In case you missed it, Open Hand Atlanta has been named the 2022 official charity partner of Dragon Con! Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. The Atlanta-based event has been held annually since 1987 and will take place Sept. 1-5, 2022.
“Open Hand Atlanta is leading a movement to expand access to food as medicine, and we are excited to support their heroic efforts to nourish neighbors in need,” said Rachel Reeves, Convention Co-Chair. “We are hosting several charity events throughout the show, including our main auctions on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, to raise the most funds possible for Open Hand Atlanta.”
Each year, Dragon Con selects a charity that will benefit greatly from the funds donated and can provide opportunities for Dragon Con members, staff and volunteers to have hands-on volunteer experience as The Dragon Con Superheroes.
Since 2013, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities, including a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention up to an additional $100,000. Funds are raised through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, and the convention match.
More than 60 Dragon Con Superheroes volunteered during a day of service at Open Hand in April where they packed delicious, nourishing meals for neighbors in need. The day of service included packing more than 2,300 nourishing meals and 207 market baskets full of shelf-stable pantry items. Volunteers washed delivery vans, and created over 100 cards to include in meal delivery boxes.
“We’re thrilled to have the support and partnership of Dragon Con to help us provide meals and nutrition education to thousands of people who are home-bound or too sick to cook for themselves,” said Matthew Pieper, executive director, Open Hand Atlanta. “We believe food saves lives and are grateful to all the superheroes participating in Dragon Con for their support.”