Earth Share of Georgia celebrates the 35th annual Earth Day in April with three official events—an outdoor volunteer work day, a business leaders breakfast and a Midtown gala. Earth Share of Georgia is the state’s only environmental fund for workplace giving.

“Since 1992, Earth Share of Georgia has allocated nearly $2 million to its member groups. In the past ten years, state employees alone have pledged more than $1 million through workplace giving,” said Earth Share of Georgia Executive Director Richard Judy. ”Public and private organizations alike are finding that Earth Share is a simple way to expand on their philanthropy, and employees appreciate the Earth Share choice.”

n Saturday, April 2, Green Day unites hundreds of corporate and government employees in a mission to clean up the environment through hands-on community projects. Employees from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, CH2M Hill, Emory University, REI, Whole Foods Market, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and others are among the more than 20 teams that will volunteered. The work sites included metro Atlanta’s Grant Park, Atlanta Community Food Bank Community Garden and Chattahoochee Nature Center. The half-day of “green” work projects will culminate at REI with a volunteer appreciation lunch provided by Whole Foods Market. Support for Green Day comes from Alcoa Foundation and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

The Earth Day Leadership Breakfast on Friday, April 22, is yet another activity exploring creative corporate philanthropy. Carolyn Kenny, president of Kaiser Permanente will host the event at the Carter Center for leaders from the business and environmental communities. Larry Selzer, CEO of the Conservation Fund, will deliver a keynote address focusing on the benefits of environmental and business partnerships. Annual Campaign and Green Day Challenge Awards will be presented during the program to business and government participants.

The 2005 Earth Day Party, Saturday, April 23, will include music, an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Whole Foods Market and Pleasant Peasant Restaurant and a silent auction. A new highlight this year—a commemorative video montage by Lab 601, showcasing environmental best practices and achievements of supporters and member groups. The party will be held in Midtown Atlanta at the Interface Showroom, which has received the LEED-CI Platinum designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Additional support for Earth Share’s Earth Day activities comes from Engagency, Fortune-Johnson, Glenwood Park, Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals, Creative Loafing and What’s Up.

Earth Share of Georgia offers citizens one smart and simple way to care for the state’s air, land and water. Earth Share partners with businesses and employees to support 62 leading environmental groups—including Southface—through workplace campaigns, partnerships and other activities. For updates, partnering businesses and a member charities list, visit www.earthsharega.org.

For information on individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call (404) 873-3173.
Individual tickets for the leadership breakfast are $50. Please contact the office to receive an invitation.