On an unseasonably cold Tuesday evening in Atlanta, a dazzling holiday celebration was held honoring international civil rights icon and revered politician, Ambassador Andrew Young and his continued service through the Andrew Young Foundation. Held at the lovely estate of Michael and Afrouz Varzi, the event was sponsored by Dallas Austin, Merrill Lynch and Nialaya Jewelry. Despite the cold, luminaries such as Andrea Young, Dallas Austin, Bishop Barbara Lewis King, Atlanta Falcon Ovie Mughelli, Daron (singer and former member of 112), and actor/comedian Chris Tucker were in attendance to support the former Atlanta mayor and his wife, Carolyn.
Hosted by the Varzi’s, Rob Rumby and our own Atlanta’s Top 25 honoree Nasha Knowles of Merrill Lynch, the auspicious affair also featured fine fundraising activities set to support the Andrew Young Foundation. Live and silent auctions invited attendees to indulge in donated treasures including jewelry, a football signed by the Atlanta Falcons along with playoff tickets, Atlanta Hawks tickets, a set of golf clubs and a package to play golf at an exclusive club in the city. Items went quickly and organizers hope to duplicate success at next year’s affair.
“We wanted to bring awareness to what Ambassador Young has done for so many people, so many cultures around the world and right here in Atlanta, putting us on the map as an international community,” said Knowles. “We also wanted people to know about the great work his foundation is doing, as well.” –christa e. jackson
