Amongst painting, fire, and other visually stunning performances, the most recent TechBridge Digital Ball hosted nearly 1,200 attendees (including 94 corporate sponsors and 40 CIO hosts) and raised over $1.2 million. In its eighth year, the Digital Ball helps TechBridge provide affordable, high quality services to non-profits – including such organizations as the 2008 Technology Innovation Award winner (MedShare International) and finalists (American Cancer Society; Southwest Christian Care). Guido Sacchi won the TechBridge / TechLINKS Community Builder Award, and there was also a moment to honor Jack McMillan’s work as CEO during the last five years. Kristin Kirkconnell (SVP and CIO, Atlanta Gas Light, an AGL Resources Company) and Jean-Michel Arès (SVP and CIO, The Coca-Cola Company) served as co-chairs this year.

As you can see below, the Digital Ball continues to impress and inspire some of the Georgia technology industry’s key leaders.

“The Digital Ball is a fabulous fundraiser for TechBridge and a great event for the entire technology community. Southern Company is always proud to be a sponsor to help the communities where we live and work.”
- Becky Blalock, SVP & CIO, Southern Company

“Georgia is very fortunate to have TechBridge driving community service activity in the IT sector. TechBridge creates awareness for a wide variety of worthy non-profits, who may otherwise go unnoticed by the corporate IT leaders with the means to help them. The Digital Ball is a galvanizing force bringing us all together for a great cause.”
- Dan Crowe, CIO, AutoTrader.com

“TechBridge and their partnership with the technology leadership of this community set yet another record at Atlanta’s premier technology fund-raising event, The Digital Ball. The Atlanta technology community takes seriously the responsibility of giving back in order to help others achieve their dreams. TechBridge, we salute you as you make the impossible, possible.”
- Ann Franks, VP & CISO, Ricoh Americas Corporation

“The Digital Ball is an event that will be remembered by those who give and receive. The TechBridge team has done a fantastic job helping the Georgia technology community pull together for such a great cause.”
- Larry Frey, VP & CIO, BlueLinx Corporation

“Speaking as someone who has used TechBridge’s service I can truly say what a blessing they are. As a board member of the Adaptive Learning Center, our website was in need of a complete makeover. The team at TechBridge did an amazing job of helping us think through the design and navigation, and they made the entire process a great experience. The ability to tap into their support is something for which we are very grateful.”
- Monty P. Hamilton, Owner and Managing Partner, Clarkston Consulting

“TechBridge is an extraordinary jewel in the technology community and delivers tremendous value to the non-profits serviced. With dedicated staff and committed partners, TechBridge reflects the talent which can be assembled through a shared vision.”
- Sandy Hofmann, CIO-in-Residence, ATDC

“Volunteering my time for TechBridge has been one of the most meaningful and productive things that I have done. Because of the great staff at TechBridge, my time gets multiplied many times in terms of impact on the community.”
- Wain Kellum, CEO, Omnilink Systems

“Hoorah! Hoorah! The People Network team celebrates TechBridge’s noble endeavors in bridging the gap between not-for-profits and costly technologies. We appreciate your gracious contributions to the Georgia community.”
- Darnell Anderson, President and CEO, The People Network

“The Digital Ball is a great example of the spirit of philanthropy in the Atlanta technology community. The money raised from the Digital Ball provides the needed resources for TechBridge to provide our local non-profits with the technology services they need to better serve their community missions. I am honored to support this important cause.”
- Greg Morrison, VP & CIO, Cox Enterprises, Inc.

“Cheers to the TechBridge staff, the Digital Ball sponsors, and all those who made the 2008 Digital Ball an evening to remember. TechBridge is making a remarkable difference in the Atlanta community by helping non-profits better use technology!”
- Joe Oesterling, VP & CIO, Cbeyond

“This was my first Digital Ball and I was really impressed! What a great function, charity and organization! I look forward to becoming an active participant in TechBridge and future Digital Balls.”
- Ken Rabun, CIO, Manhattan Associates

“Outstanding! The 2008 Digital Ball didn’t disappoint. It was a great time for a great cause.”
- Brian Shield, EVP & CIO, The Weather Channel

“The Digital Ball was a wonderful event and it’s amazing what TechBridge is able to do with such a small group. I’m looking forward to working with TechBridge this year as the Chair of the Volunteerism committee.”
- Cindy Tierney, SVP & CIO, Beazer Homes USA

“The Digital Ball provides a grand opportunity for technology leaders in Georgia to help TechBridge continue their mission of assisting non-profit organizations. I am very proud to be associated with TechBridge and their mission to help our community leverage technology for the benefit of its people.”
- Wade Vann, SVP & CIO, Simmons

For more information about TechBridge, visit www.techbridge.org.

(Kevin Howarth reporting)