Download Board of Directors Directory >>>
The years 2009 and 2010 mark perhaps the most substantive period in the history of the Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House. We started two new AHHH initiatives, started a successful new fundraiser, gained two new retail supporters, and brought in several new board members.
We built and opened the Home Depot Marcus Hospitality Cottage, which accommodates families who travel to Atlanta to have their children receive treatment at the Marcus Austism Center, usually for their feeding program. Since it opened in mid 2009, the cottage has had 448 accommodations. When not used for Marcus families, it is used for our other guests, and has raised the potential occupancy for the house from 17 to 25.
In order for us to remain strong and continue to evolve and expand, we held the first two annual “Cottage for the Kids" Golf Tournaments to help raise money to sustain the operations of the Cottage. The second tournament raised twice the money of the first, and the future looks bright for it becoming a popular community event. We expect it to become one of our most successful fundraisers, along with our Bargainanza.
Our newest initiative is a partnership with the clinical trials community. Patients come from all over the country to Atlanta to participate in clinical trials. But staying here for weeks at a time is very expensive and can deter a patient in participating in the trial. We've been able to help those who are participating in the trials to be able to afford to come here for the new treatments, helping not only them, but also future patients who will benefit from these trials.
The House, which has been supported by Crate&Barrel for many years, received two new corporate supporters, Home Depot and Williams Sonoma. We welcome them, and appreciate very much all of their in-kind donations.
We have three new board members, which continues to reinvigorate those of us who have been on the board for a while. Jimmy Swartz, Jeff Fenn, and Jill Girardeau have brought with them a new perspective and a burst of energy, as well as expertise in health law, finance, and management.
Finally, we must never forget the strength of our House, the volunteers. It is hard to express our appreciation to them for all the hard work and hours they have contributed to make our House better and more livable. They have mowed the yard, cut the brush, washed the windows, cooked meals, built two storage sheds, and donated food, supplies, and entertainment. Our volunteers are really the heart of “The House With a Heart."
Our House provides support for the part of health care that most people don't think about–the love and support of the patient's family. It has been a wonderful two years. The Board, staff, volunteers, contributors, and supporters all love what we do. Thanks for all your help and commitment.
Paul Shanor, Chairman, 2009-2010