BNJacksonGA

It only happens once a year. A global movement known as Twestival, that uses the power of social media to organize offline events in support of local and global charities. Since 2009, in more than 200 cities across the globe, the Twestival phenomenon has raised over $1.2 million for important causes through grassroots, volunteer organizing.

Atlanta, the number two most socially networked city in the U.S., according to Men’s Health Magazine, is hosting Atlanta Twestival on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the historic Inman Park neighborhood (Inman Alley 154 Krog Street, Atlanta, GA 30307). Powered entirely by volunteers and sponsors, this “tweet-up with a conscience” is open to all who are interested in coming together to celebrate the power of social media for social good.

100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly to the beneficiary charity – Nicholas House, a local non-profit that guides and supports homeless families towards self-sufficiency. Since opening their doors in 1982 the organization has helped over 2000 homeless families and is one of the few agencies in Georgia to be certified as a Best Practice Model by the Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness. "The proceeds from Twestival Atlanta will impact homeless families by providing much needed funds for individualized case management, housing, education and training and after-school care,” said Yvonne Druyeh, Manager of Operations and Volunteer Coordinator at Nicholas House. And with more than 1,000 families homeless on any given night in metro Atlanta, the need couldn’t be greater.

Atlanta Twestival wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Atlanta community-at- large. This year’s host committee, whose participation has been pivotal in bringing awareness and purpose to the event, is led by District 2 City Councilman Kwanza Hall (@kwanzahall / @District2ATL) known for his work in Atlanta’s small business and tech sector and Kate Atwood (@KateAtwood) a nationally recognized leader and innovator of philanthropy work and the founder of Kate’s Club. Twestival Atlanta is also grateful to premier sponsor XFINITY®, whose generous contribution to Nicholas House helped to kick-start fundraising efforts.

Additional, in-kind sponsors include:
Sheik Burritos & Kabobs, Social Media agency & Guinness World Record Holder, Everywhere, renowned visual artist and curator, Dubelyoo and pioneer Southeast DJ, Re-Mixer & Producer, DJ Sharpe.

How to Participate in Atlanta Twestival:
1. Grab an Atlanta Twestival ticket and attend on March 24: http://bit.ly/fdF7L1

2. Donate. Atlanta Twestival is supporting Nicholas House with 100% of the donations going directly to projects that impact your own community. http://bit.ly/h6liXY

3. Sponsor the event. This is a great way for companies and organizations to connect with Atlanta’s most connected. Send an email to msciocia@gmail.com to learn more.

4. Tweet, Blog, Promote!

- Follow us at @ATLTwestival and Nicholas House at @NicholasHouse. Use #hashtag #ATLTwestival and be sure to RT!

- Spread the word by linking to our ticketing page: http://bit.ly/fdF7L1 or our fundraising page for those who can’t attend the event but still would like to contribute: http://bit.ly/h6liXY

- Recognize & support our awesome sponsors!: @GetLocalATL, @sheikburritos, @Beeverywhere, @dubelyoo

Tags: Atlanta, Atlanta Twestival, Best Practice Model, DJ Sharpe, Dubelyoo, Everywhere, Georgia, Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness, Inman Park, Kate Atwood, Kate’s Club, Kwanza Hall, Nicholas House, Sheik Burritos & Kabobs, Twestival