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TechBridge Digital Ball Celebrates the Spirit of Philanthropy and Possibility |
ATLANTA, GA – May 14, 2008 – For the eighth time in as many years TechBridge is pleased to announce that its annual fundraiser, The TechBridge Digital Ball, once again surpassed budget and sponsorship goals. Presenting sponsor, Accenture, and ninety-four corporate sponsors participated to raise nearly $1.2 million in cash and in-kind donations to further the TechBridge mission – to help nonprofits use technology to better serve our community. Other key sponsors of the 2008 Digital Ball included Microsoft, The Home Depot, Cisco, IBM, The Coca-Cola Company, SAP and AirTran Airways. “We team with our clients and stakeholders to leverage technology to add value to the work we all do each day and know these same efforts can work for nonprofits,” says Craig Ramsey, Accenture’s Managing Director, Atlanta. “Technology has the power to transform society for the better and TechBridge works to make this a reality for nonprofits in Georgia.” The annual fundraising gala garners tremendous support and enthusiasm from the Atlanta technology community each year. This year’s co-chairs, Kristin Kirkconnell, SVP and CIO, Atlanta Gas Light, an AGL Resources Company and Jean-Michel Arès, SVP and CIO, The Coca-Cola Company, were joined by over 40 CIO hosts who greeted the more than 1,150 technology, business and nonprofit leaders and guests at the May 10th event. Revolution was the theme of the 2008 Digital Ball held at the Georgia World Congress Center. The festive evening which included dinner, dancing, and high-energy artistic performances also honored significant achievements with the presentation of the seventh annual Technology Innovation Award, given by Accenture. The Technology Innovation Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that is using technology to significantly impact its mission. The award provides the winner with $40,000 in TechBridge services and Microsoft software and a $5,000 cash grant. The 2008 recipient, chosen from a field of 30 impressive nominees, is MedShare International, a nonprofit that leverages technology to redistribute unused medical supplies and equipment to developing nations and economically-challenged regions within the U.S. Two finalists were also named. American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Southwest Christian Care, each received $16,000 in TechBridge services, Microsoft software, and cash. For the first time, a Judges Honorable Mention went to Southwest Christian Care to recognize the local impact of its mission. The judges made a special, personal cash donation to accompany the mention. TechBridge and TechLINKS joined together to recognize for the first time CIO’s who personally encourage and participate in civic/nonprofit groups as positive role models. The award also recognizes technology leaders who support doing business with local companies to help the continued growth of the Georgia economy. The winner of the 2008 Community Builder Award was Guido Sacchi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategies and Chief Information Officer, CompuCredit. Finalists included: Dan Crowe, CIO, AutoTrader.com; Joe Oesterling, VP & CIO, Cbeyond; John Seral, VP & CIO, GE Infrastructure; Brian Shield, EVP & CIO, The Weather Channel. Outgoing TechBridge CEO Jack McMillan was also honored at the event for his five years of leadership. During his tenure, TechBridge steadily grew the number of nonprofits served, continuously improved the quality of its work, and saved nonprofits approximately $4.5 million in fees for technology services from 2003-2008. “My greatest pleasure has been working alongside Atlanta nonprofits as they work to make our community better,” said McMillan. “It’s a great feeling to help them use technology to accomplish their missions more efficiently and effectively.” About TechBridge # # # # Contact Information: |
