Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) raised an impressive $1.2 million to support programs empowering women and girls across metro Atlanta at its signature annual event, the Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon, held October 29 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The sold-out luncheon brought together more than 1,600 community and business leaders united by one goal: to break down barriers for women and girls so that no circumstance limits opportunity.

Hoda Kotb Brings Joy, Purpose, and Good to Atlanta

The event featured a heartfelt conversation with Hoda Kotb, Emmy-winning journalist, author, CEO of Joy 101 and former co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY, moderated by Atlanta journalist Cheryl Preheim. Together, they filled the room with stories of hope, humor, and humanity, what Preheim described as “pouring good into our community.”

Kotb shared reflections from her own journey as a breast cancer survivor, including a moving story about meeting a man on an airplane who told her, “Don’t hog your journey — it’s not just for you.” She encouraged guests to use their experiences – even the most difficult ones – as a way to help others.

“Hoda reminded us that joy and purpose can grow out of even the hardest seasons of life. Her message beautifully reflected AWF’s mission: that when women are given the right support and opportunity, they transform not only their own lives but entire communities.” – Kari B. Love, CEO of AWF 

“Set your gaze, your energy, on all the good things happening around you.” – Hoda Kotb

A Powerful Day of Giving

This year’s luncheon demonstrated the power of community and collective impact. The $1.2 million raised will help fund AWF’s grantee partners working to remove barriers to success through education, housing, healthcare, workforce development, and mental health initiatives.

Despite progress, women and girls’ initiatives remain drastically underfunded nationwide: only 2% of charitable giving in the U.S. supports organizations serving women and girls. AWF’s event ensures that Atlanta continues to make a measurable difference in closing that gap.

Celebrating a Legacy of Impact

For nearly three decades, “Numbers Too Big To Ignore” has celebrated women’s strength while raising critical funds for life-changing programs. Past speakers have included such notable figures as Madeleine Albright, Maya Angelou, Dr. Jill Biden, Laura Bush, Jane Fonda, Condoleezza Rice, Brooke Shields, and Gloria Steinem — each sharing a message of leadership and resilience.

This year continued that tradition, highlighting both how far the community has come and the work that remains to ensure every woman and girl in metro Atlanta has the resources, support, and opportunities to thrive.

For more information about the Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.atlantawomen.org.

About the Atlanta Women’s Foundation

Since its founding in 1998, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) has invested more than $30 million in programs that advance the lives of women and girls across metro Atlanta. Our primary focus has been supporting nonprofit organizations that serve women and girls who are economically challenged or experiencing financial hardship. In a region where women ages 25-44 are among the most likely to experience poverty — and where only 2 percent of charitable giving in the U.S. supports women’s and girls’ organizations — AWF exists to be a catalyst for change. Through strategic grantmaking, education, and community building, AWF invests in women and girls as a proven pathway to economic mobility and stronger communities. Because when women and girls thrive, families thrive, communities thrive — and we all thrive.