L'Arche Atlanta Celebrates 6th Birthday

Over two hundred benefactors from Decatur and beyond gathered at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church on September 9th to celebrate the sixth birthday of L’Arche Atlanta. The annual Birthday Benefit & Bash raised over $75,000 to support the L’Arche house in Oakhurst, an intentional community belonging to a worldwide movement that celebrates the gifts of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Guests enjoyed food from Zest catering and beer from Three Taverns as they sought to outbid each other in live and silent auctions. The event was sponsored by board members and the following area businesses: Polsinelli, Beacham & Company Realtors, and Smith, Gambrell, & Russell. Dozens of other Decatur-area restaurants and businesses donated items to the auction.

Tim Moore, L’Arche Atlanta Executive Director said, “L'Arche Founder, Jean Vanier, celebrates his 90th Birthday this month. Jean says that in our culture, ‘there's a danger of forgetting the weak. Spirituality is about getting close to people who have been rejected, breaking down the wall that separates the rich and the poor.’ I think Jean would be delighted to know that Sunday's event was a true manifestation of that vision. I love that we do these events in such a way that our Core Members and other friends with disabilities are integral to the celebration. It's beautiful and a true sign of what's possible when we imagine community differently.”

L’Arche began in France over fifty years ago as a humane alternative to institutionalization for adults with intellectual disabilities. There are now 152 L’Arche communities in 38 countries, where adults with and without disabilities share their lives and build authentic relationships.

Since settling in Oakhurst in 2012, the residents of L’Arche Atlanta have been active members of the local scene. This fall they will host a musical act for Oakhurst Porchfest and provide volunteers for the Decatur Craft Beer Festival. They will also host a Thanksgiving Potluck and Christmas Party, both which are open to the Decatur and Atlanta communities.