This year marks the fifth annual 24 Foundation Atlanta and the third year the event will be hosted by Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (MVPS). The partnership between 24 Foundation and Mount Vernon Presbyterian School demonstrates the joint commitment to impacting the community and encouraging others to be engaged and become compassionate leaders.

In 2012, MVPS heard of 24 Foundation through city councilman, Gabe Sterling. Gabe and other councilmen were instrumental in bringing 24 Foundation to the Sandy Springs community. MVPS is an ideal venue for 24 Foundation as it has become a hub for innovation in Atlanta and is centrally located providing easy access for cyclists from all areas surrounding Atlanta. The partnership between MVPS and 24 Foundation has amplified the school’s emphasis on building engaged citizen leaders.

“We are thrilled to share that one of the most exciting developments of our partnership has led to a stronger connection with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), a large beneficiary of 24 Foundation,” said Allison Toller, chief of brand strategy and partnerships at MVPS. “This school year our fifth graders (80 students) will be working with CHOA through a year-long service project to serve and support the hospital in a variety of ways.”

With 2014 being the third year MVPS is hosting the event, the school has experienced an increase in both awareness and involvement from the community. Aside from serving as a host venue, the middle school will be actively involved in the event. The middle school service club will be volunteering to assist with set up and faculty and staff members will be riding in the event on Team Mustang Strong led by Lisa Hughes.

“The riders and the community building, and knowing that we’re supporting a vital local partner, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” explained Miller when asked what Mount Vernon most enjoys about 24 Foundation.

The involvement with 24 Foundation has influenced MVPS to be an advocate for health and wellness. This year, Mount Vernon is partnering with the NFL as part of its Play 60 FitnessGram Project, which encourages children in grades 1 – 8 to participate in 60-minutes of physical activity per day. As one of the 32 schools in the program and the only school selected from Georgia, Mount Vernon will work with Atlanta Falcons players and host player events. Students’ activity levels will be measured and analyzed by the NFL and the Cooper Institute as part of the project.

24 Foundation thanks Mount Vernon Presbyterian School for their beautiful accommodations and continued support!