On September 19, Murphy-Harpst held a Century Celebration at the Piedmont Driving Club to honor the legacy before us and to cast a vision for our next 100 years. The Century Celebration featured a live auction that successfully raised funds for off-campus recreational activities, room decor and luggage for our residents, equine and animal-assisted therapy, and the art therapy program at Murphy-Harpst. A moving interview led by our host for the evening, Lisa Rayam, showcased former resident Liliana Carioscia, highlighting the profound impact Murphy-Harpst has on the lives of the children it serves. The celebration also included a commendation from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, presented by Candice Broce, Georgia Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, alongside State Representatives Trey Kelley and Katie Dempsey, emphasizing the vital role Murphy-Harpst plays in our state. Former resident Brittany Rodriguez shared her powerful story of resilience and hope, serving as a testament to the transformative power of Murphy-Harpst’s work. Additionally, the evening was enriched by the artwork of our talented student residents, which showcased their creativity and offered a glimpse into their world.

The evening culminated in a successful silent auction, featuring a captivating mix of artwork produced by our talented youth and contributions from our professional volunteer artist in residence, Christi Conner Tate, who has generously invested her time and talent to foster creativity, character, and beauty in the lives of our young residents. We also had the support of several Atlanta artists who offered their inspirational pieces, including a special commissioned landscape by Julia Hodges titled “Pathway of Healing,” which beautifully captures the peaceful walk to the Equine Center. Lynn Dempsey, GA Real Estate Commissioner, served as auctioneer for the evening. Each piece created by our student residents were showcased in honor of our 100th celebration. With a minimum bid of $25 for all student art, the first $50 of each sale went directly to the artist’s individual campus store account, while any proceeds beyond that supported the art program and art therapy at Murphy-Harpst. We are thrilled to celebrate the gifts of these young people and encourage their continued growth.