Atlanta - May 9, 2006.  TechBridge, a nonprofit supporting Georgia nonprofits with technology solutions, announced today that its annual fundraising event, the TechBridge Digital Ball, not only energized its corporate sponsors and nonprofit clients, but it also exceeded the organization’s goals for fundraising. The event, held Saturday May 6, 2006, at the Georgia World Congress Center, enjoyed more than 1,050 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 is 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 and innovative 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.  84 corporate sponsors supported the event, with Accenture serving as presenting sponsor for the 6th year.  Other key sponsors included Microsoft, Silicon Valley Bank, BellSouth, The Home Depot, Cisco and Oracle.  The 2006 co-Chairs were Becky Blalock, senior vice president and CIO of Southern Company and John Seral, CIO of GE Energy.  In 2007, Seral will continue his role as co-chair and will be joined by Kristin Kirkconnell, CIO of AGL Resources.

“In every year that I’ve been associated with TechBridge, I’ve witnessed the nonprofit community advance its ability to harness the energy and power of technology,” said Blalock.  “TechBridge has helped hundreds of nonprofits by delivering mission critical solutions and insight that only a nonprofit can offer. It has been an honor to serve this important organization and I urge the Atlanta business community to continue to strengthen its commitment to technology enhancement for nonprofits.”

“In the past year, companies — large and small — have stepped up to help TechBridge financially or by volunteering. They’ve unchained their energy to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Georgians,” said Seral.  “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 CHRIS Kids. The award recognizes a nonprofit that has used technology to significantly impact its mission. The award winner received $40,000 in TechBridge services and Microsoft software; and a $5,000 cash grant.  The two finalists each received $16,000 in TechBridge services, Microsoft software and cash.   The two finalists were Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater Atlanta, and Families First.

“TechBridge and the work they do each day are wonderful examples of the power that technology has to transform society for the better,”   Craig Ramsey,  Atlanta managing director, Accenture. “We partner with TechBridge to present the Technology Innovation Award to recognize and reward the nonprofit sector for using technology to become more efficient, more effective and higher performing. Holding up those organizations who are striving to do this is an excellent way to showcase work that is truly innovative and is something, we hope, will in turn encourage others to follow suit.”

CHRIS Kids implemented a web based case management and reporting software that has allowed them to transform the way they collect, store, share and aggregate their data – all while maintaining government privacy mandates.  The solution enables CHRIS Kids to create service plans for the youth they serve, conduct risk assessments, standardize outcome tracking and more.  Its innovative use of technology has had a measurable impact on the organization’s ability to serve its clients, while at the same time reducing their overhead and allowing them to move to a secure, paperless environment. 

About the TechBridge Digital Ball®
Identified by many who have attended as the "technology and business event to be at", TechBridge's Digital Ball® celebrates the spirit of philanthropy in the technology community. Funds raised from the Digital Ball® support technology initiatives that TechBridge provides throughout the year to area nonprofits.   A highlight of the Ball is the presentation of the annual Technology Innovation Award, given by Accenture, recognizing nonprofits that have used technology to significantly impact their mission. The award offers over $70,000 in software, services and cash to the winner and two finalists.

About TechBridge
TechBridge is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that puts technology know-how in the hands of nonprofits.  Our mission is to help other nonprofits to better serve the community. TechBridge is home of NPower Atlanta and an affiliate of the NPower 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.  Visit our Website at www.techbridge.org.