On Nov. 10, the Cobb Community Foundation opened its 2026 Match Magic Holiday Giveathon at Plaza Green in The Battery Atlanta. The three‑week fundraiser brings together thirty‑one local nonprofits, donors and volunteers to raise money for a wide range of community needs, from affordable housing and food assistance to education, health care and animal welfare.
Kickoff sparks strong start
The event began with live music, games, a visit from Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper and a “Power Hour” competition that challenged participating charities to raise as much as possible between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. In that hour alone, donors contributed more than $114,000. Circles Cobb led the competition, donating $32,000 and earning a $2,500 matching prize.
Impact on families
Barbara Garner, board chair of Circles Cobb, praised the community’s generosity. “I was so incredibly thankful to our incredible board, to our incredible supportive community of allies, of donors, of supporters,” she said. Circles Cobb runs a two‑year mentoring program that helps families achieve economic stability. This year, 60 families applied for the program, but only 12 could be accepted. Additional funding could enable a second location, especially in south Cobb County.
Housing initiative gains momentum
Molly Holm, founder of Emmanuel’s Village, is using the Giveathon to push forward a tiny‑home community for families facing housing instability in the Marietta City Schools district. Inspired by her eight‑year‑old son’s fundraising efforts, the project aims to provide temporary housing, employment assistance and community support for 12 to 18 months while families transition to permanent homes. Holm said the campaign will help secure the final dollars needed to break ground, with construction slated for early next year.
Youth development and mentorship
Youth Empowerment Through Learning, Leading and Serving (YELLS) offers free after‑school and mentoring programs that encourage young people to lead community projects and develop leadership skills. Executive Director Lauren Keefe noted that Match Magic funding is “critical, especially right now when there’s a lot of different cuts going on in the funding climate and the national climate.” Former participant Amber Butler added that YELLS gave her a sense of family and opportunities that shaped her future.
Broad community support
Other participating organizations include the Atlanta Humane Society, Salvation Army of Cobb County, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Backpack Blessings, Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb and Family Promise of Cobb County. Residents can donate through the Cobb Community Foundation website through Dec. 1.
Foundation’s vision
Shari Martin, president and CEO of the Cobb Community Foundation, said the Giveathon is about more than dollars. “We want the community to be more aware of some of the challenges that face our neighbors, and we want them to be significantly more aware of the work that’s going on and who’s doing that work,” she explained. Martin added that Cobb County’s tradition of rallying around neighbors makes the campaign especially powerful.
Last year’s Giveathon raised more than $1.7 million for 27 nonprofits. This year’s goal of $2 million reflects growing community enthusiasm and the foundation’s commitment to matching donor generosity with pooled funds distributed based on each organization’s fundraising totals.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
