We had the good fortune of connecting with Beth Rousseau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beth, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success of The Sandy Springs Societies can be traced back to the founders of our organization. Thirty-five years ago, they set out to make Sandy Springs a better place. Thought the framework those ladies set in place, the Sandy Springs Society continues to raise money that will directly benefit the citizens of Sandy Springs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was a stay at home mom involved in my children’s activities. I joined The Sandy Springs Society as they were getting older, because I figured I’d need something to do once I was an empty nester. I was able to work on many projects through the years. This last year as president of the Society, I have been honored to represent this group of hard working women.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting, I’d get them outside and show them the beauty of the area. The Chattahoochee River and the national park that surrounds it offers some beautiful walking and hiking trails. Sandy Springs had some beautiful art and sculpture around the city. I’d show them the pieces along Abernathy Road and at City Green. Maybe we’d get to take in a concert while at City Green or a show in the Byers Theater. The shows by the City Springs Theatre Company have all been spectacular. What a treat to see a show right here in Sandy Springs. We’d eat at Brooklyn Cafe, because it’s like the neighborhood place in Sandy Springs. I always take friends to Abuelo’s in the Publix shopping center at Abernathy. The food is not your typical mexican restaurant fare. Pablo is serving his grandmother’s recipes, and they are delicious. For the more foodie friends, Rumi’s is my go to place. It’s got a cool vibe, good food and good drinks –the Spice Mist!
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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Sandy Springs Society in an all volunteer organization of over 300 women from Sandy Springs. It has two main fundraisers: The Elegant Elf Marketplace and Tossed Out Treasures. The Elegant Elf Marketplace is an annual gift market where shoppers can buy gifts for all occasions from over 90 vendors selling specialty food items, clothing, jewelry, candles, home decor, and much more. Tossed Out Treasures is an upscale resale event. It is the longest running fundraiser where volunteers receive donations from members and the community then set it up to look like a department store. The funds from these fundraisers and corporate donations are given back to the community via grants to 501c3 organizations that directly benefit the citizens of Sandy Springs in five areas: Arts, Education, Environment, Heritage, and Social Services. As of May 2023 the Sandy Springs Society had donated more than $4.8 million.

Website: sandyspringsociety.org

Instagram: elegantelfmarketplace tossed_out_treasures

Facebook: The Elegant Elf Marketplace Tossed Out Treasures

Image Credits
Emily Gadrix Gail Jokerst Charlotte Seefeldt

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