Announcement
A Night of Community, Generosity, and Hope
A Night of Community, Generosity, and Hope
Three years ago, we gathered around a simple idea: bring people together around a table and create space for connection.
On May 30, that idea came to life once again as supporters, volunteers, partners, community leaders, and friends joined us at Oglethorpe University for the third annual Dinner Together Gala.
What happened that evening exceeded anything we could have imagined.
Together, our community raised more than $312,000, making this the most successful Dinner Together to date and more than doubling the amount raised last year.
The number itself is remarkable. But what stays with us most is what happened inside the room.
From the moment guests arrived, there was an energy that felt different. Old friends reunited. New connections were made. Conversations flowed between people from different backgrounds, industries, and experiences, all united by a shared belief that every family deserves the opportunity to rebuild, thrive, and belong.
Throughout the evening, guests explored stories from families who have rebuilt their lives in Georgia after fleeing conflict, persecution, and crisis. They learned about the challenges many newcomers face, but also about their resilience, determination, and contributions to our communities.
The stories were personal. The impact was real.
As one guest shared afterward, "You leave understanding that these aren't someone else's neighbors. They're our neighbors."
The program challenged us to think about what it means to start over.
To arrive in a new place without knowing the language.
To search for housing, employment, education, and stability while carrying the weight of everything left behind.
To rebuild.
And yet, that is exactly what thousands of families across Georgia do every year.
Every day, we see parents working multiple jobs while attending English classes at night. We see young people navigating new schools while helping their families adjust to life in a new country. We see entrepreneurs launching businesses, workers filling critical workforce needs, and families creating futures that once felt impossible.
That spirit of perseverance was at the heart of the evening.
Guests gathered in the auditorium.
One of the most moving moments came during the Fund-a-Need appeal.
As guests reflected on the experiences many displaced families face, something extraordinary happened.
People gave.
They gave generously.
They gave spontaneously.
They gave because they believed in the work.
They gave because they believed in the families we serve.
They gave because they wanted to be part of the solution.
By the end of the evening, more than $312,000 had been committed to support programs that help families find safety, stability, and opportunity.
For every legal case that helps keep a family together.
For every young person pursuing their education.
For every parent seeking employment.
For every family working toward stability.
This community showed up.
The evening also gave us the opportunity to recognize two remarkable leaders whose work has strengthened our community and advanced opportunities for others.
The 2026 Spirit of the IRC Awards were presented to:
Dorian DeBarr, President of Decide DeKalb Development Authority, for his leadership in advancing civic and economic inclusion.
and
Azadeh N. Shahshahani, Legal & Advocacy Director at Project South, for her longstanding commitment to human rights and immigrant justice.
Their work reflects the values we strive to uphold every day: dignity, opportunity, belonging, and justice.
We were also honored to have Madame CEO Cochran-Johnson of Dekalb County in attendance. Her profound words helped to make the event all the more special, and we appreciate her generous donation of $25,000.
Events like Dinner Together do not happen without an incredible community standing behind them.
To our sponsors, donors, volunteers, Advisory Council members, staff, event partners, and everyone who purchased a ticket, made a gift, donated an auction item, or introduced a friend to our mission, thank you.
A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, R. James Properties, whose partnership helped make this evening possible.
Most importantly, thank you to the families whose stories continue to inspire us.
As we look ahead, we know the work continues.
Families will continue to arrive seeking safety.
Parents will continue working to build stability.
Young people will continue pursuing their dreams.
And IRC Atlanta will continue walking alongside them.
Three years ago, Dinner Together was simply an idea.
Today, it has become a powerful reflection of what is possible when a community comes together with compassion, generosity, and a belief in our shared future.
Thank you for being part of it.
We cannot wait to see what we accomplish together next year.
With Gratitude
Dinner Together 2026 was made possible through the generosity, talent, and partnership of so many individuals and organizations who helped bring the evening to life.
We extend our sincere thanks to:
Venue Partner
- Oglethorpe University
Catering
- Affairs to Remember
Gold Cart Service
- Atlanta Cart Rental
Auctioneer
- Candance Essenburg
Printing and Signage
- The Federal Home Loan Bank in Atlanta
Floral Design
- C+S Events
We are equally grateful to our sponsors, Advisory Council members, volunteers, staff, auction donors, and every guest who joined us for the evening.
Your contributions, both seen and unseen, helped create an unforgettable night and will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of families rebuilding their futures across Georgia.
Thank you for helping make Dinner Together 2026 our most successful gala yet.
Join Us Next Year
Dinner Together continues to grow because of the people and organizations who believe in building stronger, more welcoming communities.
Whether you're interested in becoming a sponsor, underwriting a portion of the event, donating an auction item, hosting a table, volunteering, or exploring a community partnership, we would love to start the conversation.
Planning for Dinner Together 2027 is already underway, and we are always looking for mission-aligned partners who want to make a meaningful impact alongside us.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or ways to get involved, please contact:
Together, we can continue creating opportunities for families rebuilding their lives and ensure that Dinner Together remains a celebration of community, belonging, and hope.