RAINBOW VILLAGE’S annual “We Are Family” Benefit Gala has done it again! This year it was sponsored by Northside Hospital, and more than $384,000 was raised to fight homelessness and provide hope for metro-Atlanta-based families. The night included a champagne reception, seated dinner, auctions, and the notorious wine wall. The event also included naming Cole Porter of Porter Steel with the 2024 Joel P. Hudson Humanitarian Award. Their message is clear: to bring “Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing” to members of the metro-Atlanta area facing homelessness. The programs and assistance Rainbow Village provides has improved the lives of many, and the attendees of their 2024 Benefit Gala spent the evening reflecting on another successful year of these efforts. Their CEO, Melanie Conner, said about the event, “We are beyond grateful for our wonderful sponsors, donors, and attendees for another highly successful Gala. During the event, we shared details with our guests related to the realities our families face daily. During their Fund Our Mission portion of the event – with a goal of raising $75,000 – they shared how their financial investment would support a family for one year. As a result, within just 20 minutes, they raised $92,200, far exceeding our goal of 52 weeks by providing funding to cover 64 weeks. There is something truly powerful and magical about their gala and its ability to touch the hearts of everyone who attends it. My team and I are still bursting with joy and gratitude – days after the event came to an end.” The next fundraiser on Rainbow Village’s event calendar is the inaugural Pickleball for a Purpose, hosted by Ordner Construction at Pickle and Social Gwinnett in Buford on November 16th. To learn more about Rainbow Village’s mission, their volunteer opportunities, and/or make an online donation, please visit
