Category: media-releases

Youth Volunteer Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award
Atlanta-based nonprofit presents prestigious National Award to Ananya Uddanti

Atlanta, GA: Pebble Tossers, a youth development organization, awarded Ananya Uddanti the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for her outstanding service and contributions to her community.

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. Pebble Tossers, Inc., a PVSA Certifying Organization since 2014, confers the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of their youth volunteers.

Ananya has served in many different capacities and provided needed service in areas and with organizations closely tied to her interests and beliefs. She far exceeded the required hours for school or civic requirements set forth by the PVSA and served more than 700 hours in a two-year period. These hours provide thousands of dollars worth of value back into the community. In addition to service projects offered by Pebble Tossers, Ananya is actively involved in leadership positions with the American Red Cross, local chapters for national nonprofits, local communities, and hospitals. 

“That is amazing work,” says Jen Guynn, Pebble Tossers Founder + Executive Director. She continues, “The example of service and leadership that our PVSA recipients provide to their peers is just as important as the impact they have on the community. Pebble Tossers is proud of their accomplishments and proud to recognize Ananya on behalf of our country.”

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About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is Metro Atlanta’s top local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation. Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with age-appropriate service opportunities infused with a unique service-learning curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, positive youth development, social justice, and positive psychology. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community. For more information, visit www.pebbletossers.org.

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From volunteer to board president to staff, Sandberg continues a ripple of giving.

(Atlanta, GA, October 31, 2022)… Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth leadership development nonprofit, has named Rebecca Sandberg as Finance and Administration Director. In this role, Sandberg will oversee all fiscal matters, including annual and long-term planning and forecasting, accounting, budgeting, and HR. She will also provide oversight on IT matters to ensure that Pebble Tossers has the right tools, systems, and technology to support a robust membership experience and a culture that promotes growth and innovation. Additionally, Sandberg will help track and identify key metrics to further the organization’s work and impact.

“Rebecca brings a passion for Pebble Tossers’ mission which sparked as she volunteered with her family. Her visionary leadership has proven invaluable to our Board of Directors. She brings a focus on data-driven decisions and a high energy level with a can-do mindset,” says Guynn. “We are excited about the future with Rebecca and her commitment to developing the next generation of servant leaders.”

Sandberg joined Pebble Tossers’ Board of Directors in 2018 and served as its President from 2019-2021. In her new role, Sandberg will report to the Founding Executive Director, Jennifer Guynn, as a critical strategic partner. She has 20+ years of diverse experience as a social sector nonprofit leader and community organizer, management consulting leader, senior leader in corporate finance, and assurance and consultative experience in a Big 4 accounting firm. Sandberg is a cross-functional collaborator across all levels of internal and external stakeholder organizations, a strategic thinker and problem solver, and a persuasive verbal and written communicator.

“I am excited to continue working with Pebble Tossers to achieve its mission to develop next-generation leaders,” said Sandberg. “My work with the Board of Directors and years of experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors have given me the expertise needed to help grow the organization in a structured and strategic way.”

Kelly Weber, President of Pebble Tossers Board of Directors, said, “Rebecca understands the vision and goals and is committed to helping Pebble Tossers achieve them, a true accountability partner. This new role will allow Pebble Tossers to continue to scale and grow and to support the needs of our members, nonprofit partners, and the communities we serve.”

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization in Metro Atlanta focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation. Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with age-appropriate service opportunities infused with a unique service-learning curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, positive youth development, social justice, and positive psychology. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

The 2022 board focuses on amplifying next-generation leaders
through service-learning and leadership skills.

(Atlanta, GA, October 5, 2022)…Pebble Tossers, Metro Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, is pleased to welcome two new board members, Tifany Gilmore, VP Market Leader of Consumer Banking and Investments for Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, and Emmie Berberick, Project Manager, NCR Corporation.

“Our board is committed to expanding Pebble Tossers’ reach and influence throughout the community,” said Kelly Weber, Pebble Tossers Board President. “The experience, enthusiasm, and knowledge Tifany and Emmie bring to the board and our team will help us meet our goals and move into the next year.”

The new board members will jump in quickly with Pebble Tossers as programming offerings expand with more in-person opportunities, the third cohort of the Teen Leadership Program kicks off, and the organization begins its 14th year of empowering and equipping youth to lead through service.

“I am elated to join the Pebble Tossers Board and engage in service work from a new perspective. I hope to offer my skills and experiences to grow the organization,” says Berberick, who grew up volunteering and is committed to inspiring the next generation of youth leaders.

A committed supporter of youth and service, Gilmore shares a quote from Tony A. Gaskins Jr., “On the other side of fear is success. Don’t let fear hold you captive and keep you from your dreams. You were born to be more. Be ok with that and don’t doubt the process,” and believes this applies to youth volunteering for the first time. 

“I’m very excited to be part of Pebble Tossers, said Gilmore. “I love that the organization is  able to develop and connect youth with the community and instill the importance of serving at a young age.”

Gilmore and Berberick join a committed board of directors who include:

2022 Board of Directors, Pebble Tossers

Kelly Weber, Board President OneDigital
Brandy Brock, Board Vice President Google Cloud Business Solutions
Brian Sengson, Board Treasurer Bennett Thrasher
Neal Chatigny, Board Secretary WebMD
Matt Carr Amazon Web Services
Aaron Dixon Alston & Bird
Kris Manning Retired Teacher/Orton Gillingham Tutor
Elizabeth Rasberry ABB
Dana Redler H&R Block
Asher Royal Centria Healthcare
Rebecca Sandberg, Past President Management Consultant

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization in Metro Atlanta focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation. Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with age-appropriate service opportunities infused with a unique service-learning curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, positive youth development, social justice, and positive psychology. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.