01 Oct Northside Neighbor: Hearts and Hands Gala to honor Coca-Cola’s Kent

The Northside Neighbor recently wrote about our 10th annual Hearts and Hand Gala on Oct. 20 at Flourish, honoring Muhtar Kent, board chair for The Coca-Cola Company.

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC)’s 10th annual Hearts and Hands Gala will take place Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Flourish in Buckhead. Muhtar Kent, board chair for The Coca-Cola Company, will be honored there in celebration of its 10th anniversary and in recognition of his support for the event since its inception.

“After a decade of success, we are making an honoree an integral part of the Hearts and Hands Gala to say thank you to some of the individuals who have been steadfast in their generosity and support for Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities,” ARMHC President and CEO Beth Howell said in a news release. “Muhtar Kent’s commitment to helping us further our mission through his support of this event has been nothing short of incredible over the years, and we are deeply grateful.”

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) is a nonprofit that keeps families with sick children close to each other and the medical care their child needs by providing a home away from home. Through its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, it has served more than 50,000 families since 1979.

Mr. Kent will be on hand at the gala to accept the award.

“It has been my honor and privilege to be a part of this event since the beginning,” he said in a news release. “Over the past decade, the Hearts and Hands Gala has raised over $3 million to support the operations of Atlanta’s two Ronald McDonald Houses, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – all of which help keep families with sick children close to each other and the care and resources they need during a difficult time.”

The event will feature live and silent auctions, dancing and a performance by Bogey & The Viceroy.

Craig A. Williams, Coca-Cola’s senior vice president and president of its global McDonald’s division, is serving as the event chair.

“Atlanta RMHC’s programs give care and support to families with sick children so they can focus on what’s most important –- their child’s health,” he said in a news release. “The Coca-Cola Co. is proud to partner with Atlanta RMHC to help make a difference in the lives of these deserving families.