Community Foundation Archives - Business RadioX ®

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

September 23, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

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Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 12)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interview Jennifer Guynn, the founder and executive director of Pebble Tossers. Jen shares the origins and mission of Pebble Tossers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through community service and leadership development. The discussion covers the impact of involving children in service projects, the organization’s structure, and the diverse range of cause areas they focus on, including the environment, homelessness, and social justice. They also explore potential partnerships, fundraising strategies, and upcoming events. The episode emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and civic engagement from a young age, as well as how community involvement can shape future leaders.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Jennifer Guynn, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Pebble Tossers

As Co-founder and Executive Director of Pebble Tossers, Jen lives a life of service. She serves as a State Commissioner for Georgia Serves, the State Commission for Service and Volunteerism, and is Chair of the Service and Development Committee.

She is a 21/64 Certified Philanthropic Advisor, a mentor at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, and has been named a Titan CEO as one of the 2023 Georgia Titan 100 award winners.

She is an Atlanta native, serves on various boards and committees throughout Atlanta, and is married with three adult kids and three rescue dogs (and two rescue granddogs).

Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is an organization dedicated to empowering youth through volunteerism and community service, creating meaningful pathways for young individuals to engage in impactful projects. The organization focuses on various key areas, including citizenship and social justice, where it educates youth about their role in driving change. It also addresses the needs of vulnerable communities, supports those experiencing homelessness, and promotes environmental stewardship by encouraging sustainable practices among families. Additionally, Pebble Tossers emphasizes the importance of arts and culture, global awareness, education and literacy, as well as support for the elderly and animal welfare.

Through its initiatives, Pebble Tossers provides resources for service-learning, including workshops and toolkits, while encouraging family involvement through membership options. By participating in these programs, youth not only contribute to their communities but also develop valuable leadership skills that shape them into future leaders. The organization fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in young individuals, empowering them to make a positive difference in the world around them.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:21 Meet Jen Guynn, Pebble Tossers
01:02 The Mission of Pebble Tossers
03:03 The Importance of Youth Service
04:59 Diverse Cause Areas and Projects
06:57 Engaging Families in Service
12:24 Operational Insights and Partnerships
22:54 Upcoming Events and Fundraising
29:51 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

January 18, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

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Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 8)

On this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, Maria Walden-Sullivan and DePriest Waddy welcomed guest Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church in Alpharetta. Their discussion revolved around how their organizations actively engage in their respective communities, assist nonprofits, and encourage philanthropy. Ameera shared the mission of Intersect, its global reach, and their “Be Rich” campaign, which endeavors to raise funds and generate service opportunities. Maria, DePriest, and Ameera also discussed mentorship programs, the importance of community engagement, fostering a culture of generosity and service, and how both organizations work towards making a positive difference in the world.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

Ameera Joe is the Intersect Director at North Point Community Church.

At North Point Community Church, they know life doesn’t come with instructions. They know you want to get it right. They want to help.

They’ve been helping people navigate the complexities of relationships, parenting, finances, and faith for more than 25 years.

Start by joining them this Sunday in person or online, connecting with them to obtain useful resources for your life, and/or connecting with others by joining a group.

Don’t settle for just good enough. They’d love to help you find the purpose and the life-giving relationships you were made for.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Introducing the Guest and Their Role

01:08 Discussing the Role of North Point Community Church

02:37 Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories

03:42 Discussing the Importance of Community and Inclusion

05:20 Exploring the Outreach and Impact of North Point Community Church

09:58 Discussing the Mentoring Program in Schools

16:36 Comparing the Work of North Point Community Church and the Community Foundation for NE Georgia

19:06 The Importance of Vetting Nonprofits

20:23 The Role of Trust in Philanthropy

22:18 Protecting Nonprofits in Crisis Situations

23:58 Educating the Community on Donor Advised Funds

25:15 Providing Resources to Nonprofits

27:27 The Importance of Connecting For-Profit and Nonprofit Sectors

31:01 The Be Rich Campaign: Rich in Good Deeds

33:57 Creating a Mindset of Service from a Young Age

36:01 The Power of Collaboration in Philanthropy

37:54 Closing Thoughts: The Impact of Philanthropy

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

June 30, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Announcing the Good2Give Podcast, with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 677)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia were returning guests with host John Ray to discuss the work of the Foundation. They discussed what a Community Foundation does and how it serves donors, nonprofits, and the community at large. They also announced the debut of a new podcast, the Good2Give Podcast, which will celebrate “the magic of giving,” donors and non-profit leaders, and the vital causes they care about.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals expand far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

**DePriest Waddy, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

DePriest has a long history of leadership in the nonprofit sector. He has served almost 30 years in leadership roles at various nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, including the American Hospital Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity, and, most recently, Families First.

Before joining the Community Foundation in June 2022, DePriest was CEO of Families First, a 131-year-old nonprofit serving at-risk children and families throughout Georgia, the United States, and abroad.

DePriest received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Alabama and his MBA from Kennesaw State University. He is a Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2015 alumnus, as well as a Leadership Birmingham Class of 2019 alumnus and Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022. He has been named to the Atlanta 500 in 2021 and 2022, Atlanta Magazine’s annual list of the area’s most powerful leaders. He was also awarded the Georgia Titan 100 in 2022. He and his wife, Carol, have one married daughter and two granddaughters.

DePriest’s dream for the Community Foundation: “Continuing to help meet the increasing needs resulting from complex family problems.”

**Maria Walden-Sullivan, Director of Development, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

Caring for her community is at the heart of everything Maria does. She was born in the oldest city in America (St. Augustine) and has been a proud Atlantan for the past 25 years. Maria is passionate about making a difference in her own backyard and inspiring others to do the same.

As our Director of Development, Maria is leading the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia into a whole new territory. Through her role, we are now able to expand into and impact North Fulton and Forsyth. She has a passion for nonprofits and is highly skilled in donor relations, major gifts, volunteer management, grant writing, and capital campaign management.

Maria is a trainer and facilitator for leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity building. With almost a decade of experience at the world’s most trusted leadership company, Franklin Covey, Maria has been certified in over a dozen leadership courses. She has also served as an ad-hoc faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits since 2019.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

The work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia
Charitable Giving
DePriest’s journey to CFNEG
Understanding the needs of donors
The debut of the Good2Give Podcast

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

April 5, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

00:00 /

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 629)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, DePriest Waddy, Maria Walden-Sullivan, and Scott Jordan of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, joined host John Ray to discuss the work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia. They described a donor-advised fund and how these funds allow individuals to develop a charitable legacy, how the Foundation makes charitable giving easier and more organized, its work with local non-profits, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose – improving our world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

DePriest’s dream for the Community Foundation: “Continuing to help meet the increasing needs resulting from complex family problems.”

**Scott Jordan, Board of Director, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia**

In 1999, Scott was accepted into the SunTrust Bank (now Truist) Management Associate Program. Upon graduation, he served in various roles including Financial Services Representative and Account Executive. He transitioned to BB&T (now Truist) in 2001 and served as a Financial Center Manager and Business Banker.

Scott was recruited by Accenture in 2004 as part of a new team focused on Bank Mergers & Acquisitions. He returned to BB&T (now Truist) in 2005 and spent the next 16 years in various business development and leadership roles including Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, Market President – of North Metro Atlanta, Market President – of Central Atlanta, and Market President – of Northeast Metro Atlanta.

Currently, he is leading the newly created North Metro Atlanta Banking/Financial Services Division for Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Scott currently serves on the Boards of Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, North Fulton Community Charities, Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Forsyth. Furthermore, he is a graduate of Leadership North Fulton, Leadership Gwinnett, Leadership Forsyth, and Leadership Atlanta.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 12)