Savoring Success: A Luncheon of Gratitude and Giving

What a day! On Saturday, we gathered together for our 'It All Started With a Sandwich' Luncheon at the beautiful St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, and wow—what an event it was.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised over $14,000! Those funds will go straight toward providing shelter, support, and hope to families facing homelessness right here in Cobb County.

First, we want to extend a huge thank you to St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church and Mother Sarah Fisher for welcoming us so warmly and giving us such a perfect space to host our event. We’re so grateful for your continued support of our mission.

We couldn’t have done it without our amazing sponsors: Thrivant, Dr. Stephen and Rhonda Robinson, Fred and Jennifer Massey, and Susan Jenkins. Your kindness and generosity made this event possible and will make a lasting impact on the families we serve.

Our volunteer committee deserves a standing ovation! Co-chairs Rhonda Robinson and Lisa Spessard, along with their powerhouse team—Marilyn Hunter, Pat Pepper, Margaret Shaw, Dayle Thompson, Barbara Perry, Suzanne Willhite, and Wendy Winick—poured their hearts into every detail, making this luncheon a truly special experience for everyone involved.

Rhonda Robinson’s Special Thanks

Event Chair Rhonda Robinson extends her deepest gratitude to everyone who made the luncheon a resounding success. From the beautifully decorated tables to the incredible guests who purchased tickets and participated, your presence brought the event to life.

Rhonda would like to give a special shoutout to her incredible team and the behind-the-scenes helpers: Maria Salgado, Elizabeth Lopez, Joseph Hegedus, MacKenzie Mencias, Angela Gutierrez, Sydney Spessard, Caroline Spessard, and Marty and Betsy Bergstrom

And let’s talk about the food

Chef Sue Snape of Leaf and Loaf wowed us all with her culinary magic, while Marion Hegedus was behind the camera, capturing every smile and every heartfelt moment. Check out her stunning photos along with some behind the scenes candids in the gallery below and relive the day!

A special shout-out to our incredible table hosts for bringing the community together:

• Covenant Presbyterian

• East Cobb United Methodist

• Family Promise of Cobb County Special Guests

• Kirkwood Presbyterian

• Marietta First United Methodist

• Montgomery Park and Friends

• Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

• Photography by Anna

• Rhonda Robinson

• St. Catherine’s Episcopal

• St. Peter & St. Paul Episcopal Church

• Turner Chapel AME, Zion Baptist Church, Marietta Chapel AME

The day wouldn’t have been complete without our powerful panel discussion.

Bob Foster, Autumn Sines, and Kelsey Thompson-White brought some real talk to the room, sharing eye-opening insights on the realities of family homelessness and how Family Promise of Cobb County is stepping in to help familes our community.

Let’s not forget our silent auction!

It was a hit, thanks to the generosity of so many donors who contributed incredible items and experiences. Here’s a heartfelt thank you to every single one of you:

• Steve and Linda Agnello, Ted Apron, Ms. Brooks Baker, Nancy Barke, Karin Bastidas, Martha Bowden, Chuy’s, Susie Davis, Douriean, Mother Sarah Fisher, Hand & Stone Spa, Glory Haus, Marion Hegedus, Tess Henning, Indian Hills Country Club, Ivy Lane, J. Renee Organics, Ilene Kapper, Steve and Karen Kennedy, Steven and Brenda Kruger, Fred and Elizabeth Lopez, Michael and Peggie Mathis, Bea McDowell, Mackenzie Mencias, Marietta History Center, Matt and Meaghan Paetkau, Mel Paris, Parnassus Books, Ann Patchett, Paige Peltier, Dr. Bruce and Barb Perry, Photography by Anna, Nannette Remus, River Nails, Rhonda Robinson, Dr. Stephen Robinson, Karen Roll, Margaret Shaw, Jason Snape, Linda Sotillo, Phil and Lisa Spessard, Taylor Outdoor Power Equipment, Wild Birds Unlimited

To everyone who attended, donated, and shared their time and resources, THANK YOU.

You are what makes this community so special, and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved, support our mission, and help us keep making a difference for families facing homelessness in Cobb County.