Gala to celebrate legacy of home for seniors and children

Christian City, the home for children and seniors located on the border of Fayette County, is celebrating 40 years of service to the community this Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Airport Hilton with a 1940's costume or black tie suggested Anniversary Gala and Banquet. Guests will be taken back in time and will enjoy elegant entertainment with a nineteen piece orchestra, Sentimental Journey, playing some of America's most loved and treasured music along with Amy Holloway of channel 11 Alive television as the vocalist. Professional Ballroom Dancers will sweep across the floor, demonstrating the fox trot and waltzes, as people dine by candlelight. A surprise guest is on tap who will set the theme “Thanks For The Memories.” Chick-fil-A, a major sponsor of the event, will bring in an authentic car from the 1940's from their automobile museum which will serve as a back drop for professional photographs the guests will take home as a gift. The Atlanta History Museum has provided vintage posters, Life magazines and an array of memorabilia from World War II for display in the promenade to set the mood and genre.

This celebration is the culmination of a year long series of events dedicated to commemorating Christian City's 40th year of providing loving care to children and seniors in the community. On Valentine's Day, 1965, 12 young boys arrived at Christian City and moved into the first cottage. From that day forward, Christian City continued to grow and expand its ministries with the support of the original founders, churches, businesses, civic organizations and many volunteers. Originally started on 50 acres donated by Doctor and Mrs. Byron Harper, the nonprofit organization now sits on 500 acres and provides on campus residential care to over 60 children who live in eight cottages with full time house parents. Off campus foster care placement is arranged for children age 6 and under. "We believe that no child should go hungry: physically, emotionally or spiritually. At the level of our most basic needs, we all deserve a place at the table," says Robert Crutchfield, President and CEO of Christian City. Ground has been broken on a new children's village with updated cottages and facilities for baseball, basketball, tennis, as well as a swimming pool and recreational center.

The needs of over 1,000 seniors are also met on campus in the way of a convalescent center, two Alzheimer's care centers, Sparks Inn assisted living/personal care facility, subsidized apartments for seniors on limited incomes, as well as independent retirement and life lease patio homes.

Christian City provides a safe nurturing environment for people from all walks of life, but particularly for those who cannot otherwise afford the vast array of services and ministries needed for successful living. Support from the community keeps the original vision of 40 years ago alive and helps Christian City continue to provide for the needs of children and seniors. For more information on Christian City or to buy tickets to the 40th Anniversary Gala and Banquet log onto to www.christiancity.org or call Heidi Becker at 770-846-8659. Tickets are $125 and include valet parking.

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