The Atlanta Women’s Foundation raised $1.2 million to support programs empowering women and girls across metro Atlanta at its signature annual event, the Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon, held at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The sold-out luncheon brought together more than 1,600 community and business leaders united by one goal: to break down barriers for women and girls so that no circumstance limits opportunity.

The event featured a heartfelt conversation with Hoda Kotb, Emmy-winning journalist, author, CEO of Joy 101 and former co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY, moderated by Atlanta journalist Cheryl Preheim. Together, they filled the room with stories of hope, humor, and humanity, what Preheim described as “pouring good into our community.”

Kotb shared reflections from her own journey as a breast cancer survivor, including a moving story about meeting a man on an airplane who told her, “Don’t hog your journey — it’s not just for you.” She encouraged guests to use their experiences – even the most difficult ones – as a way to help others.

“Hoda reminded us that joy and purpose can grow out of even the hardest seasons of life,” said Kari B. Love, the CEO of AWF. “Her message beautifully reflected AWF’s mission: that when women are given the right support and opportunity, they transform not only their own lives but entire communities.”

This year’s luncheon demonstrated the power of community and collective impact. The $1.2 million raised will help fund AWF’s grantee partners working to remove barriers to success through education, housing, healthcare, workforce development, and mental health initiatives.

Despite progress, women and girls’ initiatives remain drastically underfunded nationwide: only 2 percent of charitable giving in the U.S. supports organizations serving women and girls. AWF’s event ensures that Atlanta continues to make a measurable difference in closing that gap.