If you combine giving hearts, beautiful shades of every hue, and a crisp fall afternoon, and stir them in a pot, Jack and Jill of Atlanta’s annual signature fundraising event, Bold Lips and Bow Ties, would emerge, bubbling over with steam.
Bold Lips and Bow Ties: A Party With A Purpose, was the brainchild of mother member Kimberly Manning, along with Lisa Walker and Kali Beyah, and came to life in 2016 (pausing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic). The event grows each year, with more than 1500 patrons this year, and aims to raise funds that support five nonprofit organizations in their quest to assist those in underserved communities locally and nationwide. Benefitting from the efforts are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta - Hughes Spalding, Dr. Asa Yancey Endowment, Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Kids Doc on Wheels, SEMLink, and Silence the Shame, Inc.
Last year, the mother members of Atlanta Jack and Jill, the largest chapter within the organization, with over 200 mothers and 300 children, raised more than $200,000. This year, they set their sights even higher, and surpassed the goal, with The Home Depot donating at the Diamond Level of $25,000+, The Gibson Charitable Giving Fund donating at the Titanium Level of $15,000+, and Platinum Level Sponsors, Georgia Dermatology Partners, Georgia Tech College of Engineering, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and Peachtree Orthopedics, Dr. Obi Ugwonali, donating $10,000+ each.
Atlanta’s premier social club, The Gathering Spot, housed the soiree, as guests experienced The Pink Carpet, hosted by Upscale Magazine and ‘The Dean of Fashion’, Dr. Courtney Hammonds, along with live music, a luxury silent auction, signature cocktails, and a variety of culinary indulgences. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Former Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta Chapter Mother Keisha Lance Bottoms, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Regional Leadership Director Takeysha Lewis, Regional Treasurer Florence Holland, Regional Secretary Adria Welcher, and Member at Large Selicka Sampson were all a part of the grand festivities. Jack and Jill of America Foundation Executive Director Pier Blake and Board of Trustee President Anthony Trotman were also in attendance.
“Bold Lips and Bow Ties is, without a doubt, my favorite event of our program year, because it allows our community to join us in fulfilling our mission to positively impact the lives of ALL children through our actions and philanthropy,” says Mikki Anderson, Atlanta Chapter President.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. The Jack and Jill of America Foundation is the oldest African American-led nonprofit organization in the United States and the philanthropic arm of the entity. As they celebrate their 55th year, they remain steadfast in their commitment to addressing issues affecting African America children and families.
The mission of the Foundation is to invest in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term, with the belief that every child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe and nurturing environment.
Since 1951, The Atlanta Chapter has continued building our legacy of raising the next generation of servant leaders. The chapter hails from the Sweet Sweet Southeastern Region and is committed to making an impact nationwide.