CHRIS 180: Celebrating Philanthropic Success at the Annual Fundraiser

 

Cati Diamond Stone, CEO and President of CHRIS 180, Lori B. Chennault. CHRIS 180 Chair, Wes Adams and Kathy Waller CHRIStal Ball Co-chairs.

Atlanta-based nonprofit CHRIS 180 successfully raised more than $800,000 at its annual fundraiser, The CHRIStal Ball, held on August 16 at Flourish Atlanta. The event saw over 520 attendees, including community members, sponsors, and partners, all supporting CHRIS 180's mission.

A Legacy of Support

For over 40 years, CHRIS 180 has been a cornerstone of mental health support in Atlanta, offering therapy, counseling, and school-based mental health services across more than 80 local schools. The organization also provides foster care, adoption placements, safe housing, and independent living programs for young adults. Since its inception in 1981, CHRIS 180 has positively impacted over 250,000 children, adults, and families.

Gratitude and Recognition

"We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported The CHRIStal Ball this year," stated Cati Diamond Stone, CEO and President of CHRIS 180. "The generosity of our sponsors, partners, and community enables us to continue offering life-changing services that heal children, strengthen families, and build community."

Cati Diamond Stone, CEO and President of CHRIS 180.

This year, CHRIS 180 welcomed 27 new sponsors, further expanding its network of supporters. The gala also honored two long-standing partners: Delta Air Lines, a consistent sponsor for 25 years, and Ann Cramer, Atlanta civic leader and co-founder of CHRIS 180, recognized for her leadership and dedication.

Ann Cramer, Atlanta civic leader and co-founder of CHRIS 180, Cati Diamond Stone, CEO and President of CHRIS 180, and Pascal Lewis, Delta Air Lines Vice President of Digital – Planning and Delivery Management.

Sponsorship and Support

Kathy Waller and Wes Adams served as event co-chairs. Delta Air Lines was the Presenting Sponsor for 2025. Other notable sponsors included:

• Champion Sponsors: The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Georgia Power, Georgia-Pacific, and Cox Enterprises
• Protector Sponsors: Atlanta Hawks, Coca-Cola, Holder, QTS, Kaiser Permanente, Wes Adams and Claudia Patton, Terrin and Rich McKay
• Media Sponsors: WSB-TV (Presenting), WXIA-TV (Silver), and The Atlantan, Rough Draft, and Audio GayTL (Bronze)

This year’s CHRIStal Ball marked a major milestone — the 25^th anniversary of an event that has impacted a multitude of lives.

WSB’s Brad Nitz was the evening’s emcee.

The evening was energized by the Jonesboro High School Majestic Marching Cardinals' drumline, known as the Undefeated Syndicate, is a highly acclaimed group that has won numerous competitions, including being crowned the 2024 ESPN Band of the Year and the heavyweight champion for Georgia.

Attendees enjoyed a performance by the Stayin’ Alive Crew,  a spirited over 50 group who share the love of dance and performing with the mission to give back to their communities.

CHRIS 180 continues to thrive, and I am honored to have photographed this signature event for eight years, eagerly anticipating our ongoing collaboration. Thank you, CHRIS 180!