MABLETON, GA — The Atlanta United Community Fund, an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, opened the latest mini-pitch of the GA 100 campaign in Mableton, Georgia, on Saturday. The mini-pitch was built through a grant to the SAE School (Science, Art, and Entrepreneurship). Located directly next to the school, the mini-pitch will benefit all SAE School students and the City of Mableton.
GA 100 is a campaign created by the Atlanta United Community Fund and in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) with the goal of constructing up to 100 mini-pitches in under-resourced communities across Georgia. The Atlanta United Community Fund is part of a unique grantmaking program at the Blank Family Foundation. The fund is led by a committee of Blank Family of Businesses associates who inform funding priorities, evaluate grant applications, conduct site visits and monitor the impact of their grants.
The SAE School, which serves a predominantly minority population of approximately 375 students, is a non-profit and affordable science, art and entrepreneurship-focused school that teaches students preschool to 8th grade through a project-based learning methodology. The school sought out a GA 100 pitch to transform an unused space on its campus and jumpstart an athletics program, which it previously didn’t offer. Situated next to the school’s main building and serving as the center point of its campus, the pitch is used daily by all age groups while the SAE School is also working towards assembling a soccer team that will compete against other schools.
"The SAE School mini-pitch is a perfect example of what GA 100 strives to be,” said Julia Chongarlides, Atlanta United Community Fund committee member and Director of Game Presentation for Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “This space has been transformed from a dirt lot into a beautiful green space which will promote a healthy lifestyle, educate students on the value of teamwork and most importantly unify kids across the community who come from different backgrounds. We couldn’t be prouder of this field and the many more to come.”
Saturday’s event was attended by Atlanta United players Machop Chol and Brooks Lennon, SAE School’s Head of Schools Desmond Bobbett, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens and Monique Sheffield, Cobb County District 4 Commissioner.
“This GA 100 pitch will be used to provide a safe and exciting area for athletics and physical activity at our school,” said Desmond Bobbett, Head of Schools and Principal at SAE School. “Our students will have the opportunity to engage in structured and free play throughout the school day in the form of P.E. and recess. The pitch also opens the possibility to form our own school-sponsored athletic teams such as youth soccer and flag football. Having these teams, we believe, will also help us to increase enrollment in our middle grades program. In addition, the pitch will provide opportunities for other local sports organizations to utilize, which also helps us build and maintain a strong connection with the community.”
The Atlanta United Community Fund awarded $1.5 million to LISC to lead installation of the first 20 mini-pitches across the state. Seventeen organizations have received grants and all 20 pitches are either completed or in development.
ABOUT THE ATLANTA UNITED COMMUNITY FUND
The Atlanta United Community Fund (AUCF) strives to make the game of soccer accessible and inclusive for individuals across the state of Georgia. Through the global game of soccer, our grant programs stress the importance of physical fitness while building a supportive culture of play and sportsmanship. AUCF invests in nonprofit organizations that make soccer fun, exciting and accessible for individuals who otherwise would not get to participate. AUCF is an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
ABOUT LISC
LISC is one the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. We work with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and local economies can thrive. Since our founding, LISC has invested $24 billion to create more than 436,320 affordable homes and apartments, develop 74.4 million square feet of retail, community and educational space. For more, visit www.lisc.org.
