Celebrating the 5 Year Anniversary of The Hope Transformed Capital Campaign

Celebrating the 5 Year Anniversary of The Hope Transformed Capital Campaign

More than 50 dedicated SVdP supporters came together Tuesday evening to celebrate the realized vision of the St. Vincent de Paul Hope Transformed Capital Campaign. “Before the renovation, a bathroom sign cautioned, Please do not lean on the sink. It was no exaggeration; ignoring it risked a plumbing disaster. Anyone who spent time in the building could see the need for change. I am grateful to the community of donors who believed in our vision to create this beautiful space and expand our capacity to serve Georgia neighbors in need,” shared Campaign Committee Co-chair Mike Petrik.

The Hope Transformed Capital Campaign supported the purchase of the Chamblee Service Center property, significant building renovations and upgrades, the establishment of the state’s only free Community Pharmacy, a Teaching Kitchen and connected classrooms, an expanded Client-Choice Food Pantry, and the creation of the SVdP Endowment.

Campaign Committee members Rob Ortner and Louise Scott unveiled the Campaign Donor Wall, a tribute to the more than 260 supporters who ensured the Campaign’s success. “Future visitors to the building’s most utilized space will be reminded of the impact of their generosity on the lives of our neighbors in need,” said Rob. He noted that the Campaign’s goal had grown from $6.5 million to $7.5 million, a true testament to the community’s shared commitment.

Guests also heard from the project’s architect, Kyle Reis, along with the organization’s past and present leaders; John Berry, SVdP Executive Director (2006-2020), Mike Mies, SVdP Executive Director (2023-current), and Board Chair, Denise Fisher. John’s humorous reflections on tackling the challenges of launching the first Capital Campaign for a 100-year-old organization brought laughter from long-time and new supporters. Mike and Denise highlighted the impact of continued donor support on the 1 million neighbors who have been served since the Chamblee Service Center re-opened.

“We are currently serving more than 300,000 neighbors annually. Supporters of the Campaign and the ongoing support of donors like you are continually expanding our capacity to feed, cloth, house and heal the neighbors who walk through the Chamblee doors and the neighbors who open their doors to 3,500 Vincentian volunteer members across Georgia,” stressed Denise at the close of the reception.