Columbia Engineering

Rainbow Village to Celebrate 30 Years of “Second Chances” at Upcoming Golf Classic

March 9, 2021 by Michelle Alcorn

Nonprofit Dedicated to Ending Homelessness – One Family at a Time – Seeks Sponsors and Golfers for Benefit Tournament at TPC Sugarloaf April 19

Duluth, Ga., March 9, 2021 – Rainbow Village has undergone an amazing transformation over the last 30 years since it was first launched on April 19, 1991 as Rainbow House – an outreach ministry of Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross, Georgia with one house to serve two homeless families at a time. Now housed on a 2.5-acre campus in the heart of Duluth, Rainbow Village boasts five apartment buildings offering room enough to house 30 families simultaneously along with a community center for youth and adult programming. As a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness – one family at a time – through multi-generational programming that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond the “village,” Rainbow Village relies upon the support of donors and corporate sponsors to remain solvent. One of the ways this transformative program raises funds is through an annual golf tournament, appropriately dubbed the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic. Hosted at TPC Sugarloaf on April 19, this year’s Classic will celebrate 30 years of second chances provided to homeless families in need.

“Last year, our Second Chance Golf Classic was the only live event we hosted due to COVID,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “There’s such a large fanbase for this event that – even when we felt the need to postpone it for four months – all our sponsors hung in there with us and we were at full capacity for golfers. There’s such an amazing spirit of fellowship, fun and friendly competition each year at this event. Presented by Columbia Engineering, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than ever before. There are still a number of sponsorships available and registration is now open for foursomes and individual golfers, so anyone who wishes to take part should register as soon as possible before we reach full capacity.”

Remaining sponsorships include 19^th Hole Sponsor, Corporate Sponsor, Food & Beverage Sponsor, Golf Cart Sponsor, Contest Sponsor and Hole Sponsor. While all sponsorships come with a series of benefits, 19^th Hole and Corporate Sponsors receive inclusion of their own foursome in the Classic. All players receive lunch, dinner and beverages during the event. To register as a sponsor, purchase a foursome or sign up as an individual golfer, prospective participants are encouraged to visit http://old.rainbowvillage.org/golf-2021/.” Those who don’t golf can still join in the year-long 30^th Anniversary celebration by becoming a donor and/or volunteer at Rainbow Village. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring, providing meals, and property beautification, assisting with fundraising events and much more. To make a secure one-time online donation, sign on as a monthly donor or register as a volunteer, please visit www.RainbowVillage.org.

About Rainbow Village: Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA that serves families that are currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Community Comes Through for Homeless Families During Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2020

September 8, 2020 by Michelle Alcorn

Georgia Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence Exceeded its Fundraising Goals to Support Self-Sustainability Programming and Rainbow Village Academy

**More than 140 Golfers Took to the Course at TPC Sugarloaf in Support of Rainbow Village**

Duluth, Ga., September 8, 2020 – The world has witnessed a resurgence of the word “pivot” as companies, organizations and even families have had to embrace flexibility and employ innovation in the wake of COVID-19. That has certainly been the case at Rainbow Village – a Duluth, Ga.-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in the lives of Georgia families with children. Originally scheduled for May 4, 2020, the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic represents one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers of the year. By late March, it became clear that Rainbow Village would have to postpone the tournament – which already had a slew of sponsors and foursomes lined up to show their support. The rescheduled event took place on Monday, August 24 as 144 golfers spread out on the 18-hole championship course at TPC Sugarloaf and by the time the tournament had come to an end, funds raised on behalf of Rainbow Village exceeded their original, pre-COVID goal of $100,000.

**Rainbow Village Staff Members are All Smiles Under Those Masks During the 2020 Second Chance Golf Classic**

“Like many other companies and nonprofits, we’re having to stretch ourselves in new ways to meet the needs of the families we serve,” said Melanie Conner, CEO for Rainbow Village. “We’ve hosted a series of virtual events, stepping out in faith every time – unsure of how they will be received. Our amazing community of faith partners, corporate partners, community partners, donors and volunteers blow us away every time with their enduring support. The Second Chance Golf Classic represented our first in-person event since COVID-19 first rocked our world, and – although it looked different to see smiles hidden behind masks and we weren’t able to take part in all of the fun fellowship activities that typically surround this event – the spirit was still the same. It fills my heart with awe to see how this community comes together to embrace the homeless families we serve, championing them as they make their way on a journey toward self-sustainability. When we moved the date of the event for the protection of everyone involved, we feared we might lose some golfers and sponsors. Instead, we had a waiting list of golfers who wanted to be a part of our special day. Due to social distancing guidelines, we weren’t able to accommodate everyone, but we deeply appreciate their desire to help us give a ‘mulligan’ – AKA second chance – to families in need.”

**The Partners Risk Services Team Took Home the Win at the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic**

The official winners of the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic were Joe Thompson, Mike Royal, Mike Wilson and Scott Hales of Partners Risk Services. But Conner insists that the real winners are the families Rainbow Village serves. In addition to supporting the campus that houses 30 families and provides transformative programming for every member of the family, the funds raised during this year’s Golf Classic will help the nonprofit extend the hours of Rainbow Village Academy and cover the expense of hiring instructional aides and teachers needed to serve the 25 school-age students who are taking part in digital learning for the remainder of the calendar year.

**Motorcars of Atlanta’s Steven Burroughs and Brandon Saszi Did Their Part for Homeless Families at the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic 2020**

“After weeks of uncertainty with regard to whether or not we’d be able to host one of our most impactful fundraisers of the year, I cannot tell you how incredible it felt to finally come together under sunny skies at TPC Sugarloaf,” recalled Michelle Alcorn, Community Engagement Director for Rainbow Village. “The most heartwarming moment occurred when Melanie announced the total amount of funds raised at our 19^th Hole Reception at the end of the tournament. As soon as our players and sponsors learned that we missed our goal by $140, they came forth and opened their wallets to ensure that we not only met but exceeded our goal. We feel so blessed to bear witness to the generosity of the community that surrounds Rainbow Village every day. It’s a powerful thing.”

**Kathy Galbraith mans the Northside Hospital Gwinnett table with masks and antibacterial gel for the players at the Second Chance Golf Classic 2020**

Another major fundraiser on Rainbow Village’s calendar each year is its “We Are Family” Benefit Gala – typically hosted at the Atlanta Athletic Club. With a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and fellowship, it’s an event many of the nonprofit’s supporters look forward to each year. Last year, the Gala raised a record-breaking $337,893 to benefit Rainbow Village and the families it serves. The Rainbow Village leadership team in conjunction with its Board of Directors made the difficult decision to transform the 2020 Rainbow Village “We Are Family” Benefit Gala to a virtual event to ensure the safety of participants. Scheduled for November 7, more details about this year’s Gala will be unveiled in the weeks to come. The date for the 2021 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic has been set for April 19. For more information about Rainbow Village and its programs, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

**Felita Bunn of Columbia Engineering – Presenting Sponsor of the 2nd Chance Golf Classic 2020 – Speaks to the Golfers**

About Rainbow Village: Established in 1991 and based in Duluth, Georgia, Rainbow Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Committed to serving as a “community of transformation”, Rainbow Village applies a holistic, two-generational approach to serving homeless families with children. With the goal of helping families achieve emotional stability and financial independence, Rainbow Village provides housing, early childhood education and after-school care, child and youth programming, financial planning, career counseling, workforce readiness, mental health counseling, community events and more. Rainbow Village accepts applications from homeless families with minor children throughout Georgia. To learn more about Rainbow Village, register as a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.rainbowvillage.org.

Rainbow Village Requests a “Mulligan” with Second Chance Golf Classic Date Change

March 30, 2020 by Michelle Alcorn

Columbia Engineering to Present Tournament on August 24 to Benefit Nonprofit Dedicated to Breaking the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence

Duluth, Ga., March 30, 2020 – Out of an abundance of caution for participants of its annual Second Chance Golf Classic, Rainbow Village is requesting a “mulligan” of its own. Having originally scheduled the fundraising event for May 4, the current Coronavirus Pandemic has necessitated the move to a new date of August 24. Presented by Columbia Engineering for the second year in a row, the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic will be hosted at TPC Sugarloaf, with a shotgun start of 10 a.m.

“As one of our largest fundraisers of the year, the participation from sponsors and individual golfers is crucial to our ongoing provision of transitional housing and life-changing programming to the families we serve,” explained Rainbow Village CEO, Melanie Conner. “Given the name ‘Second Chance’ to reflect the second chances Rainbow Village provides to families who have recently escaped situations marred by homelessness, poverty and domestic violence, the tagline for our golf classic is ‘The Course of Life can be a Challenge; Sometimes We Need a Mulligan!’ A popular golf term for a do-over stroke, a mulligan is exactly what we’re requesting as an organization at this time. The response from companies and individuals who’d signed on for the earlier date has been overwhelmingly supportive of the change. We’re incredibly blessed to have such an amazing support system from our local business, civic, family and faith communities.”

In addition to Columbia Engineering, sponsors that have signed on to date for the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic include: Level Seven Facilities Services; Triad Advisors; Landmark Landscapes; Motor Cars of Atlanta; Sutter, McLellan & Gilbreath, Inc.; and Renasant Bank. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain – many of which include golf foursomes, marketing table and tent on the course, signs on the course, recognition on LED leader board, inclusion in social media posts and more.

Lunch, beverages, snacks and dinner will be provided for each golfer. To view available sponsorship levels or purchase spots for individual golfers and foursomes. for the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic, interested parties can visit the Golf 2020 page at www.rainbowvillage.org.

Sponsors Being Sought for the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic

February 20, 2020 by Michelle Alcorn

Local Nonprofit with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence to Host Benefit Golf Tournament in May – Presented by Duluth’s Columbia Engineering at TPC Sugarloaf

Duluth, Ga., February 20, 2020 – Rainbow Village is a place that’s intimately familiar with the concept of second chances. Families come to this community of transformation after facing challenges like homelessness, poverty, food insecurity and domestic violence in search of a second chance. Playing host to two major fundraisers each year – one a formal gala hosted in the fall and the other a charity golf tournament in the spring, it makes sense that the latter has become known as the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic. Touting the tagline “The course of life can be a challenge. Sometimes we need a mulligan,” this year’s Golf Classic will be hosted at TPC Sugarloaf on Monday, May 4. With its first major sponsor – Columbia Engineering – already lined up as Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row, Rainbow Village is issuing a call for additional sponsors in hopes of making this year’s event the most memorable and successful tournament to date.

“Let’s equate this event to a big beautiful potluck dinner, where everyone is tasked with bringing something to the table,” said Melanie Conner, CEO for Rainbow Village. “The more people involved, the greater the gathering. As our presenting sponsor, Columbia Engineering has effectively signed on to bring the proverbial ‘steak.’ There are plenty of spaces for companies, churches, families and individual donors to have an impact on not only this event, but also on the families who call Rainbow Village ‘home.’ The proceeds from events like our Golf Classic and Benefit Gala support programs carefully designed to transform lives and put our residents squarely on the path to self-sufficiency. Not to mention the fact that the Classic represents a really fun day on one of Atlanta’s most beautiful and challenging courses. Many of our sponsorship levels come complete with a foursome, so it’s an opportunity to do good works while having a blast!”

Remaining sponsorship levels for the 2020 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic include:

Premier Sponsor: Includes Two (2) foursomes – Three (3) hole signs – Lunch, dinner and beverages for eight (8) players – Marketing table/tent on course – Logo on signage and Rainbow Village website – Logo on leaderboard – Speaking opportunity at shotgun start and 19th Hole Reception – and MORE!
19^th Hole Sponsor: Includes One (1) foursome – Two (2) hole signs – Lunch, dinner and beverages for four (4) players – Logo on signage and Rainbow Village website – Logo on leaderboard – Speaking opportunity at 19th Hole Reception – Company Brand at 19th Hole Reception – and MORE!
Player Gift Sponsor: Includes One (1) foursome – Two (2) hole signs – Lunch, dinner and beverages for four (4) players – Company branded player gift – Marketing table/tent on course – Logo on signage and Rainbow Village website – Logo on leaderboard – Speaking opportunity at shotgun start – and MORE!
Corporate Sponsor: Includes One (1) foursome – One (1) hole sign – Lunch, dinner and beverages for four (4) players – Option to set up Marketing table/tent on course – Logo on signage and Rainbow Village website – Logo scrolling on leaderboard – and MORE!

Additional opportunities available for Beverage Station Host, Lunch Sponsor, “Bloody Mary” Breakfast Bar Sponsor, Golf Cart Sponsor, Contest Sponsor and Hole Sponsor. Slots for individual golfers and foursomes are also available for purchase. Lunch, beverages, snacks and dinner will be provided for each golfer. To sign on as a sponsor or golfer for the Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic, interested parties can visit the Golf 2020 page at www.rainbowvillage.org.

About Columbia Engineering: Founded in 1963, Columbia Engineering and Services, Inc. (CES) is a regional Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and privately-owned professional services civil engineering firm headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. The firm’s services include land planning, site development, land surveying, transportation design, water resources, LEED® project design, landscape architecture, and construction engineering inspection. Columbia is proud to be an active contributing member of the Duluth community. www.columbia-engineering.com.

Rainbow Village Hosts Highly Successful 2019 Second Chance Golf Classic

May 21, 2019 by Michelle Alcorn

Local Businesses and Golfers Turn Out in Support of Organization with a Mission to Break the Cycles of Homelessness, Poverty and Domestic Violence in North Metro Atlanta

Duluth, Ga., May 21, 2019 – As a nonprofit organization that understands the importance of giving second chances to homeless families in need, Rainbow Village was proud to play host to one of its most successful fundraisers to date – the 2019 Rainbow Village Second Chance Golf Classic. With the tagline “The course of life can be a challenge. Sometimes we need a mulligan.” for inspiration, 112 golfers took to the course at TPC Sugarloaf with the goal of having fun and changing lives. Before the day was over, the nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence in North Metro Atlanta had raised $88,100.

“We simply cannot say thank you enough to all of our amazing sponsors, groups of friends who came out as foursomes, individual golfers, volunteers, community partners and the wonderful staff at TPC Sugarloaf,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “In addition to having an amazing time and being blessed with beautiful weather, we raised $24,000 MORE than last year’s event – something we never could have imagined. It just goes to show how incredibly supportive the Gwinnett County and North Metro Atlanta communities are of Rainbow Village. Those communities share with us a strong desire to help Rainbow Village families pursue futures filled with promise so that their children never have to face another night of homelessness the rest of their lives.”

Needless to say, as a tournament, there was a winning team. The foursome of Larry Mays, Joe Mays, Chandler Doughty and Steve Doughty brought home the win (after a Rock Paper Scissors Challenge between their team and the tying Salesforce team), but the real winners of the day were the families Rainbow Village serves with its 2.5-acre campus that houses five apartment buildings and a community center that includes space for an Early Childhood Development Center, after-school programming, family dining room and more. In addition to housing and childcare, the Duluth-based nonprofit provides financial and career counseling, life skills classes, mental health services and – most importantly – a solid sense of community for the 30 families it serves at any given time. Funds raised from the Second Chance Golf Classic will go to support programming and operations at Rainbow Village.

With presenting sponsor – Columbia Engineering – at the helm, other local companies that served as sponsors for this year’s Golf Classic included: Northside Hospital Forsyth, Siemens, The Lorentzen Family, Teamspring Technologies, Coles Barton LLP, Renasant Bank, Your Wealth Partners, PossibleNow, Motor Cars of Atlanta, Quantum National Bank, Greyling Insurance Brokerage, Wilson Lewis Certified Public Accountants, The Whitlock Group Insurance Agency, HallWay Plumbing, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, BrandMortgage, Jimmy John’s, Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, Gwinnett Medical Center, Robert Half and United Consulting.

Rainbow Village’s other major annual fundraising event – the “We Are Family” Benefit Gala – is scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at the Atlanta Athletic Club. To learn more about Rainbow Village, make a donation or register as a volunteer, please visit www.rainbowvillage.org.