By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
The volunteer organization Joining Hearts is amping up for their primary fundraiser – and the Atlanta social event of the summer! – the pool party at Piedmont Park. The Joining Hearts main event, themed Under the Sea, may be the highlight, but it is also part of a successful fundraising season conducted by Joining Hearts. David spoke to the President of Joining Hearts, Jerry Henderson, about the many fundraising initiatives of 2024 and, of course, about the main pool party event in Piedmont Park.
First, tell us about your engagement with Joining Hearts. How long have you been involved, and how long have you been President?
My journey with Joining Hearts spans 11 years and as President for the past eight years.
Please tell us about the mission of Joining Hearts and how funds raised directly impact the community.
Joining Hearts’ mission is to raise awareness and funds to support the prevention, care, and house assistance to those impacted by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta.
Joining Hearts is evolving to make the most impact and support the specific needs of HIV/AIDS in Atlanta at this moment in time. Funds will be allocated based on an assessment of need and impact where beneficiaries have submitted proposals outlining required funding, intended use, and expected impact. In 2023, we donated $186,000 to local beneficiaries such as Status: home, AID Atlanta, Trans Housing Coalition, and Lost and Found Youth, to name a few, and a lifetime give of $3.1M since 1987.
The board is directly responsible for putting on this event. Can you tell us about this year’s board?
Our board of directors has and must evolve in the way we think and work to be better agents for the community in which we serve. This year, I have challenged them to operate efficiently and effectively by being present in the community. They have accepted the challenge, and this by far by interacting with us, that we are the change we want to see in our community.
The main event, the Under the Sea pool party, is coming up, but you have already had a busy fundraising season. Please tell us about the many events you have hosted.
So far this year, we have hosted two of our signature events: Love on the Rocks and Change of Seasons, along with various beer and margarita busts.
Now, let’s turn to the pool party. Each year, you throw a bigger and better party. What does the board of Joining Hearts have in store for us this year?
Kicking off the festivities is the Joining Hearts Weekend™ Opening Event on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at the Heretic, featuring the one and only DJ Jace M from Miami! Let’s dance the night away as we ignite the weekend in style!
The Joining Hearts Weekend™ Main Event, Under the Sea, Saturday, July 27th, 2024, featuring DJ Dan Slater spinning tunes straight from Australia; it’s going to be an aquatic adventure like no other at the Piedmont Park Greystone Pool House.
As the sun sets on a weekend filled with love and laughter, join us for the Official Joining Hearts Weekend™ Closing Event on Sunday, July 28th, at FUTURE. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable weekend and show our unwavering support for a cause close to our hearts.
What are some good tips for having the best pool party possible?
Hands down, the VIP experience is the way to go as you will experience and get a free JH signature fan, early access that includes a full bar featuring complimentary premium cocktails (thank you, Titos!), wine, expanded delicious food options from Epting Events and Zaxby’s, and VIP restrooms.
What do you have in store for the rest of the year?
We have future signature events on the calendar: Patron and Sponsor Party, Fall Back in Love, and the Atlanta Speedo Run. The 2023 Atlanta Speedo Run was our inaugural event last year, which was a success, and will return even bigger this year.
Looking ahead, Joining Hearts will work hard to expand its footprint by being the leading organization in its support of engaging and supporting marginalized groups that are sometimes overlooked. We must continue evolving to make our organization more inclusive in everything we do.
Lastly, how do people get last-minute tickets and updates?
This event always sells out. I can’t tell you the countless times we receive ticket inquiries, which is why we send constant reminders to buy early. Once we sell out, the only way to attend is to sign up to become a Patron with exclusive VIP access to all our events. They have the comfort of knowing that they don’t have to worry about not attending this or any events. To learn more about becoming a Patron and its benefits, visit joininghearts.org/support.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Visit joininghearts.org/support to donate today and continue to support us and our greater impact, as we have done for the past 36 years, in our 37th year.
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Joining Hearts Opening Party – Under the Sea GLOW
The Heretic, Friday, July 26, 10 pm – 3 am
Joining Hearts Main Event Pool Part – Under the Sea
Piedmont Park Aquatic Center, Saturday, July 27, 6 -11 pm (VIP 5-11 pm)
Closing Party
Future, Sunday, July 28, 9 pm – 3 am
For last-minute tickets or to become a patron, visit joininghearts.org.