donor advised funds Archives - Business RadioX ®

Nonprofit Fundraising Made Stronger with Mark Wilkison

October 15, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Nonprofit Fundraising Made Stronger with Mark Wilkison

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Nonprofit Fundraising Made Stronger with Mark Wilkison (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 18)

In this episode of The Good2Give Podcast, hosted by DePriest Waddy and underwritten by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, fundraising veteran Mark Wilkison, Principal and Partner at Columns Fundraising, shares timeless lessons on nonprofit fundraising, governance, board engagement, and major gift strategy.

With over three decades advising nonprofits across the Southeast, Mark explains why the right board can make or break an organization and how clear expectations, donor relationships, and legacy planning sustain long-term success. From practical end-of-year fundraising advice to insights on planned giving, this episode offers invaluable guidance for nonprofit leaders aiming to strengthen both their boards and their bottom line.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Why governance and board recruitment come before fundraising—and how to find the “three Ws”: work, wisdom, and wealth.
How smaller nonprofits can attract high-caliber board members through clear expectations and written commitments.
Why organizations should never rely on Giving Tuesday alone.
Practical year-end fundraising strategies every nonprofit should be implementing before Thanksgiving.
How legacy gifts, IRA distributions, and planned giving can sustain mission impact for generations.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good To Give Podcast
00:22 Meet Mark Wilkinson: Fundraising Expert
00:58 The Changing Landscape of Fundraising
01:16 Board Governance and Membership
04:26 Strategies for Small Nonprofits
12:46 Year-End Fundraising Tips
18:33 Planning for 2026: Key Considerations
26:47 The Importance of Planned Giving
33:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Mark Wilkison, Principal & Partner, Columns Fundraising

Mark has extensive expertise in major gifts, planned giving, feasibility studies, execution of capital campaigns, strategic planning and visioning for organizations, and executive search.

A graduate of the University of Vermont, Mark has more than 35 years of consulting and fundraising experience, including serving as Vice President – Development for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Chief Development Officer at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Chief Development Officer for the International Life Sciences Institute, and Executive Vice President of the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation. Mark’s additional Phi Gam work included serving as a field secretary for the fraternity and as Director of Graduate Services.

Mark has served as President of the Atlanta Peachtree Rotary Club and has also been involved with the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC), the Georgia Association of Development Professionals (GADP), and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (PPP).

Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Shari, and his two grown children, and playing an occasional round of golf.

Columns Fundraising

Columns Fundraising is a strategic business and organizational development firm composed of senior executives with extensive experience in both nonprofit and private-sector leadership. The firm helps clients identify challenges, uncover opportunities, and execute customized strategies that deliver measurable results. Columns specializes in creating and implementing strategic plans for areas like healthcare, education, and community organizations, focusing on things like fundraising campaigns and studies to assess project viability.

Its integrated services encompass executive search, interim advancement staffing, nonprofit mergers, brand positioning, marketing and communications, public-private partnerships, and grant writing. Columns also provides leadership coaching and training for boards, executives, and development teams. What sets the firm apart is its commitment to senior-level involvement in every engagement. Columns’ leaders have “walked in their clients’ shoes,” bringing the insight and experience needed to accelerate growth and strengthen mission-driven organizations.

Website | LinkedIn

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

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate 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

Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Chuck Milton, William's House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

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Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 10)

On this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, host Maria Walden welcomes guests Chuck Milton, Executive Director of William’s House in Roswell, Georgia, and Chris Foley, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Chuck discusses the mission of William’s House, which is to empower fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and housing sustainability. Chris elaborates on his philanthropic journey and how he assists his clients with charitable giving and financial planning. Topics include the innovative housing solutions William’s House provides for single fathers, their long-term support programs, and their efforts in fundraising and grant writing. The discussion also touches upon the benefits of donor-advised funds and strategies for financial literacy.

The article “Can you make charitable giving less ‘taxing’?” mentioned by Chris Foley during the show can be found online, free of charge, by following this link.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show 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.

Chuck Milton, William’s House

Chuck Milton serves as the Executive Director and CEO of William’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable housing.

Before co-founding William’s House in 2020, Chuck accumulated over 20 years of corporate experience as Vice President at prominent boutique retained executive search firms. He excelled in business development and worked with a diverse clientele, including manufacturers, SMBs, and Fortune companies such as Southern Company and Walt Disney, across both Orlando and Burbank.

His inspiration for this mission stems from his personal journey with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, which led him to enter a rehabilitation program in 2009. Following his rehabilitation, Chuck found himself in a challenging situation without a stable living environment or the necessary tools to rebuild his life. This experience sparked his curiosity about the support available to men with children facing similar struggles.

Shortly thereafter, Chuck coincidentally joined Mary Hall Freedom House, a facility that assists women and women with children. During his time there, he recognized the need for similar resources tailored to men with children, which inspired the creation of William’s House.

Chuck is a proud alumnus of Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a focus on Political Science. He was actively involved in the Greek system and student government during his time at FSU. Despite being a Florida native, Chuck now considers Atlanta his home after residing there for over three decades.

William’s House

William’s House empowers fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and attain housing sustainability.

At its essence, William’s House is dedicated to motivating men in recovery, guiding them through a transformative journey to reclaim their lives, and facilitating their reintegration with families as valued contributors to their communities. The programming at William’s House places emphasis on personal transformation, moral inventory, and reliance on a Higher Power. The strategy is centered around the transformative power of relationships, including the spiritual dimension, to foster lasting positive change.

Recent research highlights the importance of homeless men having the opportunity to share and process their feelings of judgment, guilt, shame, remorse, and separation from their families, as well as their fears about parenting and re-entering family and home life.

William’s House is dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment. The strategic approach is grounded in the belief that enabling individuals at William’s House has a positive ripple effect on the broader community. This approach is encapsulated in the Six Pillars: Housing, Financial Literacy-Wealth Building, Family Counseling, Physical and Mental Well-being, Sobriety Maintenance, and Career Heights. William’s House is committed to delivering comprehensive support through a combination of community-based initiatives and on-site services.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, CFP®

Chris Foley guides individuals, families, and small business owners in an increasingly complex and volatile investment environment by offering clear, straightforward financial advice and helping them make sense of their investments.

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, on the Good2Give Podcast — **Chris Foley, Edward Jones**

Since joining Edward Jones, Chris has assisted many families in the community to fund their investment goals and plan for their financial futures. Prior to his career at Edward Jones, he worked in the financial services industry for nearly 13 years. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Chris’s finance journey began in his junior year of college at the age of 20. He worked as an intern on the trading desk of a global investment bank and developed an enthusiasm for researching stocks. He saved $1,000 by the end of the summer and picked a blue-chip stock in which to invest. His father opened a brokerage account for them to invest in together. His father purchased the stock Chris had chosen, and Chris was to reimburse him. Instead, Chris used the money to buy an electric guitar (since purchasing that guitar, he has learned to play a whopping nine chords and only one scale). Fortunately, his father held onto the investment, and that initial $1,000 grew and eventually helped to fund his retirement. That experience taught Chris the power of compounding and investing for the long term. While his ability to play the guitar has not grown, his passion for investing, educating his clients, and helping them to create the life they dream of has grown exponentially.

Chris is a relationship builder and cares deeply about his community. He and his wife, Courtney, live in the Crabapple area of Alpharetta, Georgia, with their two curious and very active young boys. Courtney is a classical pianist who still encourages him to play his guitar and master the E minor pentatonic scale. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and traveling.

Website | LinkedIn

Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 firm, provides financial services in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients, with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

Through the dedication of the firm’s 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them.

Website

Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:41 Introducing the Guests and Their Missions
01:13 Deep Dive into William’s House: Empowering Fathers
05:33 Financial Literacy and Philanthropy with Chris Foley
10:05 Exploring Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Giving
14:13 The Importance of Community and Fundraising Efforts
21:30 Future Plans and How to Get Involved
32:04 Closing Thoughts 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.

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.

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

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

December 22, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

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Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

On this episode of Good2Give, Maria Walden-Sullivan and co-host DePriest Waddy, both from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, discussed the critical work of the Foster Care Support Foundation with its founder, Rachel Ewald. The organization, operating out of Roswell, Georgia, provides essentials like clothing, toys, and infant equipment to foster care children and those who care for them, filling a significant gap in resources. Rachel shared the struggle of grandparents who unexpectedly become caregivers, the need for community involvement, the difficulties of fundraising, and volunteer opportunities. Maria and DePriest also touched on the wider role the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia plays in shaping philanthropic journeys.

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Rachel Ewald is the Founder and Executive Director for the Foster Care Support Foundation.

Foster Care Support Foundation serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children in foster and relative care.

They serve basic-care (costs reimbursed $0 to base per diem) foster children residing in Georgia’s foster homes, administered by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and children housed by private agencies.

They also serve abandoned, court-placed, and DFCS-placed grandparents raising grandchildren and parents caring for relative’s children for a limited time. About 75% of the 4500 children served are now raised by grandparents without the biological parents’ involvement due to drugs, abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Most of the relative caregivers receive no stipend to help raise the children.

They partner with Georgia’s DFCS for child referral and verification, along with Kinship Care, school counselors, and faith-based organizations.

Foster Care Support Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | YouTube

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Rachel Ewald

00:44 Introducing the Foster Care Support Foundation

01:54 The Challenges of Foster Care

03:27 The Impact of Foster Care on Children

04:17 The Role of Foster Parents and Relatives

06:12 The Financial Struggles of Foster Care

08:37 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Christmas Initiative

17:28 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Year-Round Program

18:37 The Challenges of Running the Foster Care Support Foundation

25:17 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Resale Shop

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

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

October 24, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

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Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 5)

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving at Signature FD, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast with DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden Sullivan. Marissa shared the mission of Ronald McDonald House in providing support for families with sick children, their partnership in philanthropy, upcoming fundraising events, Handbag Hullabaloo, end-of-year giving, and much more. Elizabeth discussed SignatureFD’s unique strategy of helping families not only grow and manage wealth but also build their “Net Worthwhile” by giving to causes they care about.

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. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since 1979, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities has been keeping families close when it matters most. ARMHC has hosted thousands of families as they care for a child who is receiving treatment for illness or injury. In a time of anxious uncertainty, ARMHC offers a comfortable place to call home in close proximity to their child’s care facility.

Guided by the belief that all children deserve access to quality pediatric healthcare, AThe mission of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is to transform pediatric healthcare access and experiences for families with ill, injured or recovering children through a network of Houses, Family Rooms, Care Mobiles, and community resources. ARMHC ensures equitable access to life-saving medical care. ARMHC’s commitment to family-centered care is validated by research which demonstrates that supporting the family results in better outcomes for the family and their child.

Since its beginning, Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses have served more than 50,000 families with ill and injured children receiving medical care nearby. Their Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child.

Learn more about Handbag Hullabaloo 2023 here.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Marissa Greider, MA, FCEP, is a dedicated non-profit executive with more than two decades of connecting passion with purpose to advance the greater good in the Atlanta community through education, the arts, and human services. She currently serves as Senior Director of Philanthropy and Campaign Director for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, where she has worked since 2014.

Marissa’s non-profit leadership experience spans development, marketing, communications, and volunteer management, with expertise in strategic planning and developing and implementing successful fundraising initiatives, including three major capital campaigns. Prior to her tenure at Atlanta RMHC, Marissa worked at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History for 14 years.

Marissa received her Bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and she is a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning. She resides in Atlanta with her husband and two daughters.

SignatureFD

At SignatureFD, they believe people want to use their wealth to do something worthwhile—for themselves, those they love, and their community. Through integrated wealth management services, their professionals help clients create a financial design for life that enables them to protect, grow, give, and live their wealth, ultimately transforming their net worth into NET WORTHWHILE™. Our highly capable, collaborative, caring, and coordinated team of investment, financial planning, and tax experts is committed to proactively helping clients take control of their financial lives and achieve their goals. SignatureFD has 80+ passionate professionals who manage over $4 billion and has had a client retention rate of 97% since opening its doors in 1997.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook

Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving, SignatureFD

Believing that everyone has the ability to create meaningful change in their communities, Elizabeth Burdette helps guide individuals and families looking for ways to give back by providing resources and advice to empower their decision-making. She is a dedicated partner in creating personalized strategies to help clients reach their generosity goals and maximize the impact of their gifts.

An award-winning speaker and published author, Elizabeth has a unique skill set in fundraising, donor relations and engagement, program management, strategic communications, grant writing, and event design. Prior to joining SignatureFD in 2019, Elizabeth was the Director of Donor Relations at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta and a Fellow at the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.

She also practiced law in both Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, specializing in business litigation in state and federal courts. She received her law degree from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in American History and Spanish from Washington and Lee University. Elizabeth serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics of Georgia, and also on the Board of Plywood People.

Additionally, Elizabeth is the Co-Chair of the Impact Committee of ADISA (Alternative and Direct Investment Securities Association). She is a member of the Association of Donor Relations and the State Bars of Georgia and Texas, and holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation.

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

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

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.

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

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit

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Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 4)

Emory Morsberger, Founder of Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, President at Nvestfit, were the guests on this edition of the Good2Give Podcast. Emory Morsberger discussed his work and that of others to provide needed medical supplies and other goods to the people of Ukraine. He shared a compelling vision given to him and the invitation to deliver supplies. Emory also shared how Helping Ukraine has provided portable incubators, surgical tools, medical supplies, blankets, generators, support for orphanages, and Hope Centers for those left homeless by the destruction. Samuel Richmond discussed the benefits of philanthropic giving, the advantages of donor-advised funds, and more.

Helping Ukraine

Helping Ukraine is a 501(c)3 designed to raise funds for medical supplies and other goods for the people of Ukraine.

The growing concern for the people of Ukraine has never been more evident than in the months since the February 24th bombing. Stimulated by Dr. Olha Paliychuk, Ukraine, her call for medical supplies, became a call heard around the world. Through individuals who reached out to one another from Ukraine to the US, a mission began sending medical supplies, ready to eat food and even cots for shelters bound for Ukraine. Rotarian Emory Morsberger of Atlanta, Georgia played a personal role by escorting expensive Stryker Drill Sets to hospitals in Ukraine in his own luggage.

Emory Morsberger founded Helping Ukraine, and joined Ken Ward and his team for a humanitarian mission to deliver stoves, generators, blankets, clothes, food and medical supplies to those along the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Website | Facebook | Instagram| YouTube

Emory Morsberger, Founder, Helping Ukraine

In 1991 Emory Morsberger, CEO of the Morsberger Group, founded Avalon homes, a strip of 350 town homes, and spearheaded the Highway 78 project to improve the declining conditions of the area. He became active in organizations, such as the Highway 78 Community Improvement District board, the Gwinnett County Revitalization Task Force, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce board, which promoted the success of Gwinnett County.

His trademark “Progress Coming” signs began to appear in the windows of empty buildings that lined the seemingly abandoned Lawrenceville City Square and the Morsberger Group was created. As an extension of his development firm Morsberger created Lawrenceville Properties. Stripping down the Square’s century old buildings to their original brick and wood floors, the Morsberger Group transformed the Lawrenceville Square into a bustling destination for fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

As a longtime Rotarian and Atlanta businessman, Emory was moved to service after seeing images, media coverage and hearing stories of the needs of the Ukrainian people. Through his connections, he was able to help elevate an effort that had begun with local Rotary clubs to send surgical and medical supplies, food and other goods.

In June 2022, Emory traveled to Ukraine and hand-delivered much needed supplies and also deepened my connections with Rotary Clubs throughout the country. Upon his return in July, he was moved to do more and launched Helping Ukraine US.

Nvestfit

Nvestfit’s mission is to help their clients work toward financial independence through planning. They spend time with clients to determine their goals and objectives, time horizon, risk tolerance, and help them make suitable financial decisions for their future.

Their goal is to be a trusted and knowledgeable advisor to their clients for the long term through education, training, integrity, and outstanding client service.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook

Samuel Richmond, M.S., CFP, President, Nvestfit

As a CFP® professional, Samuel strives to serve his clients to the highest ethical standards of care. Taking the time to understand what is MOST important to you is paramount, while utilizing an established process to work towards your stated goals. Sam engages with his clients in a fiduciary capacity, providing specialized, objective and independent advice, putting your needs and best interest first.

His practice is geared towards how his clients measure peace of mind as business owners and families navigating the unique challenges faced in our world today. He offers his clients a holistic financial planning approach to help them maintain overall financial health and pursue multiple (and competing) financial goals. Whether it’s a more comprehensive financial plan or a specific planning need, his services always align with your current priorities, including ongoing review and monitoring.

For over a decade, he has passionately sought out all investment personalities with confidence, expertise and insight. As part of your executive team, he will partner with your CPA’s and attorneys to coordinate the components of your entire financial picture, making a positive impact on generations to come.

Samuel says his most notable accomplishments include the marriage to his beautiful wife Melanie going on 17 years and the birth of their wonderful boys Samuel and Isaiah. The family’s hobbies include exploring the great outdoors as well as an appreciation for the arts, theater and music. They also enjoy a worship experience that adds great value to their lives.

Samuel is on the Board of Visitors for the School of Business at Georgia Gwinnett College. He was appointed by former Commissioner Marlene Fosque to serve on the SPLOST Citizens Project Selection Committee overseeing the funding of transportation projects throughout Gwinnett County. He has been involved in various non-profit organizations throughout Georgia and Tennessee such as Gwinnett Chatt Outreach, Preface, The Urban League, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Operation Hope. Samuel is a proud member of Rotary International.

In 2009 Samuel earned a Bachelors of Science in Organizational Management from Covenant College followed by a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University in 2014. He achieved his CFP® designation in 2015 and continues to feed his appetite for learning through ongoing trainings, workshops and books.

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.

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

Larry Campbell, Corners Outreach, and Donna Beatty and Courtney Mishoe, Frazier & Deeter

August 18, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Larry Campbell, Corners Outreach, and Donna Beatty and Courtney Mishoe, Frazier & Deeter

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Larry Campbell, Corners Outreach, and Donna Beatty and Courtney Mishoe, Frazier & Deeter (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 3)

Larry Campbell with Corners Outreach as well as Donna Beatty and Courtney Mishoe from Frazier & Deeter joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast. Larry discussed mission and the myriad of services Corners provides to underserved students of color and their families. He also discussed the business processes that help Corners Outreach measure their impact. Donna talked about Frazier & Deeter, her work with C5, a nonprofit, and she and Courtney discussed how donors can structure their charitable giving. Hosts DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan covered how the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interfaces with and supports donors and causes, and much more.

Maria also mentioned the Community Foundation’s The 4 Disciplines of Execution® event on October 4, 2023 with author Chris McChesney.

Corners Outreach

Corner Outreach’s vision is to build a community where every person thrives, no matter their background. Bridging The Gap. Working For Change. Changing Our Community. Celebrating 10 Years.

Their mission is Equipping Metro Atlanta’s underserved students of color and their families to lead full lives through educational development and economic opportunities.

Corners accomplishes this through Corners Academy, Workforce Academy, Corners Industries and working with community partners.

With tremendous effort from volunteers and certified teachers, Corners Academy sees significant improvement in reading and math for attending students. This is especially true for dual-language learners. Summer camp fills a serious void in the lives of our elementary students. Having camp five days a week gives students a safe and enriching place to spend their summer days while parents work. Students are able to continue studies, stay connected with their friends, enjoy a healthy meal, and continue to grow through a variety of games and experiences. Meanwhile, parents have the peace of mind knowing their children are cared for while they can’t be with them.

Corners Industries is employing members of the community in living wage jobs using talents they already have. Their largest industry is Lawn Care with a Purpose, which employs multiple teams and serving over 500 clients. Lawn Care with a purpose serves the entire metro area with mowing, fertilization, hardscapes, pine straw, mulch, flowers and plants, sprinkler systems, lighting and more! Ten percent of all revenue from Lawn Care with a Purpose is donated to Corners Academy.

Corners Outreach works closely with community partners in efforts to continue serving families through a holistic approach.

Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Larry Campbell, President and CEO, Corners Outreach

Larry Campbell is one of the founders of Corners Outreach. When Corners Outreach began in 2010, Larry was the CEO of CD Group, a software consulting firm that served 500+ clients in 21 states. In 2016, Larry sold this business and dedicated himself full-time to the work at Corners Outreach.

After college, Larry spent the first fifteen years of his career working for Union Carbide, once the seventh largest company in the world. He worked himself from the field to corporate headquarters in accounting and operations. Larry and his family moved to Atlanta in 1992 and he started and grew two of the largest technology companies.

He believes that businesspeople should invest more in their community.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is a full-service accounting and consulting firm with Georgia offices in mid-town Atlanta and in Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. Additionally they have offices in other states and in London, England. Frazier & Deeter is a member of the top 50 CPA firms in America.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook | Instagram

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter

As a Partner in Frazier & Deeter’s Tax practice, Donna Beatty brings a wealth of professional tax and accounting knowledge to the firm. Her experience encompasses providing comprehensive tax planning, review, advisory, and compliance services to closely held businesses, high net-worth individuals, and professional services groups. She has extensive expertise consulting with small businesses on financial software and has worked with clients in industries that include real estate, construction, manufacturing & distribution, retail, professional services, technology, entertainment, and family-owned businesses. Donna specializes in helping law firms and real estate investment groups with complex tax matters. Her expansive industry knowledge allows Donna to provide background insight in an evolving market; she has successfully represented clients with the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C.

Donna prides herself on solid professional relationships with clients and thrives on learning and fulfilling her client’s needs and expectations. Until 1994, she was a Principal at the firm before moving to become a partner at a small local accounting firm.

Professional & Civic Organizations:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), Atlanta Tax Forum, Board Member, Past President, Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & NE GA, Board V.P., and C5 Georgia Youth Foundation, Board Member, Past Chair.

Courtney Mishoe, CPA, Tax Principal, Frazier & Deeter

Courtney Mishoe is a Principal in Frazier & Deeter’s Tax Practice in the firm’s Alpharetta office. She offers clients’ expertise in comprehensive tax planning and tax compliance with closely held businesses and their owners. 

Courtney is responsible for preparing and reviewing complex tax returns for individuals and pass-through entities, comprehensive tax planning and various consulting services. Her industry expertise includes law firms, restaurants and real estate, professional services, manufacturing, and healthcare companies. 

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.

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

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

July 20, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

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Alpharetta Rotary Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 2)

Leaders from the Alpharetta Rotary Foundation joined the Good2Give Podcast to talk about the work of the Alpharetta Rotary Club, the formation of its affiliated Foundation, and their relationship with the The team discussed the growth of the Alpharetta Rotary, why Alpharetta Rotary created a foundation, and why a nonprofit would partner with a community foundation. They covered several of the projects they’ve worked on, both local and international. Tony added remarks on donor-advised funds and their benefits.

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

The Alpharetta Rotary Foundation was formed in 2020 to be the philanthropic partner of the Alpharetta Rotary Club and the greater North Fulton Community.

They promote social welfare in the City of Alpharetta, and the North Fulton County community by supporting and participating in numerous community, vocational, and international service projects, and by making grants to organizations that qualify.

Website

Brian King, Chairperson Elect, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, and President, Engineering 303, LLC

Brian King founded E303 in 2011. He serves as the President and Principal Engineer and provides technical review of engineering projects and oversees all aspects of business and project management. He has completed Levels 1 -4 of the Rosgen Natural Channel Design courses and serves as the primary designer on all stream restoration projects. Dave Rosgen has peer reviewed many of Brian’s stream restoration designs, including multiple mitigation banking projects in Texas. Brian is considered one of the preeminent stream restoration designers in the country. He has designed stream projects in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Brian holds a degree in Geo Surveying from the Dublin Institute of Technology and a BS in Civil Engineering Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University). He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Company website | LinkedIn

Katie Rocco, Director, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation and Realtor, The Rocco Team, Keller Williams North Atlanta

Katie Rocco and The Rocco Team are highly skilled Realtors, committed to excellence in all they do.

They specialize in helping Home buyers, Home Sellers & Investors build wealth through a customized real estate experience, from start to finish. Their business is built on our treasured relationships & because of their trustworthiness & integrity, clients & their referrals utilize the Rocco Team’s proficiency for the industry time & time again.

Their legacy is making home dreams come true & they strive to exceed expectations in all they do.

Website | LinkedIn

Tony Van Gelder, CFP, Owner & Financial Advisor, Van Gelder Financial

Van Gelder Financial (VGF) is an Atlanta based financial services firm which was launched in 1988 with the objective to offer outstanding financial planning and advice to clients.

Tony has always had a passion for personal finance and spent the first 10 years of his professional career within corporate finance for the medical industry. His career path gave him the opportunity to work in America, Asia, and Australia where he gained valuable experience in understanding how finance impacts various cultures and the international business community.

Tony is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®) and holds Series 7 and 66 securities designations. Tony also maintains his life insurance license across various states. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Operations Management from Indiana University and received his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Tony, along with his wife and two sons currently live in Atlanta, GA where he is now the owner and lead advisor for Van Gelder Financial. In his spare time Tony enjoys golfing, reading, and teaching his boys the love of sports.

Company website | LinkedIn

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.

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

Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Blair Cunningham and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

September 17, 2019 by John Ray

Business Beat

Frazier & Deeter's Business Beat: Blair Cunningham and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

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**Roger Lusby, Elizabeth Burdette, and Blair Cunningham**

Show Summary

Blair Cunningham and Elizabeth Burdette join Frazier & Deeter’s “Business Beat” to discuss the wealth management work of SignatureFD, particularly the philosophy that net worth involves more than money, but also purpose, generosity, talents, gifts, and meaning. “Business Beat” is brought to you by Alpharetta CPA firm Frazier & Deeter.

Blair Cunningham and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

SignatureFD believes people want to use their wealth to do something worthwhile – for themselves, those they love, and their community. Through integrated wealth management services, they help clients create a financial design for life that enables them to protect, grow, give and live their wealth – ultimately transforming their net worth into NET WORTHWHILE™. Our highly capable, collaborative, caring and coordinated team of investment, financial planning and tax experts are committed to proactively helping clients take control of their financial lives and achieve their goals. SignatureFD has 80+ passionate professionals who manage $4B and has had a client retention rate of 97% since opening its doors in 1997.

Blair Cunningham is a Partner with SignatureFD. Blair has worked alongside individuals and families, helping them do more with their wealth at every stage of life for more than 30 years. Two of the most important things that he continues to learn personally and as an advisor are the value of wisdom and the benefits of living a generous life. He believes both offer a perspective on the importance of using your life to make a positive impact. Blair brings both technical expertise as well as a passion for helping others to his work of helping clients build intentional generosity plans. Blair is a frequent speaker to groups and on webcasts about the benefits of generosity. Before joining SignatureFD in 2000, Blair was a partner with Ronald Blue & Co. and began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Blair has served on the boards of North Point Ministries, The Eagle Ranch Foundation, Passion City Church and Lighthouse Family Retreat. Blair and his wife Deanna have a passion for mentoring young couples about navigating marriage and family.

Elizabeth is a Director of Client Engagement with Signature FD. Believing that everyone has the ability to create meaningful change in their communities, Elizabeth helps guide individuals and families looking for ways to give back by providing resources and advice to empower their decision-making. She is a dedicated partner in creating personalized strategies to help clients reach their generosity goals and maximize the impact of their gifts An award-winning speaker and published author, Elizabeth has a unique skill set in fundraising, donor relations and engagement, program management, strategic communications, grant writing, and event design. Prior to joining SignatureFD in 2019, Elizabeth was the Director of Donor Relations at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta and a Fellow at the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. She also practiced law in both Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, specializing in business litigation in state and federal courts. She received her law degree from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree in American History and Spanish from Washington and Lee University.

To find out more about SignatureFD, go to their website here.

Frazier & Deeter

The Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter is home to a thriving CPA tax practice, a growing advisory practice and an Employee Benefit Plan Services group. CPAs and advisors in the Frazier & Deeter Alpharetta office serve clients across North Georgia and around the country with services such as personal tax planning, estate planning, business tax planning, business tax compliance, state and local tax planning, financial statement reviews, financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit outsourcing, cyber security, data privacy, SOX and other regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions and more. Alpharetta CPAs serve clients ranging from business owners and executives to large corporations.

Roger Lusby, host of Frazier & Deeter’s “Business Beat,” is an Alpharetta CPA and Alpharetta Office Managing Partner for Frazier & Deeter. He is also a member of the Tax Department in charge of coordinating tax and accounting services for our clientele. His responsibilities include a review of a variety of tax returns with an emphasis in the individual, estate, and corporate areas. Client assistance is also provided in the areas of financial planning, executive compensation and stock option planning, estate and succession planning, international planning (FBAR, SFOP), health care, real estate, manufacturing, technology and service companies.

Find Frazier & Deeter on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frazier-&-deeter-llc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrazierDeeter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frazierdeeter

Past episodes of Frazier & Deeter’s “Business Beat” can be found here.

Nonprofit Fundraising Made Stronger with Mark Wilkison (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 18)

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Mark Wilkison, Principal & Partner, Columns Fundraising

Columns Fundraising

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 10)

Chuck Milton, William’s House

William’s House

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, CFP®

Edward Jones

Topics Discussed in This Interview

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

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

Ameera Joe, Intersect Director, North Point Community Church

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Marissa Greider, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 5)

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

Marissa Greider, Senior Director of Philanthropy, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities

SignatureFD

Elizabeth Burdette, Director of Giving, SignatureFD

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Emory Morsberger, Helping Ukraine, and Samuel Richmond, Nvestfit (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 4)

Helping Ukraine

Emory Morsberger, Founder, Helping Ukraine

Nvestfit

Samuel Richmond, M.S., CFP, President, Nvestfit

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Larry Campbell, Corners Outreach, and Donna Beatty and Courtney Mishoe, Frazier & Deeter (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 3)

Corners Outreach

Larry Campbell, President and CEO, Corners Outreach

Frazier & Deeter

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter

Courtney Mishoe, CPA, Tax Principal, Frazier & Deeter

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 2)

Alpharetta Rotary Foundation

Brian King, Chairperson Elect, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation, and President, Engineering 303, LLC

Katie Rocco, Director, Alpharetta Rotary Foundation and Realtor, The Rocco Team, Keller Williams North Atlanta

Tony Van Gelder, CFP, Owner & Financial Advisor, Van Gelder Financial

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Show Summary

Blair Cunningham and Elizabeth Burdette, SignatureFD

Frazier & Deeter

Find Frazier & Deeter on social media:

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