The Community Assistance Center (CAC) raised $500,000 at its 2026 Annual Gala: Bringing Community Together for Change, held Saturday, September 19, at The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North. The evening brought together 400 local leaders, businesses, volunteers and supporters to celebrate CAC’s impact and advance its holistic approach to supporting local families. Funds raised will enable CAC to keep families housed, expand access to free, fresh and nutritious food, and create personal and professional pathways toward financial independence.

In his welcome remarks, CAC CEO Francis K. Horton, III shared how, after nearly 40 years, CAC is evolving from a crisis-response organization to one increasingly focused on helping families move beyond immediate challenges and toward greater stability and long-term financial independence. He also emphasized the organization’s commitment to preventing homelessness and alleviating hunger. In 2025, CAC helped prevent 1,108 evictions, and in the first nine months of 2026, it has already helped prevent 830 evictions.

“The needs we see coming through our doors every day are increasingly about how we can help a family move beyond a crisis and into a stable position,” said Horton. “That starts with keeping families housed and addressing their immediate needs, but it also means helping people build skills, access resources and pursue opportunities so they can move forward.”

The evening also highlighted the early impact of Thrive, CAC’s workforce development program, which launched in late 2025. Through Thrive, CAC invests in motivated local residents to help them overcome barriers to pursuing career pathways and professional goals. Of the Thrive participants who have secured jobs in their new career fields, their average annual income was 50% higher than their salaries before starting the program.

During the gala, Zaria Jett, a Thrive participant, shared her experience with CAC and her path toward a career in nursing. “What I gained from this program goes far beyond certifications and career coaching. I’ve gained confidence. I’ve gained stability. I’ve learned new skills that I can build on with more training and education. People don’t need someone to do everything for them. They just need an opportunity, some support and someone willing to say, ‘I believe in you. Keep going.’”

The gala’s $500,000 in proceeds are part of CAC’s three-year Compassion in Action comprehensive campaign, which will support the organization’s broader efforts to address the growing needs of individuals and families in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and portions of Doraville served by Dunwoody schools.

In 2025, CAC served nearly 10,000 individuals, distributed 1.1 million pounds of food, provided more than $769,000 in financial assistance and helped prevent 1,108 evictions.

“Bringing Community Together for Change was more than the theme of this year’s gala; it reflected exactly what happened in the room,” said George Northrop, Director of Advancement. “Our community came together to invest in our neighbors and in programs that can create meaningful and transformational change. This support gives CAC the opportunity to respond to immediate needs while also helping people build a path forward.”

Guests enjoyed a special performance by the City Springs Theatre Conservatory, along with live and silent auctions, a European Getaway raffle, dinner and stories highlighting the impact of CAC’s programs. Lauren Baksh and Sue Appleyard served as gala co-chairs, and Mercedes-Benz USA was the gala’s Presenting Sponsor.