Wes Jones is co-founder and CEO of Honeysuckle Gelato, in Brookhaven.
Sharing my gifts
I am wrapping up my term as Board Chair at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia (UCP of Georgia) but I will remain on the board and continue to co-chair the Culbreth Cup Charity Golf Tournament with my brother, Bryan. This is our 15th year and we started the tournament to honor the memory of our grandparents, Roy and Floy Culbreth, who were instrumental in the formation of UCP of Georgia in the 1960s. Our mission at UCP of Georgia is to positively support and impact the achievement of a Life Without Limits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Why I volunteer
The most meaningful interactions I have had at UCP of Georgia have been at our annual Years of Service Gala to celebrate the direct support professionals and the tireless work they do to care for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve. I look at my service to the organization as serving two equally deserving groups – the individuals in the day programs and homes that we support and the amazing staff that supports and cares for them. Sometimes a simple and sincere gesture or thank you goes a long way.
Family matters
I am grateful to have a family full of people who inspire me through their service. My main source of inspiration is my wife, Caitlin, whose sense of justice and equity is unparalleled. She has served on multiple boards over the years and advocates for and donates to causes important to us. I’m also inspired by my brother, Bryan. It was his idea to start the Culbreth Cup and that has sparked fifteen years of service to UCP of Georgia from our entire family.
Join me
The best way to support UCP of Georgia is to join us at the Culbreth Cup or our annual Share the Love Fashion Show, but there are many other opportunities to volunteer with the organization. With Honeysuckle Gelato, over the past 10 years, we have donated more than $90,000 to Feeding America network food banks, with more than $70,000 of that going to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
John Metz is Sterling Culinary Management Executive Chef & Co-Owner (Marlow's Tavern, the Woodall restaurants).
Sharing my gifts
I am honored to serve through our Sterling Futures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recently launched by Sterling Hospitality. For nearly 30 years, our team has given back to causes close to our hearts, especially Special Olympics Georgia and local neighborhood needs. The Foundation extends that work by supporting community-based projects such as school sports programs, Habitat for Humanity builds, local 5K races and families of patients staying in nearby hospitals. We also partner with organizations like Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry and Atlanta’s Giving Kitchen to support those in the hospitality industry. I’m also proud to serve on the boards of these two organizations.
Why I volunteer
One of my most meaningful volunteer experiences has been building a friendship with Special Olympics athlete Josh Jansma through our annual golf classic. What began as a simple thank-you from Josh quickly grew into conversations about his training, his goals and life beyond the games. Over the years, I’ve come to look forward to seeing him, cheering him on and sharing those moments. His energy and gratitude remind me that this work is less about fundraising and more about dignity, inclusion and genuine connection.
Join me
The best opportunity is our Annual Marlow’s Tavern & Sterling Culinary Management Golf Classic, which takes place each fall. Over the years, this event has raised nearly $1.9 million for Special Olympics Georgia. Whether by sponsoring, playing, or volunteering, it’s a chance to make a lasting impact.
Family matters
Giving back is deeply rooted in my family. My late father, John C. Metz Sr., and my mother, Mary, were leaders in their community, leaving behind a legacy of charitable giving through scholarships and nonprofit grants. My father’s passion for hospitality and his vision for creating opportunities in the industry inspired my own path, and I aim to carry that legacy forward through the Foundation.
Lisa Senters-McDermott is CEO/ Founder at Jet Senters Aviation, partner at MYCFOPLAN, and the first female President of the Atlanta Aero Club. She lives in Brookhaven.
Sharing my gifts
I am on the board of Directors of Warrick Dunn Charities. I’ve supported the event for about eight years and have served on the board of directors for the past year. I am also a graduate of the Fellows program of Halftime Leadership organization for Christian leaders. Inspired by our Founder’s life journey, Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. empowers families to break the cycle of generational poverty and achieve a better quality of life for all.
Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) is the flagship program of Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. Housing is the key to reducing generational poverty and increasing economic mobility. Moreover, according to research completed by Stanford, children living in stable, affordable homes are more likely to thrive in school and have greater opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom. Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. helps to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing a hand-up – not a handout – to single parents and their children. We surprise single parent families (who are actively working to support themselves) with home furnishings and down payment assistance.
Why I volunteer
Seeing families receive a home — some for the first time even having their own bed — is uplifting and amazing! It’s the kind of experience I want to be part of forever.
We do an amazing celebrity golf event every year and we have a ton of fun and raise a great deal of money for the homes. We also do teaching and all sorts of amazing programs that people can volunteer for with time or treasure.
Family matters
My son who has a website called Help With Joy, inspires me everyday. He donates his birthday funds to a different charity every year and started being philanthropic when he was very young. For his 12th birthday he raised $1,700 for Warrick Dunn Charities and always forgoes presents to provide hope and opportunities for those less fortunate. He is one of my greatest inspirations.
Join me
With the help of donations from our sponsors and individuals like you readers, we work with local partners to turn houses into homes for single-parent families.
Holly Hailey, Senior Paralegal, Mother of three grown children with Type 1 Diabetes and Grandmother and Wife to a Type 1 diabetic
Sharing my gifts
I volunteer for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and Camp Kudzu, a camp for children with type 1 diabetes. I am on the boards for both organizations. I fundraise for BT1D and am a clinical trials educational volunteer. I volunteer at camp every year for a week for Camp Kudzu. I also started a tennis and pickle ball tournament that we host every year at Capital City Club to raise money for Camp Kudzu.
Breakthrough T1D’s mission is to support research and resources for the cure of type 1 diabetes.
Camp Kudzu is a camp for children with type 1 diabetes. The mission of the camp is to educate and empower children living with type 1. Until there’s a cure, there’s camp.
My husband and all three of my adult children have type 1 diabetes. I volunteer for these organizations to support finding a cure and to support empowering children with type 1 diabetes.
Why I volunteer
Being able to connect people to clinical trials through Breakthrough T1D has been very meaningful.
Volunteering at Camp Kudzu every summer is powerful. It’s wonderful to see children’s lives changed by their camp experience.
Join me
The Breakthrough T1D Walk will be held at Atlantic Station on October 25, 2025. Come walk with us!
The Camp Kudzu tennis and pickleball tournament will be held on April 24, 2026 at Capital City Club in Brookhaven. This is a fun event with a purpose! Please come out and play!
Family matters
My husband Julian and my children Reed, Porter and Claire inspire me by living and thriving every day while dealing with Type 1 Diabetes.