Look What Love Did: A Recap of the Thrive Gala
On November 30th, Thrive Global Project hosted their first annual Power of a Backpack Gala. Let that sink in for a moment—with all the projects that Thrive has funded, directed, supervised, and implemented in the last year, the Executive Team turned around and graciously invited their nearest and dearest to their first birthday party.
The Old Historic Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur proved to be a magical space to fellowship and celebrate. The Main Lobby, with its historic marble walls, terrazzo doors, and arched windows, created the perfect atmosphere for a silent auction with household goods, trips, and experiences donated by generous local artists, business owners, and supporters. Guests enjoyed holiday appetizers and themed cocktails (“The Backpack” was a personal favorite) while catching up with friends, shopping the auction tables, and taking advantage of the Thrive photo backdrop.
Upstairs, the Courtroom’s gorgeous architecture served as festive backdrop for supporters to connect over the a field green salad, roasted chicken and peppercorn roasted beef tenderloin, a root vegetable medley of parsnips and carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes. Dinner was finished off with a molten chocolate cake garnished with fresh raspberries. Katelyn Vines captured the smiles, laughs, and maybe a few tears as we were overwhelmed by what love has done over this past year. So, we enjoyed another “Backpack” and danced the night away with the Atlanta Wedding Band.
Next, Thrive’s Executive Director Grace Moyd shared the highlights of what it looked like to intentionally come alongside students, parents, and partner organizations to create greater impact in 2018. In this year alone, Grace and her team led a climbing team of ten supporters to Mt. Kilimanjaro, gave away 3,500 backpacks to students in five continents, and patterned with incredible organizations such as Parent-Child Home Program and Bob and Maria' Goff’s charity Love Does. The Thrive team believes that geographic location and financial means should never dictate a child’s ability to learn.
Thank you for showing up and loving big. We’re honored to partner with such an intentional organization with a beautiful heart and mission to support vulnerable students around the world.