The Clayton Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, was the featured program at the Clayton County Rotary Club Luncheon on Wednesday, June 6. During the program, the Clayton Fund honored outgoing Advisory Committee Chair Cathy Ratti and awarded $20,000 in grants to five local nonprofits making a measureable difference in the community.
This year’s grant recipients are: Arts Clayton, Clayton County Family Care, Historical Jonesboro-Clayton County, Rainbow House and Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center. During the program, representatives from each organization shared the mission of their organization and how they plan to use the grant funds.
“Our organization is who we are today in part because of The Community Foundation,” said Linda Summerlin, executive director of Arts Clayton. “It’s wonderful to have a partner and supporter like the Foundation that is committed to helping nonprofits and the people we serve. The feedback, knowledge and expertise we’ve received from the Foundation has helped us determine how best to strengthen our organization today and for the future.”
Cathy Ratti offered remarks during the event, and thanked her fellow committee members for their dedication. “So much work goes on throughout the year to make this possible. It’s a rigorous application for nonprofits and the decision process for us is quite difficult,” she said. “The advisory committee is comprised of hardworking individuals who live right here in Clayton County and who are passionate about improving this community.”
Ratti’s service to the board was honored by Alicia Philipp, president of The Community Foundation and incoming Chair, Ben Loggins. “During her tenure with the Clayton Fund, Cathy has helped the fund to distribute $160,000 to strengthen Clayton nonprofits,” says Philipp. “Her tireless efforts have helped to better the Clayton community. She has earned a special place in our hearts, and we wish her the best of luck as she moves on to other endeavors.” A gift in honor of Ratti was given to Compassionate Hands, a local nonprofit that supports children in the foster system in Clayton County.