December 29, 2009 (ATLANTA) – Devyne Stephens, Chairman and Founder of UpFront Megatainment Worldwide, presented a generous gift to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during Stephens’ Annual Christmas Gala, Puttin’ on the Ritz: The Top Hat Affair. Closing out the $43 million capital campaign needed by the end of this year for the revitalization of Children’s at Hughes Spalding, his $300,000 donation is just the first of a variety of contributions he plans to make. During the red carpet event, Stephens also announced the launch of a year-long campaign to raise money and awareness for Children’s at Hughes Spalding through the hospital’s collaboration with DeVyne Intervention, Stephens’ newly created non-profit foundation.
“Helping to make the Children’s at Hughes Spalding dream a reality means the world to me,” emphasized Stephens. “I’ve always been a strong believer in investing in the future, and the future is our children. I’m extremely honored to be collaborating with Children’s at Hughes Spalding and to officially launch DeVyne Intervention around such a worthy cause. I look forward to the months ahead and working with the Children’s team.”
The Atlanta History Center was transformed into a winter oasis where celebrity guests, such as Akon, Yung Joc, Jermaine Dupri, Monica and Mayor-elect Kasim Reed, were treated to a spectacular dance sequence to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” performed by Stephens and several dancers in the style of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Arriving on horse and carriage with Akon and Yung Joc in tow, Stephens and his guests were met by the dazzling ballroom that was decorated completely in black and white, replete with champagne fountains, grand pianos, breathtaking candelabras and a big band orchestra. Stephens pulled out all the stops, creating a truly magical production.
“We are grateful for the continued support for Children’s at Hughes Spalding from charitable members of our community like Devyne Stephens,” said Doug Hertz, Chair of the Children’s Board of Trustees. “His generosity and leadership in helping us to raise both funds and awareness throughout the community about Children’s at Hughes Spalding are invaluable to Children’s and the patients we serve.”
To best serve the needs of children and their families, the construction of new and renovated facilities began in 2008. In an effort to meet the needs of the revitalization, a $43 million capital campaign was established for the new four-story facility at Children’s at Hughes Spalding. This capital campaign has thrived due to the support of members of the community like Stephens who –as a lifelong Atlantan and father– felt an instant connection to Children’s at Hughes Spalding.
“With a long history as the medical home for many families, Children’s at Hughes Spalding will be able to continue to lead the community to a healthier future,” said Stephanie Blank, Chair of the Children’s Foundation Board of Trustees. “This bright future is secured through the unyielding support for Children’s from the generous contributions from our donors.”
The new Children’s at Hughes Spalding will feature child- and family-friendly amenities. The new structure will house child-friendly inpatient beds, an enhanced and expanded Emergency department and vital specialty clinics: sickle cell, asthma and child protection. In addition, Children’s at Hughes Spalding will be the first building in the Children’s system to be built as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building.
About DeVyne Intervention:
DeVyne Intervention is a foundation established to inspire and empower young people through music and music-related initiatives, developed in local hospitals, recreational centers and after school programs, primarily in the state of Georgia. Created by entertainment entrepreneur Devyne Stephens, DeVyne Intervention was inspired by Stephens’ belief that music has the universal power to heal. The foundation plans to harness this power of artistic expression through its programs to address and create healthy outlets for expressing negative emotions experienced by young people such as anger and fear. It is his strong belief that encouraging young people to develop new skills and to take an active interest in music can create a foundation for positive change and build confidence. Some of the programs being developed include a writer’s workshop, where songwriters and guest musicians will demonstrate how to construct a song, the mechanics of arranging, and how to perform with confidence. By teaching the fundamentals of music education, which, on the most basic level, has been dropped from most school’s curriculums, children will grow to not only appreciate music, but to be confident enough to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others. For more information on DeVyne Intervention, go to www.devyneinterventionworldwide.org.
About Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country, is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric specialties. To learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, visit www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s.
About Upfront Megatainment:
Upfront Megatainment was founded in 1996 by Devyne Stephens. The Atlanta -based, multi-faceted entertainment company houses all the essentials to help mold and nurture entertainers, including a state-of-the-art studio, hair and make up wing, photo studio, nutrition and fitness wing, media training, choreography and much more. Upfront Megatainment is also dedicated to giving back to the community year round through its non-profit, Devyne Intervention, which focuses on making a difference in the lives of young people.
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