Our Room Service Atlanta Charity Project
Kelly and I are thrilled to be working on a philanthropic project with Room Service Atlanta , a non-profit organization formed by Erika Ward and Dayka Robinson of Atlanta to mobilize interior designers and design enthusiasts who have a heart for the community. This event was a HUGE success last year as the team tackled much needed design renovations for the Nicholas House in Atlanta. Lori May, one of the participating designers, wrote a great blog about it - read it HERE.
So Room Service Atlanta is at it again! In October, 16 hand chosen designers will re-design 6 apartments and 2 meeting rooms in the Sam Bell cottage on the United Methodist Children's Home campus in Decatur, Georgia. This cottage which houses boys ages 17-21, is part of UMCH's Independent Living Program.
The Independent Living Program is for youth in the foster care system who are at least 17 years of age and are ready for a decreased level of supervision as they prepare for independence. Many of these boys have been in Foster Care their entire lives! The amazing staff at UMCH provides 24-hour support to these kids as well as:
- teach youth to maintain skills of daily living
- support and guide youth in obtaining educational, vocational and employment opportunities
- assist youth in obtaining medical services and securing mental health services as needed
- and much more!
Our task is to design the team meeting space which consists of these two rooms:
We knew that we could totally transform these rooms with fresh paint, furniture, lighting and accessories, but as is the case with all of our designs, what would be our INSPIRATION?
One of our favorite artists of all time, Steve Penley, generously donated this well known masterpiece for our space!!
Kelly and I freaked out and almost fell out of our chairs.....
Best known for his paintings of historical icons, Penley has become one of America's most popular artists. We recently commissioned the painting below (the "Liberty") for a commercial client of ours in Marietta, Georgia. It is 60" x 60" and sits in the lobby of their office. Our client has been a Penley fan for years and is thrilled to own one of his works!!
With the coke bottle art as our jump off, we have been working like crazy to have this space ready to install by October 22nd.
We are very humbled by the response from our friends, clients and vendors who have generously and without hesitation donated to this project. So many of you have stepped in to help us and words can't thank you enough!!
The Murray Family
The Harper Family
The Geiger Family
Stay tuned as we unveil more details of the project. If you are interested in donating (we still need A LOT), here's how you can help:
1. Write a check to United Methodist Children's Home. In the memo, write "Sam Bell Cottage - Kandrac & Kole". Mail to: United Methodist Children's Home, c/o Khalid Battle, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.
2. Donate online to United Methodist Children's Home by clicking HERE. Be sure to designate the funds to Sam Bell Cottage/Kandrac & Kole or we won't get the funds for our project!
3. If you'd like to donate products or would like more information, please call Joann or Kelly at our office at 770-514-9699 or email us at info@kandrac-kole.com.