Moving In The Spirit Receives Largest Ever Operating Gift From
The Chestnut Family Foundation
ATLANTA, GA, September 30, 2024— Moving in the Spirit is thrilled to announce a transformative grant of $587,500 from the Chestnut Family Foundation. This landmark gift is the largest single contribution ever made to the organization’s operating fund, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Foundation and its founders, Teresa and Ben Chestnut. It will contribute to the exponential growth and future of Moving in the Spirit.
This pivotal funding will significantly expand the scope of Moving in the Spirit’s services as it transitions from a founder-led organization into the next generation of leadership under executive director, Shalondra E. Henry, a Georgia native and community leader. Core to the funding is enabling the organization to reach more students at its state-of-the-art performing arts center and community sites across Atlanta.
In addition, it will enhance the experiences of its young dancers by creating more opportunities for partnerships, performances, travel, artistic growth, and leadership development. The funding will also strengthen the long-term sustainability of Moving in the Spirit, ensuring its ability to continue providing world-class artistic and leadership opportunities for years to come.
Photo credit: Shocphoto LLC
“I am deeply grateful to the Chestnut Family Foundation for this extraordinary gift,” said Shalondra Henry, Executive Director of Moving in the Spirit. “Teresa and Ben Chestnut have been true partners to me and my team as we work to build the next generation of leadership. Their unwavering support, generosity, and personal involvement have helped shape the heart of our organization. This grant not only allows us to expand our reach but also enriches the experience for our students, ensuring that even more young people across Atlanta can thrive through the power of dance. We are incredibly excited for what this means for their future and the lasting impact we can create together.”
The Chestnut Family Foundation has been a longtime partner of Moving in the Spirit, providing critical funding and support. In 2018, the Foundation pledged a major gift to the nonprofit’s capital campaign that helped build a cutting-edge theater in Moving in the Spirit’s new performing arts center. Additionally, Teresa and Ben Chestnut have volunteered alongside students at events like Moving in the Spirit’s annual Holiday Store.
Photo credit: Haylee Anne Fucini-Lenkey
“The Chestnut Family Foundation is proud to support the vision that Shalondra is bringing to Moving in the Spirit at this pivotal moment,” said Teresa Chestnut, founder of the Chestnut Family Foundation. “We believe deeply in the power of the arts to transform lives, and we’ve witnessed firsthand the effect of Moving in the Spirit’s mission to empower young people, enhancing their skills as problem solvers through creative youth development. This grant is an investment in their future and the future of the Atlanta community. We are confident it will enable the organization to reach new heights, serving more students and creating a lasting impact.”
For nearly four decades, Moving in the Spirit has used dance as a vehicle for social, emotional, and leadership development, helping children and teens build the skills they need to thrive. This latest gift from the Chestnut Family Foundation is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence and its bright future ahead.
For media inquiries, contact:
Erin Weller Dalton
Director of Marketing & Communications
470-737-1036
erin@movinginthespirit.org