Annual event to honor longtime supporters Delta Air Lines, Ann Cramer
CHRIS 180, Atlanta’s leading nonprofit organization supporting the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families, is proud to announce the 25th anniversary of its signature fundraising gala, The CHRIStal Ball, taking place Saturday, Aug. 16.
For more than four decades, CHRIS 180 has been a pillar of support in Atlanta communities, providing therapy, counseling, school-based mental health services across 80+ local schools, foster care and adoption placements, safe housing, and programs that create pathways to independent living for young adults. Since its founding in 1981, CHRIS 180 has proudly served more than 250,000 of our neighbors.
This year’s CHRIStal Ball marks a major milestone — the 25th anniversary of an event that has impacted the lives of so many.
Kathy Waller and Wes Adams will serve as co-chairs for this year’s CHRIStal Ball. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to the mission of CHRIS 180 will help make this silver anniversary event an unforgettable evening of celebration and purpose.
Two long-standing partners will be honored at this year’s gala:
- Delta Air Lines, a steadfast and unwavering sponsor of the CHRIStal Ball for all 25 years. In 2025, Delta is also celebrating its own centennial—100 years of service and community leadership.
- Ann Cramer, an Atlanta civic icon, helped found CHRIS 180 through her work with the Junior League of Atlanta in 1981 and was honored at the very first CHRIStal Ball 25 years ago. Her continued advocacy and leadership remain an enduring source of inspiration and support.
“This celebration isn’t just a reflection on our storied past — it’s a powerful recommitment to the children, youth and families who inspire our mission every single day,” said Cati Diamond Stone, President and CEO of CHRIS 180. “With heartfelt gratitude to Delta Air Lines, Ann Cramer and the incredible community of supporters behind us, we’re not just building brighter futures—we’re lighting the way forward.”
Sponsors for the 2025 CHRIStal Ball include Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Cox Communications, Georgia Power, Kaiser Permanente, WSB-TV, Modern Luxury and 11 WXIA-TV.
Guests are invited to shine in silver attire to celebrate the event’s 25th silver anniversary. The evening promises to be a vibrant celebration with a DJ set, curated cocktails and bites and both live and silent auctions. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at CHRIS180.org/CHRIStalball/.
For those unable to attend, CHRIS 180 encourages community members to support its mission through donations:
- A $25 donation helps provide healthy snacks, journals, or art supplies for mental health group sessions for youth, small tools that make a big difference
- A $50 donation covers one hour of professional mentoring or academic support for a youth aging out of foster care, helping them build confidence and life skills
- A $100 donation provides one counseling session for a child or family in need, offering access to trauma-informed care and emotional support.
- A $250 donation supports a week of transportation for clients to access mental health services, job training, and educational resources, eliminating a major barrier to consistent care.
- A $500 donation funds a full mental health assessment and initial treatment plan for a young person entering our care, creating a personalized roadmap for healing and success.
Every dollar makes a difference. Visit www.CHRIS180.org/ways-to-give/ to donate and be part of the movement to change lives and build stronger communities.
