence-based therapy, visitation programs, trauma-informed care, and community-based training, keeping families together whenever possible to provide opportunities for healing and thriving. 

Said Ashe, “Wellroot’s vision is a world where every child is raised in a loving, compassionate and nurturing home.”

The Liz Blake Giving Fund is the presenting sponsor of "This is Home” while Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation and Bill Vogel of Montag & Caldwell are serving as event co-chairs. Tickets start at $200 and can be purchased at www.Wellroot.org/gala. For sponsorships and additional information, contact Hester Parks at [email protected].