Atlanta Braves and Walton Communities each contribute $50,000 to Match Pool; Circles Cobb raises $31,991 during Power Hour
Thirty-one nonprofits serving Cobb launched the 2026 Match Magic: Cobb’s Holiday Giveathon on Nov. 10 with a pep rally on the Plaza Green at The Battery Atlanta, where nonprofit representatives, community partners and supporters gathered to kick off a three-week campaign with a $2 million collective fundraising goal.
The celebration began with a countdown led by Cobb Community Foundation President and CEO Shari Martin and board member Carlos Rodriguez as nonprofit teams cheered, waved signs and pom-poms, and rallied supporters for Power Hour, a one-hour online giving competition. The Atlanta Braves’ Heavy Hitters drumline and Blooper, the Braves’ mascot, added to the energy as donors gave online from the event and from across the community.
Each nonprofit had a chance to introduce its mission and explain what donations would help make possible. During Power Hour, participating organizations called and messaged supporters, shared campaign links and invited donors to give. Together, the nonprofits raised $128,623 in the hour. Circles Cobb led all participating organizations with $31,991 and received the $2,500 prize.
“Historically, Match Magic kicked-off when the clock struck midnight on the campaign’s first day. There was no celebration, no fanfare,” said Martin. “These organizations deserve to be celebrated. Having everyone here, surrounded by their supporters with the Heavy Hitters and Blooper cheering them on, and cheering one another on… that was a great way to celebrate them.”
Match Magic is designed to help local nonprofits strengthen both their fundraising and their connections with the community. Participating organizations receive fundraising guidance, communications resources and visibility through a coordinated campaign. The foundation also provides an online giving platform and a Match Pool that adds support for eligible organizations.
The Match Pool is distributed proportionally according to each eligible organization’s share of campaign donations; it is not a dollar-for-dollar match on each individual gift. Organizations must raise at least $10,000 through the campaign to qualify for a share of the pool.
The Atlanta Braves and Walton Communities Apartment Homes each contributed $50,000 to the Match Pool. The Braves also hosted the kickoff on the Plaza Green at The Battery Atlanta and provided the entertainment, including Blooper and the Heavy Hitters. Genuine Parts Company and S.A. White Oil Company also made lead contributions, alongside additional business and individual donors. Their support helps increase the resources available to participating nonprofits and helped bring the campaign launch to life.
This year’s participating organizations were selected from a record 70 applicants, the largest applicant pool in the campaign’s four-year history. The 31 organizations address needs and opportunities across Cobb, including food security, housing, economic mobility, health care, mental wellness, youth development, animal welfare, the arts and tailored support.
The campaign’s growth reflects the community’s response. Match Magic generated more than $811,000 for 25 organizations in 2024 and more than $1.7 million for 27 organizations in 2025. This year, the 31 participating nonprofits aim to raise $2 million collectively.
The 2026 campaign runs through Dec. 1, which is both GivingTuesday and Georgia Gives Day. Community members can explore the participating organizations and make a gift at cobbfoundation.org or tinyurl.com/matchmagic26.
About Cobb Community Foundation
Cobb Community Foundation is a catalyst for a thriving community, mobilizing people, ideas and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb. The foundation helps individuals and businesses give with purpose, equips nonprofits with resources to serve, and brings people together to address community needs and opportunities. Learn more at cobbfoundation.org.