Bucks on the Street Raises $20K for Livable Buckhead

After spending the holiday season at Lenox Square Mall, the Bucks on the Street have all found new homes – and raised $20,000 for Livable Buckhead in the process.

Bucks on the Street, a two-year project in which local businesses sponsored bucks that were decorated to their liking and displayed at their businesses, wrapped up with an online auction in December. All 20 buck statues in the auction were sold, and the proceeds will benefit Livable Buckhead’s greenspace work.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see the bucks find permanent homes,” said Donna Kain, co-chair of Bucks on the Street. “Elizabeth Gill and I have spent more than two years with these guys, so it is a bit hard to say goodbye. But we feel good about what the project has accomplished and about the significant contribution it has made to parks and greenspace in Buckhead.”

The bucks were purchased by both businesses and individuals, including one that will be a surprise birthday present for one lucky Buckhead resident. Some will be on public display, such as the silver-clad buck purchased by Mercedes Benz of Buckhead, as well as the Cyrano de Buck-a-Rack statue that will stand at Buckhead Place. Steve Guy, the president of EDG, which manufactured the bucks, bought Buckhead Boy as a gift for Sam Massell. And one – B.A. Buck -- was purchased by Jackson Houk and donated to Zone 2 of the Atlanta Police Department.

“This project has generated so much energy and good will in the community,” said Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead. “We’re excited to take the proceeds and begin to build a lasting legacy for Buckhead. Livable Buckhead is extremely thankful to Elizabeth and Donna for all the hard work they have put into Bucks on the Street, and to everyone who purchased a buck and has helped move us one step closer to a network of parks and trails in Buckhead.”

Bucks on the Street Sponsors

Peachtree Sponsors:

Buckhead Business Association

EDG

Young Bucks

Buckhead Community Improvement District

Piedmont Sponsors:

Adapting Technologies

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces

Buckhead Coalition

Buckhead Place

Fifth Third Bank

Gallery Residences

Georgia Commerce Bank

Georgia Power

Henri’s Bakery

Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead

Morris Manning & Martin LLP

Piedmont Hospital

Southern Art

Three

Bucks on the Street is a community project meant to instill a sense of excitement and pride for those who live, work, and/or play in Buckhead, while contributing to programs designed to enhance the Buckhead area. The project was founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Gill and Donna Kain, past-presidents of the Buckhead Business Association. For more information visit www.bucksonthestreet.org.

Livable Buckhead, a 501(c)3, strives to ensure the long term vitality and prosperity of the Buckhead community by working cooperatively with individuals, public entities and private businesses to integrate into everyday life and business sustainable strategies that improve the environment and quality of life in the community. For more information visit www.livablebuckhead.org.