The Gocha Illumination Foundation (GIF) hosted an overnight Youth Lock-In at the Center of Hope-MLK for local teenage girls ages 13-17. Over 40 girls participated in the event which featured a welcome rally with GIF founder Gocha Hawkins, Atlanta City CouncilmanKwanza Hall, Kandi Burruss, DJ Fadelf, R&B group Glamour, Johnny McCray (Sam’s Club) and Anika Robertson (Design Essentials); mentoring sessions on Problem-Solving, Leadership and Self-Esteem; movies, games and tons of food! During the rally, McCray announced that GIF has won a Walmart Community Grant in the amount of $1000!
Gocha Hawk
A number of experts donated their time to lead the mentoring sessions including Loronda Giddens, Anthony Knight, Diva Tyler, Dr. Jennifer Fowlkes-Callins, Dr. Whitney Lankford, Dr. Tosha Rogers and Fredricka Kinlow. Additionally, Gocha’s team of stylists provided press n’ curls, cuts and manicures for the girls throughout the night.
The Lock-In was made possible by the generous support from sponsors Gocha Salon, Sam’s Club (Store #6409, Tucker GA), V103, City of Atlanta Dept of Parks and Recreation, Papa John’s (Flat Shoals Crossing), Zaxby’s (425 Ponce de Leon), McDonald’s (526 Ponce de Leon), 135th Street Agency, Target (Edgewood),Kroger (725 Ponce de Leon), John Paul Mitchell Systems, Design Essentials and Allied Marketing.
Special thanks to Fulton County Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Robert Grady and Center of Hope MLK director Nigel Murphy.
The Gocha Illumination Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides charitable services to displaced teens who are victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. To learn more about GIF or to make a donation, visit www.
