(ATLANTA, GA.) December 16, 2020 – Southface Institute, the Atlanta-based nonprofit leader in the design and implementation of high-impact sustainability solutions, is presenting its annual Winter Solstice celebration online tomorrow, Thursday, December 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. The evening reflects on Southface’s 2020 work and its plans for 2021, while honoring its Volunteers of the Year, former Board members Linda Bolan and Denis Blackburne, and its Partner of the Year, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), with Executive Director Kevin Clark accepting the award. Comedy from Atlanta’s premier improvisation troop, Dad’s Garage, and a seasonal cocktail preparation guided by the lead mixologist of Tasteful Gatherings will round out the evening’s festivities.
Praise for Selfless and Impactful Work
Volunteers of the year Linda Bolan, who served on the Southface Board of Directors for eight years and is the Global Office Property Management Leader for Wells Fargo, and Denis Blackburne, who served on the Southface Board for 12 years and is Senior Vice President of Business Development for Woda Cooper Companies, will be honored for their outstanding leadership and service to the cause of sustainability in the built environment.
“It was an honor to serve on the Southface Board with both Linda and Denis,” said Chris Boyle, Chair of the Southface Board of Directors and Associate Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis, Cox Automotive. “Each contributed greatly to Southface’s expansion in the green certification and affordable housing sectors—Linda as a champion of EarthCraft in the light commercial realm and Denis in ensuring that the green building program remained a part of the low-income tax credit. On top of that, they are wonderful people, and we all enjoyed working with them. I add my voice in honoring these two deserving and selfless former board members, who have done so much to help the Southface mission of bringing health, equity and sustainability to the built environment.”
Longtime Partners in Energy Efficiency
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) will be honored as Southface’s Partner of the Year, with Executive Director, Kevin Clark, accepting the award for GEFA. Southface and GEFA have partnered over many years to deliver training to weatherize low-income homes and, most recently, developed statewide training sessions and field guides for updates to Georgia’s residential and commercial energy efficiency codes, helping to advance energy efficiency while creating job opportunities. This work has been especially meaningful during times of economic downturn, providing economic mobility for workers and helping low-income families save money on utility bills.
“For nearly 15 years, GEFA has partnered with Southface. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of our entire team,” said Kevin Clark, Executive Director of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). “Together, we have done great work, from weatherization to energy code training. Our shared commitment to energy efficiency and conservation has helped improve the lives of many Georgians.”
A New Take on a Seasonal Gathering
Though Winter Solstice traditionally takes place on Southface’s Atlanta campus at 241 Pine St. NE, this year, the event goes online, with all its elements intact and some new ones added.
“We’re so excited to gather with the Southface community in our annual Winter Solstice,” said Southface President, Andrea Pinabell. “Though 2020 has required new approaches to just about everything, we’ve adapted, as have so many of us, including a virtual version of this beloved event. Most of all, we are thrilled to recognize the generous contributions that Denis, Linda and GEFA have made to Southface’s work. We’re looking forward to honoring all of them on December 17 and hope that many of our friends, old and new, can join us!”
In addition to improv from Dad’s Garage and seasonal cocktail-making led by Tasteful Gatherings, a virtual portion of the event will replicate its popular networking opportunities, this year made possible via Zoom breakout rooms.
All Southface members can register to enjoy complimentary admission to the Winter Solstice Celebration. Nonmembers are welcome and can purchase a ticket for $15. For Tickets and Registration: www.southface.org/get-involved/events/winter-solstice/
About Southface Institute Southface Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is leading the way toward a sustainable, equitable and healthy built environment for all. Since 1978, our programs have closed the gap between environmental awareness and action by promoting scalable resource efficiency and clean energy solutions for homes, workplaces and communities. Our practice of regenerative placemaking amplifies real-world strategies to create a built environment where the synergy between ecological and human needs supports health and well-being while creating resilient, equitable and thriving communities, striving to achieve a low-carbon future.
Visit southface.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information, please contact Sarah Mundell at smundell@southface.org.
