ATLANTA FALCONS AND BLANK FAMILY OF BUSINESSES
RISE UP WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFlowery Branch, GA - For the past two seasons, Hollywood A-list actor Samuel L. Jackson and a number of Georgia icons have encourage fans throughout Falcon nation to "Rise Up."
This year, the Falcons organization is encouraging all fans to sign up, show up, and together, let's watch our city Rise Up!
"The idea is a simple one," said Falcons president & CEO Rich McKay." In addition to wanting our fans to help us become the best team in the NFL on the field, we also want our fans to RIse Up and volunteer their time and talents throughout the year in an effort to make our great community a better place to live."
The Falcons have partnered with Hands On Atlanta, one of the largest community-based volunteer service organizations in the United States, in an effort to encourage volunteerism across the city. Beginning May 3, Falcons fans and community-minded volunteers can log onto RISEUPATLANTA.com to sign up for a variety of voluneer opportunities coordinated by Hands On Atlanta. Fans who sign up and attend a volunteer activity will receive a Falcons Rise Up team t-shirt.
"Hands On Atlanta is excited to partner with the Falcons to continue to meet our city's critical needs through volunteerism," said Gina Simpson, president & CEO, Hands On Atlanta. "This partnership will significantly impact Atlanta as Falcons Rise Up to serve."
Also on May 3, the Falcons kicked off the new "Rise Up Atlanta" volunteer program by participating in the fourth annual All-Associates Day, when more than 180 associates from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers, PGA Tour Superstores, AMB Group, and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation - collectively known as the Blank Family of Businesses - joined together to make a difference in the community.
This year, the group will met at City of Refuge - a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families become stable, secure, and productive. Located less than two miles west of the George Dome, the City of Refuge serves neighborhoods where the majority of residents struggle to overcome their circumstances.
"City of Refuge exists to help those in crisis to 'Rise Up,' find hope, and be offered a lifeline and an opportunity," said Bruce Deel, City of Refuge Executive Director. "We are honored to host the kick-off event of the 'Rise Up Atlanta' community volunteer initiative with the day of service sponsored by the Blank Family of Businesses and its associates, including the Atlanta Falcons. The impact on our organization, our community, and ultimately, our city will be deep reaching and long lasting.
The Falcons and other Blank Family of Businesses associates spent the morning at City of Refuge working on four key projects: constructing and indoor playground, planting an urban garden, remodeling resident dormitories, and painting an indoor mural.
The Blank Family of Businesses provided the City of Refuge with a $60,000 grant to build the indoor playground that will serve resident and neighborhood families. The playground will provide a safe haven for the 82 children who live on site in the Eden Village housing area, as well as the 60 neighborhood children who particpate in the City of Refuge after-school program.
"One outstanding aspect that makes our All-Associates Day so successful is the partnerships we have with companies like The Home Depot and High Grove Partners," McKay said. "Without their help, we could never complete a project of this magnitude that can be as impactful as we hope the day's activities will be."
Join the RISE UP movement now!