Elegant Elf Marketplace supports Sandy Springs nonprofits.
Valerie Love joined the 10-year old Sandy Springs Society in 1998 and was soon tapped to head up “Give Your Heart to Art,” an auction that netted $75,000 and drew a crowd of 250. It set the stage for future events and sealed Love’s reputation as someone who could get things done.
Quick to downplay her role, Love credits members: “We have an exceptional group of dedicated volunteers who have helped raise $3 million over the years,” she says. “One-hundred percent of the net proceeds from all our events is reinvested in the community.”
Since that first art auction, Love has served in nearly every capacity, including president of the organization and chair of the annual Elegant Elf Marketplace, which donates money to the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center, homeless women’s shelter The Drake House, senior services and more. This year, she is serving as the advisor for the event that takes place Nov. 5 and 6 at Lake Forest Elementary School.
Approximately 4,000 shoppers for-a-cause are expected at the two-day event that has netted $450,000 for 25 local charities. Highlights include New York Times best-selling author Emily Giffin and radio host Walter Reeves who will sign their latest books, as well as cooking demonstrations and a fashion show.
“It’s been a joy to watch the Marketplace evolve” Love says. “The needs of the community are so great, and we feel fortunate to be part of the solution.”
For more information, visit sandyspringssociety.org.
BY: Mickey Goodman
