Buckhead Life in the Community
Buckhead Life’s main philanthropic focus has long been the fight against hunger. The company has dedicated countless hours to hunger-based organizations on both the local and national level. Pano Karatassos was a pioneer in developing Atlanta’s Table, the country’s first freshly prepared food program for the hungry. In 2014, BLRG won the Community Service Leadership award from Feeding the Homeless Project for its involvement with this program and the March of Dimes awarded Karatassos the Culinary Salute Award for his distinguished leadership and devoted service in the Atlanta community.
For 35 years, Pano Karatassos has served as the Atlanta chairperson for Share Our Strength’s (SOS) annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser. Pano, his Buckhead Life Family and the entire hospitality industry in Atlanta are key contributors to the success of this elegant black-tie gala, which raises funds to end the causes and consequences of hunger and poverty. Locally, the event benefits Atlanta’s Table and the Atlanta Food Bank, Project Open Hand and Genesis Shelter. Since its inception in Atlanta, the SOS Taste of the Nation has raised over $15 million dollars. Since 1989, Pano and his Atlanta team have raised more money than any other city in the United States.
In addition, Buckhead Life makes monthly donations to silent auctions, live auctions, raffles, and other fundraising events hosted by local grassroots charities. BLRG receives more than 300 donation requests per month and over the years has donated to more than 2,000 of these charitable organizations. Some recent examples include Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Bert’s Big Adventure, Wounded Warrior Project, Woodruff Arts Center, Ronald McDonald House, and the United Way.
Giving Guidelines
In addition to our ongoing philanthropic efforts, Buckhead Life donates to various charities and community groups each month. If your group would like to be considered for a donation, here’s what we need from you:
Be sure to include the date of your event, information about your organization, a mailing address to mail the donation and email address where you can be contacted. We respond to every request we receive. Look for our reply by email around the 15th of the month previous to your event. Please note that donation funds are limited, and we cannot guarantee that your group will receive a donation.
Thanks again for thinking of Buckhead Life, and best of luck with your work in the community. We salute your efforts!
Because we receive more than 300 requests each month, you must submit your request at least six weeks in advance of your event.