Category: media-releases

Atlanta Area Production Company Partners with Pebble Tossers for Their June Volunteer Project

Posted on by pebbletossers

As we continue to experience the challenges with the ongoing health climate, Pebble Tossers is working to curate volunteer opportunities for you and your family to continue to safelyserve from home. Several of the available opportunities include a virtual element such as a Zoom Cooking Classes with Two Thumbs Up.

This past week The Atlanta Community ToolBank hosted a Virtual Workshop via Zoom for Pebble Tossers Volunteers. They showed basic hammering techniques while showing those attending how to build a small Keepsake Box. This project was perfect to show kids how to use a hammer (with adult supervision).

Pebble Tossers was excited when they heard that Brownieland Pictures, a full-service production company in the Atlanta area who partners and supports nonprofits throughout the Atlanta area, chose this event as their June volunteer project. We received several pictures from their participants with big smiles on their faces. Be sure to check out what they had to say about this project by visiting Brownieland Pictures blog.

To see pictures of this volunteer project and many more, be sure to follow us on bothInstagram and Facebook.

Atlanta Teens Change Their World

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Atlanta Teens Change Their World

Pebble Tossers COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant recipients display their strength and leadership by helping others.

(Atlanta, GA, April 29, 2020)… Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, gave out $10,000 to metro Atlanta teens. The Pebble Tossers COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant required teens to submit ideas for innovative projects which would positively benefit low-income/at-risk youth and their families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ten $1,000 mini-grants were awarded on April 6, 2020 and the teen grant recipients completed their grant projects with impressive benefits to the community.

From a pool of 48 submissions, recipients were selected and given a week to implement their projects. In providing youth with a voice and a platform to make a change in their community, the COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant fulfills Pebble Tossers mission of empowering youth to gain leadership skills through service.

Grant Recipients (grants awarded to individuals or small groups)

  • Adam Jordan, 10th grade – Druid Hills High School
  • Anna Banner, 7th grade – Westminster School
  • Angela Sheeran, Allie Knight + Hunter Knight, 7th grade – St. Francis School
  • Grace Manning, 7th grade – Autrey Middle School
  • Kimberly Guzman, 8th grade – Peachtree Charter Middle School
  • Hayden Jacobs, 11th grade – Riverwood High School
  • Chad DeWitt + David DeWitt, 10th + 12 grade – St. Pius X Catholic High School
  • Jasmin Harris, 10th grade – Charles Drew High School
  • Thomas James + Ryan James, 7th grade – Peachtree Charter Middle School
  • Juliette McKinley + Nicholas McKinley, 11th grade – Capstone Academy

Impressive overall impact:

  • 900+ people benefited;
  • 3,000+ meals provided;
  • 17 computer tablets provided access to online education;
  • Hundreds of critical items, such as PPE, cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and feminine products delivered;
  • Hundreds of comfort items, such as reading materials, games, & toys delivered;
  • Critical care documents translated into multiple languages;
  • Inspired others to join in to increase funding and reach;
  • Leadership skills, such as project management and budgeting, gained;
  • Teens empowered to directly help their communities.

Detailed results:

  • 1300lbs of food delivered to the Community Action Center;
  • 150 “sunshine boxes” delivered to three youth-care nonprofits to assist low-income youth shelter in place mandates;
  • 17 baskets of personal hygiene and snack items delivered to 17 at-risk teenagers at the Rainbow House;
  • 34 fully stocked hygiene packs (two-month supply each) delivered to 34 teenage girls at Social Justice Cafe for Girls;
  • 17 tablets purchased and delivered to 17 elementary school children in need to provide access to their classes and connect their families with internet services;
  • 13 food boxes plus translation services for families in quarantine Clarkston, GA through Friends of Refugees;
  • 208 breakfasts, 40 boxed lunches, 185 dinners and 172 snacks provided to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities – Scottish Rite;
  • 25 3D printed facemasks for first responders at Smyrna Fire Department Headquarters and the Tillman House plus 90 meals;
  • 35 no-sew masks made and distributed;
  • Bilingual uplifting signs placed throughout communities;
  • Delivered food, hygiene and cleaning supplies to the 80 teens sheltering at Covenant House.

“I see the impact our youth make on our community every day and yet I am continually impressed by their creativity, compassion and desire to lead,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “In a very short timeframe, these teens created, planned, executed and reported on a project that had real impact on other kids hit hard by this pandemic. Many of the kids were able to stretch or add to their grant funds by reaching out to their community.”

The winning projects ranged from creative food drives and care packages to 3-D printing of masks and software tutorials. All recipients of donated items are considered at-risk community members and organizations hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A complete list of winning projects is available on the Pebble Tossers website, www.pebbletossers.org.

About the Grant

The grant program, organized by Halle Tecco, an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, started on March 19, 2020 as an initial investment of $50,000 by Ms. Tecco and quickly grew to $400,000 as additional donations poured into the fund. Within days, 362 applications were submitted and Pebble Tossers was one of 36 nationwide recipients. For details: https://medium.com/@halletecco/supporting-the-helpers-during-covid-19-7cd506ec219d

About Pebble Tossers 

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Ten Atlanta Teens Awarded $1,000 grants to help those in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on by pebbletossers

Pebble Tossers announced grant recipients from a pool of nearly 50 applicants

(Atlanta, GA, April 7, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, awarded ten $1,000 grants to greater Atlanta teens. Each grant is being used to provide immediate assistance to low income/at-risk youth and their families in greater Atlanta affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pebble Tossers selected ten grant recipients from 48 applications and each winner developed a concept encompassing an innovative, goal-oriented project. Based on grant guidelines, each project will be developed and executed rapidly to ensure immediate impact on the community.

“The creativity and ingenuity presented in all of the projects was inspiring. This opportunity came up quickly and our local youth continue to amaze us with their passion and commitment to helping their community,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “Our youth want to have a voice in providing solutions during this COVID-19 crisis. These ten grants provide them with a platform and an opportunity to make a significant impact in their community.”

The winning projects range from creative food drives and care packages to 3-D printing of masks and software tutorials. All recipients of donated items are at-risk community members and organizations hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A complete list of winning projects is available on the Pebble Tossers website, www.pebbletossers.org.

Announced only ten days prior to awarding the grant, Pebble Tossers quickly mobilized its community of nonprofits and youth volunteers to spread the word of the opportunity. The original $10,000 grant was provided to Pebble Tossers by Halle Tecco.

To learn more about the Pebble Tossers COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant and its winners please visit: www.pebbletossers.org/COVID19grant

About the Grant

The grant program, quickly organized by Halle Tecco beginning March 19th, started as an initial investment of $50,000 by Ms. Tecco and quickly grew to $400,000 as additional donations poured into the fund. Within days, 362 applications were submitted and Pebble Tossers was one of 36 nationwide recipients. The proposals were based on the following criteria:

  • The non-profit is solving an emergent problem created by COVID-19 vs. supporting ongoing operations stretched by COVID-19.
  • The use of funds is clear, compelling, efficient, and measurable.
  • The non-profit has a leadership team and board which is diverse and representative of the population they are serving.
  • The organization has already shown commitment to ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 (e.g. this isn’t a new program they invented to get a grant).
  • The non-profit is a registered 501(c)3 or is working with a registered fiscal sponsor.
  • More details: https://medium.com/@halletecco/supporting-the-helpers-during-covid-19-7cd506ec219d

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to start a ripple of giving® in their community.

Local nonprofit committed to youth receives $10,000 grant for COVID-19 Projects

Posted on by pebbletossers

Pebble Tossers to disperse $10,000 to ten groups or individuals

(Atlanta, GA, March 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, is one of 36 recipients nationwide of a $10,000 grant from Halle Tecco, an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. The grant will be used to provide immediate assistance to low income/at-risk youth and their families in greater Atlanta affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pebble Tossers will mobilize youth volunteers and provide ten individuals or small groups with “mini-grants” of $1,000 each to create innovative solutions to problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis. Through these grants, Pebble Tossers will mold a new generation of servant leaders, philanthropists, and community activists.

“We are honored to be able to offer this leadership opportunity to greater Atlanta’s youth. Our goal is to equip and empower youth to reach their leadership potential through service,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “Our world has dramatically changed over the past four weeks and our youth need positive and impactful opportunities to create ripples of giving that will last their lifetime.”

To apply for the Pebble Tossers COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant, please visit:
www.pebbletossers.org/COVID19grant

Based on grant recipient guidelines, the time period for the projects is short.

Application Due Date: Friday, April 3rd
Grants Awarded Date: Monday, April 6th
Project Completion Date: Monday, April 13th

About the Grant

The grant program, quickly organized by Halle Tecco beginning March 19th, started as an initial investment of $50,000 by Ms. Tecco and quickly grew to $400,000 additional donations poured into the fund. Within days, 362 applications for the grants poured in and Pebble Tossers was one of 36 recipients. The proposals were based on the following criteria:

  • The non-profit is solving an emergent problem created by COVID-19 vs. supporting ongoing operations stretched by COVID-19.
  • The use of funds is clear, compelling, efficient, and measurable.
  • The non-profit has a leadership team and board which is diverse and representative of the population they are serving.
  • The organization has already shown commitment to ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 (e.g. this isn’t a new program they invented to get a grant).
  • The non-profit is a registered 501(c)3 or is working with a registered fiscal sponsor.
  • More details: https://medium.com/@halletecco/supporting-the-helpers-during-covid-19-7cd506ec219d

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

News Coverage

CNN Article

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/03/us/volunteering-coronavirus-kids-spring-break-trnd/index.html

Four Community and Business Leaders join the Pebble Tossers Board of Directors

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Four Community and Business Leaders join the Pebble Tossers Board of Directors

The 2021 board will focus on expanding offerings, diversifying its community base and helping youth develop leadership skills.

(Atlanta, GA, March 3, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, welcomes four new community and business leaders to its board of directors: Neal Chatigny, WebMD; Jason Halliburton, Merrill Lynch; Heather Housley, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch; and Brian Sengson, Bennett Thrasher.

“The Pebble Tossers Board is committed to providing support and thought leadership to the organization,” said Rebecca Sandberg, Pebble Tossers Board President. We are excited to welcome the brilliant minds of Neal, Jason, Heather, and Brian to our board. We look forward to their contributions, leadership and friendship.”

Along with the existing members, the new board members will work to guide Pebble Tossers as it tackles new projects, developments and reemerging programming after the restrictions from the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Neal Chatigny, Vice President, WebMD
A member of the WebMD team for 15 years, Neal works primarily with WebMD’s pharmaceutical clients to develop educational programs for patients. He is an active youth soccer and Little League coach and enjoys traveling with his family.

“I’m looking forward to helping Pebble Tossers expand its impact and footprint in our community,” said Neal.

Jason Halliburton, Financial Advisor/Senior Portfolio Advisor, Merrill Lynch
At Merrill Lynch, Jason works with successful business owners, senior executives and entrepreneurs to help them meet their goals. A recipient of the United States Department of Defense’s Patriotic Employer Award, Jason has a strong background in serving his community.

“I’m honored to help serve our youth and look forward to sharing my experiences to benefit this organization and our community,” said Jason.

Heather Housley, Director, Region Executive at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch
Heather’s role at Bank of America Merrill Lynch is to manage the Consumer Banking & Investments team that delivers financial advice to clients within Georgia and Tennessee. She enjoys finding ways for her family to engage in service and working as a mentor to those in her community and company.

Brian Sengson, Tax Attorney, SALT Senior Manager, Bennett Thrasher
As a tax attorney at Bennett Thrasher, Brian works with a variety of clients while specializing in M&A, sales tax, state income tax, and transfer taxes. Outside the office, he regularly hikes the Appalachian Trail, practices his woodworking and cheers on the Philadelphia Eagles. His wife and two sons share their home with two dogs.

“I am both humbled and excited at this opportunity,” said Brian. “It is a privilege to be a steward to our community in such a rewarding manner.”

2021 Board of Directors, Pebble Tossers
Rebecca Sandberg – Board President – Management Consultant
Kelly Weber – Board Vice President – OneDigital
Vijay Vaswani – Board Treasurer – Bennett Thrasher, CPA
Broughton Barry – Board Secretary – Wolters Kluwer
Brandy Brock – Google Cloud Business Solutions
Neal Chatigny – WebMD
Andy Dakshina – WorkFusion
Aaron Dixon – Alston & Bird
Leslie Graham – United Digestive
Jason Halliburton – Merrill Lynch
Heather Housley – Bank of America-Merrill Lynch
Mary Ulmer Jones – Bank of America
Elizabeth Rasberry – ABB
Asher Royal – Davita Kidney Care
Brian Sengson – Bennett Thrasher

About Pebble Tossers
Pebble Tossers is the premier 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 resources and age-appropriate service opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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Ten Atlanta Teens Awarded $1,000 grants to help those in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on by pebbletossers

Ten Atlanta Teens Awarded $1,000 grants to help
those in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Pebble Tossers announced grant recipients from a pool of nearly 50 applicants

(Atlanta, GA, April 7, 2020)…Pebble Tossers, Atlanta’s leading youth development nonprofit organization, awarded ten $1,000 grants to greater Atlanta teens. Each grant is being used to provide immediate assistance to low income/at-risk youth and their families in greater Atlanta affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pebble Tossers selected ten grant recipients from 48 applications and each winner developed a concept encompassing an innovative, goal-oriented project. Based on grant guidelines, each project will be developed and executed rapidly to ensure immediate impact on the community.

“The creativity and ingenuity presented in all of the projects was inspiring. This opportunity came up quickly and our local youth continue to amaze us with their passion and commitment to helping their community,” said Jennifer Guynn, Founder + Executive Director, Pebble Tossers. “Our youth want to have a voice in providing solutions during this COVID-19 crisis. These ten grants provide them with a platform and an opportunity to make a significant impact in their community.”

The winning projects range from creative food drives and care packages to 3-D printing of masks and software tutorials. All recipients of donated items are at-risk community members and organizations hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A complete list of winning projects is available on the Pebble Tossers website, www.pebbletossers.org.

Announced only ten days prior to awarding the grant, Pebble Tossers quickly mobilized its community of nonprofits and youth volunteers to spread the word of the opportunity. The original $10,000 grant was provided to Pebble Tossers by Halle Tecco.

To learn more about the Pebble Tossers COVID-19 Youth Impact Grant and its winners please visit: www.pebbletossers.org/COVID19grant

About the Grant

The grant program, quickly organized by Halle Tecco beginning March 19th, started as an initial investment of $50,000 by Ms. Tecco and quickly grew to $400,000 as additional donations poured into the fund. Within days, 362 applications were submitted and Pebble Tossers was one of 36 nationwide recipients. The proposals were based on the following criteria:

  • The non-profit is solving an emergent problem created by COVID-19 vs. supporting ongoing operations stretched by COVID-19.
  • The use of funds is clear, compelling, efficient, and measurable.
  • The non-profit has a leadership team and board which is diverse and representative of the population they are serving.
  • The organization has already shown commitment to ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 (e.g. this isn’t a new program they invented to get a grant).
  • The non-profit is a registered 501(c)3 or is working with a registered fiscal sponsor.
  • More details: https://medium.com/@halletecco/supporting-the-helpers-during-covid-19-7cd506ec219d

About Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is the premier local youth service organization focused on providing families with a comprehensive path to youth development through service to others, from preschool to graduation, or “nap to cap.” Customized programming empowers youth to lead by providing them with resources and age-appropriate opportunities. With Pebble Tossers, volunteers sign up, show up, and serve to create a ripple of giving in their community.

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