This month, Cumberland Academy of Georgia, an Atlanta school for children with autism and other learning disabilities, is partaking in various charitable events as part of a “Circle of Giving.” These include a celebratory dinner for donors, Georgia Gives Day, the Year-end Giving Campaign, and a food drive.
As Cumberland Academy of Georgia celebrates its 10th year, the Atlanta school for autism is partaking in various charitable events all month long. On November 10, Cumberland hosted a Board and Donor Celebration Dinner to thank those connected with the school for their time and contributions. About 40 guests, including the school’s board of directors and donors, were invited to Chastain Horse Park for the event.
“In addition to the teaching staff, community support and dedication of our board of directors are what have helped Cumberland succeed over the past 10 years,” says Debbi Scarborough, headmaster and founding director of the school. “We’re very grateful for all the support and look forward to the continual growth of our school.”
On November 17, Cumberland Academy of Georgia will be participating in Georgia Gives Day. Each year, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GNC) connects with state agencies, businesses, schools and other nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and elicit donations from the community.
“As a nonprofit school, Cumberland Academy of Georgia depends on donations to provide the best educational experience and provide our exceptional students with a unique, nurturing learning environment,” explains Scarborough. “Georgia Gives Day is a time when we pull together and remind people of the value of nonprofits, like our school, to the community, and the importance of donations to help them operate. “On Georgia Gives Day, Cumberland students are bringing in change to donate to their school. To help these special students and donate to Cumberland on November 16, visit https://www.gagivesday.org/c/GGD/a/Cumberland/donate/.
The end of 2016 is quickly approaching, and in the season of giving Cumberland is encouraging existing and potential donors to make a donation to the school before the year ends. The Year-end Giving Campaign aims to raise funds to help support the school’s annual operating costs, as well as support student financial aid and campaign projects. At the end of the year, extra income will be subject to taxes. Opting to donate to Cumberland entitles donors to a charitable contribution deduction against income tax. All money the school receives goes toward providing the students with a specialized experience to help them learn and grow as individuals.
As part of the “Circle of Giving” at Cumberland this month, students are learning about gratitude. “Individuals with autism, Asperger’s and other learning differences often struggle to empathize,” explains Scarborough. “Helping our students understand other people’s perspectives allows them to properly acknowledge and show appreciation for the kindness of others.” As an exercise to help students understand gratitude, each student wrote a card about something they are grateful for. All of the cards will be centrally displayed in the school throughout the month of November.
Cumberland is also giving back to its community by hosting a local food drive. Students and their families have been encouraged to donate nonperishable goods; once the drive is complete, students will help package the food for delivery to a local food bank.
For more information on Cumberland Academy of Georgia, and how financial contributions are put to use, visit https://cumberlandacademy.org/support/. Donations to the school can be made online at https://cumberlandacademy.org/support/donate/.
About Cumberland Academy of Georgia:
Cumberland Academy of Georgia specializes in the needs of students in grades 4 through 12 who have high-functioning autism, Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. Cumberland was founded in 2007 by Debbi and Matthew Scarborough, and is a fully-accredited, independent, non-profit school that seeks to provide a safe and supportive academic atmosphere for its students. Cumberland accepts applications year-round. To schedule a family tour, please contact Terri Brooks, director of admissions, at 404-835-9000, or email admissions@cumberlandacademy.org/dev.
