Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger “Party with a Purpose” Atlanta Event Raises $8,610 for World Central Kitchen
- Gift for Life
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Industry comes together for a fun-filled evening supporting hunger relief and humanitarian aid
Jan 22, 2026, Atlanta, GA — Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team’s Party with a Purpose fundraiser, held during the Atlanta Market, proved that when the gift and home furnishings industry comes together, it can make a meaningful impact. The event successfully raised $8,610 for World Central Kitchen, supporting the organization’s mission to provide fresh meals to people impacted by crises around the world.
The evening brought together industry friends, colleagues, and supporters for a high-energy night of connection, generosity, and purpose. A highlight of the event was a 50/50 raffle that raised $1,300, which was generously matched by Nora Fleming, doubling the contribution. Adding to the spirit of giving, raffle winner Phil Fisher, of DNA Sales, donated his winnings back to the cause, further amplifying the fundraiser’s impact.
Combined with ticket sales and additional donations, the event’s fundraising efforts exceeded expectations, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
“Home vs. Hunger/Gift for Life was created to harness the heart of the Gift & Home Furnishings Industry, and this Atlanta Market event truly delivered,” said Russ Jones, event chair. “Raising more than $8,500 for World Central Kitchen, special thanks to Currey & Company’s generosity of hosting the event and the support of our community, shows how impactful we can be when we Party with a Purpose!”
During the evening, Gift for Life announced Peter Schauben, president of sales representative agency Schauben & Co. and founder of Gift for Life, as the 2026 Industry Achievement Award recipient, recognizing his longstanding leadership, vision, and
dedication to philanthropy within the gift and home community.
Gift for Life extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, sponsors, donors, and supporters who h
elped make the Atlanta Party with a Purpose a successful and memorable night, one that united the industry while bringing good into the world.
For more information about Gift for Life and its mission, visit www.giftforlife.org.
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Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s COVID-related hunger relief. Since that time, Gift for Life has led gift and home industry efforts to fund provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for AIDS Walk NY which benefits GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at www.wck.org.