Atlanta– May 17, 2005.  TechBridge, a nonprofit supporting Georgia nonprofits with technology solutions, announced today that its annual fundraising event, the TechBridge Digital Ball, exceeded the organization’s goals for both attendance and corporate sponsorship.  The event, held Saturday May 7, 2005, at the Georgia World Congress Center, enjoyed more than 1,160 attendees and raised more than $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to fund TechBridge operations and nonprofit technology programs.

The TechBridge Digital Ball presented by Accenture, is the signature gala fund raising event for Atlanta’s technology community.  Funds raised from the Digital Ball support technology initiatives that TechBridge provides throughout the year to area nonprofits.

“The Digital Ball has become much more than a fundraiser, it's a celebration of the great work being done by Georgia nonprofits and our best opportunity to raise awareness in the business community of their ongoing need for affordable technology,” said Jack McMillan, CEO of TechBridge.

This year, the Atlanta technology community made a strong showing at the Digital Ball, with 50 CIOs and CTOs from leading Georgia companies serving as hosts and award judges.  96 corporate sponsors supported the event, with Accenture serving as presenting sponsor for the 5th year.  Other key sponsors included Microsoft, The Home Depot, BellSouth, Lanier, McKenna Long & Aldridge, Silicon Valley Bank and the Garrett Group.  The 2005 co-Chairs were Becky Blalock, senior vice president and CIO of Southern Company and James Dallas, CIO of Georgia-Pacific.  Dallas concludes a two-year term as co-Chair. Blalock will stay on as co-Chair for the 2006 Digital Ball and will be joined in that role by John Seral, CIO of GE Energy.

“Participating in TechBridge is one of the best ways for companies to extend the influence of technology in ways that really matter - for the improvement of human lives,” said Dallas.  “It has been an honor to serve this important cause and I urge the Atlanta business community to continue to strengthen its commitment to technology enhancement for nonprofits.”

“TechBridge helps nonprofits leverage technology to go beyond their goals. Atlanta's technology community has stepped up to help TechBridge exceed its goals,” said Blalock.  “There are still countless opportunities to help area nonprofits, and the need for resources is great. We look forward to growing support for TechBridge’s work in the coming year.”

A highlight of The Digital Ball was the presentation of the annual Technology Innovation Award (TIA), given by Accenture, to Hemophilia of Georgia, Inc. The TIA recognizes a nonprofit that has used technology to significantly impact its mission. The award winner received $40,000 in TechBridge services and Microsoft software; the two finalists each received $15,000 in TechBridge services and Microsoft software.   The two finalists were Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and Hands On Network.

Hemophilia of Georgia, Inc. won for its new client management system, which allows pharmacy staff, nurses, and social workers to dedicate more time to customer service and spend less time filling out forms and filing paperwork. The online tool, which cost less than $45,000 to build, has been in use for nine months, and has allowed Hemophilia of Georgia to expand service levels and add additional services with no increase in resources.

“Every year, the Technology Innovation Award program produces wonderful examples of how technology transforms society for the better,” said Craig Ramsey, office managing partner, Accenture. “Recognizing and rewarding nonprofits for using technology to become more efficient, more effective and higher performing, not only celebrates their innovation, but also encourages other nonprofits to follow suit.”

About TechBridge
TechBridge is a nonprofit supporting nonprofits with technology solutions. TechBridge is part of the national NPower affiliate network and provides professional, affordable technology consulting services, innovative technology solutions and access to the financial, technical and human resources that nonprofits need to be successful. TechBridge provides a high-impact opportunity to leverage philanthropic dollars across many nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, TechBridge has facilitated the donation of more than $2 million in free Microsoft software. In 2004 alone, it delivered over 9,000 hours of professional and programming services to help more than 80 nonprofit clients enhance their operational efficiencies and improve the delivery of essential services. For more information visit www.techbridge.org.