City of Refuge, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families move from crisis to stability, raised more than $1.3 million at its annual fundraising event, The Gathering, on Wednesday, October 21. Held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill on Atlanta's Westside, the event welcomed more than 500 guests for an evening celebrating the organization's life-changing work and the generosity of Atlanta's philanthropic community.

The evening featured a special performance by award-winning singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb, moving stories of transformation, and live and silent auctions that generated support for City of Refuge's mission.

This year's theme, WITH, reflected the heart of City of Refuge's approach to community transformation: lasting change happens when people walk alongside one another. Throughout the evening, guests heard firsthand how access to housing, job training, supportive relationships, and essential resources can help individuals overcome crisis and build a more stable future.

Among the stories shared were those of Stephanie and Kevin, two individuals whose lives have been transformed through City of Refuge. Stephanie found support in her recovery journey, completed workforce training, earned certifications, and secured full-time employment. Kevin, who faced unemployment and housing instability, completed City of Refuge's cybersecurity training program, secured a career as a data center technician, and moved into permanent housing.

The 2026 Gathering was co-chaired by Mark and Nancy Toro, longtime supporters of City of Refuge. Mark Toro serves on the organization's board of directors and is the founder and chief vision officer of Toro Development Company, the firm behind Medley, the highly anticipated $560 million mixed-use development in Johns Creek scheduled to celebrate its grand opening on October 29.

Funds raised through The Gathering will support City of Refuge's comprehensive programs in housing, job training, health and wellness, and youth development. Operating from its campus in Atlanta's historic Westside, the organization provides an integrated network of services designed to help individuals and families move toward long-term stability and independence.

In 2025 alone, City of Refuge placed 607 individuals into jobs, provided housing for 910 men, women, and children, and served more than 315,000 meals. The organization has continued expanding its impact in 2026, including the opening of its new Transformation Center, featuring 25 affordable apartments and space for essential community resources, as well as the expansion of City School Atlanta.

The success of The Gathering was made possible by generous support from corporate sponsors, including City Publications Atlanta, Clark Construction, Deloitte, Gas South, Genuine Parts Company, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power, GO Church, Holder Construction, Huntington Bank, InVesta Services, Lexis Printing & Mailing, Nelson Mullins, OpenArc, Practice Potential, Royal Food Service, Royal Fresh Cuts and Yancey CAT.

The generosity continues beyond the event itself. Through a special partnership, Gas South is matching additional donations made toward The Gathering dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, creating another opportunity for supporters to extend the evening's impact.

As City of Refuge prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, the success of The Gathering reflects the continued commitment of Atlanta's business and philanthropic communities to helping individuals and families overcome crisis and build lasting opportunities.

For more information about City of Refuge or to support its mission, visit www.cityofrefugeatl.org.