Feeding Growth, Fueling Hope: The IRC in Atlanta’s 2nd Annual Dinner Together

Despite the rain that poured down that evening, spirits were high as over 140 guests gathered inside the beautiful Atlanta International School (AIS) for the 2nd Annual Dinner Together presented by Delta Air Lines, R. James Properties, Inc. And Newrest. Hosted under the theme “Feeding Growth, Fueling Hope,” the night was filled with meaningful moments, powerful connections, and a sense of shared purpose.

This event marked not only a return, but a rise: from the $78,000 raised at our inaugural dinner in 2023 to a remarkable $128,000 this year, a 61% increase in support from our community.

But this night wasn’t just about numbers. It was about timing, intention, and impact.

A Venue Steeped in Shared Vision

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Jill Goodrich

For the second year in a row, the Atlanta International School (AIS) opened its doors to IRC and our community of supporters. Known for fostering global citizenship and multilingual education, AIS provided the perfect setting for a night grounded in empathy, global vision, and action.

We extend our deepest thanks to the entire AIS community for hosting us again and standing with us in welcoming newcomers to Georgia.

Postponed, Not Paused: A Community Decision for Greater Purpose

Originally scheduled for October 5, 2024, the dinner was intentionally postponed in partnership with our IRC in Atlanta’s Economic Empowerment Advisory Council to allow the organization to plan for the upcoming US elections and potential impacts while also focusing on welcoming refugee arrivals . Instead of hosting a celebration, we rolled up our sleeves to meet the moment, support new families, and assess our community’s most urgent needs in light of impending changes to the US federal government.

We returned on May 3rd, post-election, with clarity, purpose, and renewed commitment to not only continue this work, but to amplify it.

Economic Empowerment Advisory Council and IRC Atlanta Staff

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

IRC Atlanta Economic Empowerment Advisory Council: (David Healy, Chair-Vice President, Operations, C&W Services - Bernard van der Lande,Managing Partner, Tula Executive Search - Ash Dhokte, Vice President, Onboard Service Operations, Delta Air Lines - Humberto García-Sjögrim, Chief Executive Officer, The Accent Group - Kelly James, President, R James Properties, Inc - Jill Goodrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Women's Chamber of Commerce - Jacobus Boers, Principal Lecturer and PACE Director at Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University

IRC Atlanta Executive Leadership

Photo: Darnell Remy

Cocktail Hour: Stories that Stir the Soul

As guests mingled during the vibrant cocktail hour sponsored by Pronghorn and silent auction, one moment stood apart, a stirring reminder of why we gather.

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

Before the evening’s program began, we paused to reflect on the journey of Dede Shimyimana, a former refugee who once worked at our Atlanta office and now continues his impactful work in Wichita. His story, full of courage, transformation, and hope, was read aloud by Vernita Latten, IRC Atlanta’s Senior Resettlement Manager.

The room quieted. Hearts opened. And in that moment, Dede’s journey became everyone’s inspiration.

A Night of Action and Celebration

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

The main program offered a seamless blend of celebration and call-to-action. Highlights included:

Dynamic speakers who shared the impact of refugee resettlement and community collaboration
- David Healy, Advisory Council Chair – Cushman & Wakefield Services, Vice President of Operations
- Faith Akovi Cooper, IRC’s Regional Director, Southern Border Region - Resettlement, Asylum & Integration (RAI) program

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

Kelly James, Advisory Council Member – R. James Properties, Inc, President

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

A high-energy live auction that sparked competitive generosity
A moving fund-a-need moment where guests raised paddles to directly support refugee families
Two SPIRIT OF THE IRC Awards presented by Justin Howell, the IRC in Atlanta’s Executive Director, honoring local changemakers:
- Bernard van der Lande, dedicated volunteer since 2019 and founder of the IRC in Atlanta’s Economic Empowerment Advisory Council

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

The Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, a critical community partner since 2023 represented by Carolina Ramos, Senior Policy and Partnership Manager

Dinner Together 2025

Photo: Darnell Remy

Fueled by Partners, United by Purpose

The success of the evening was only possible because of our incredible sponsors and partners. You helped turn generosity into action.

Your partnership demonstrates that in moments of uncertainty, our shared commitment to humanity grows stronger.

A Special Thank You

To our auction donors: your generosity brought joy, connection, and meaningful support to the evening. Your contributions not only elevated the guest experience but helped us raise essential funds for refugee families beginning their journey to stability in Georgia.

Your creativity, kindness, and commitment helped us feed growth and fuel hope. We are deeply grateful.

Looking Ahead: A Community That Gathers, Grows, and Gives

In a year marked by global disruption and local demand, the IRC in Atlanta chose to meet the moment with compassion and clarity. Our decision to reschedule this year’s event allowed us to respond to the needs of newly arrived families and return in May more united, more determined, and more resourced than ever before.