NFCC To Host Fundraiser Honoring Barbara Duffy

ROSWELL, GA — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) will host Barbara’s Bash, a fundraiser honoring longtime Executive Director Barbara Duffy on Sept. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Dr. Individual tickets are now available. Duffy has worked with NFCC since its formation in 1983 and served as the Executive Director since 1990. Earlier this year she announced that she would retire at the end of 2019.

“Barbara has given so much to the North Fulton community over the last 30 plus years, and we are thrilled we will be able to honor her with this event,” said Holly York, Director of Development at NFCC. “The funds raised will help support the mission of NFCC to build self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness and hunger in our community by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs.”

Tickets to the event include dinner, drinks, and a live and silent auction in addition to the tribute to Duffy. Barbara’s Bash is sponsored by Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Northside Hospital, Georgia Power, and Synovus.

North Fulton Community Charities announced in May that Executive Director Barbara Duffy has decided to retire at the end of 2019. Duffy has worked with NFCC since its formation in 1983 and served as the executive director since 1990.

"NFCC has been my life's work," Duffy said. "I started as a community volunteer and helped lead the organization. My first office was no bigger than a closet and we did everything from food to assistance in that one little room. I have seen North Fulton grow tremendously over the years and along with that growth, the issues of hunger and homelessness have also grown. I am proud of everything we've accomplished in the last 35 years and I wanted to announce my retirement plans now so I could work with the board to find a successor that will ensure the future success of NFCC."

Duffy has overseen the growth of the organization from a leased space on Grove Way in Roswell to the purchase of the current 20,000 square foot building on Elkins Road in 2005. The new building allowed for an expanded food pantry and thrift shop as well as case worker offices. NFCC expanded again in 2010 with the formation of the Family Enrichment Program and opening the Education Center in 2012 to help families move toward self-sufficiency and financial stability.

"Barbara Duffy has been an amazing leader and wonderful inspiration to our employees, volunteers and the entire community," President of the Board of Directors Mary Good said. "The Board of Directors has the challenging job of finding someone to fill her big shoes."

As the demand for services continued to grow, Duffy oversaw the purchase of a second building on Elkins Road in late 2017. After a capital campaign and renovations, the building will house client services, education, development, and administrative offices to allow for expansion of the thrift shop and food pantry in the current building.