JLL to host Atlanta’s first Magis Puppy Design Challenge benefitting Atlanta Mission

JLL’s Project and Development Services group today announces it will host the first Magis Puppy Design Challenge in Atlanta on August 30th, with all proceeds benefitting Atlanta Mission. Ten of Atlanta’s top architecture and design firms will come together for a friendly competition to design an Atlanta-themed Magis Puppy for the auction. The event will be hosted at Herman Miller Showroom on Aug. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Magis Puppy Design Challenge is a design competition centered around the Magis Puppy, the cherished dog statuette originally created by designer Eero Aarnio for Magis' children's line in 2004. The phenomenon has cycled through the U.S. and is now making its way to Atlanta. JLL has engaged local architecture and design firms to compete in the challenge, including ASD, Gensler, Hendrick, HLG Studio, HOK, Nelson, Perkins and Will, Smallwood, Think Page and ART. Prior to the event, each firm will bring its Magis Puppy to life with a distinctive take on the “Atlanta” theme. No two statuettes will be the same, with each firm selecting a different piece of the city to pay homage to. At the event, the Magis Puppy statues will be auctioned with all proceeds going to Atlanta Mission.

“We are honored to be a part of bringing such a dynamic and creative event to Atlanta,” said Alex Demestihas, JLL’s Project and Development Services Southeast Lead. “The Magis Puppy Design Challenge engages some of our city’s best architecture and design talent to celebrate Atlanta’s rich history, while also raising money to benefit our community. Partnering with Atlanta Mission has been incredibly rewarding and we look forward to the camaraderie the event will foster, creating an excellent opportunity to come together for a great cause.”

Atlanta Mission is the city’s largest and longest-running service provider for those experiencing homelessness. Since 1938, the non-profit has been providing Atlanta’s homeless population with the resources for food and shelter, addiction recovery, counseling, educational services and spiritual recovery, among others. With the goal of transforming the lives of those who face homelessness, Atlanta Mission is invested in the spiritual, personal and professional development of people, as well as restoring and equipping them to intentional living. The non-profit accomplishes these initiatives through its four facilities in Atlanta, which includes The Shepherd’s Inn, a men’s shelter; My Sister’s House, a shelter for women and children; Restoration House, an emergency shelter for women and children; and The Potter’s House, which hosts recovery programs for men.

“Atlanta Mission has served Atlanta for over 85 years, and we feel so honored that JLL would include us in this inaugural event celebrating the city we love so much. Every dollar raised will go towards the many men, women, and children who are experiencing homelessness every day in Atlanta”, said Rachel Reynolds, Director of Marketing at Atlanta Mission. “We are so grateful to be partnering with JLL to transform even more lives in our community."

In addition to auctioning off the transformed Magis Puppies, a silent auction will be held at the event. Attendees can bid on various prizes donated from local businesses, such as merchandise from Miller Collective, LeBon Nosh and Jenn Gietzen Fine Art, as well as, Braves tickets in the Delta Box, Atlanta United Club seats, a Braves jersey signed by Matt Olson and rounds of golf at Bobby Jones, among other generously donated items. Those interested in sponsoring the event can choose from three package options: Gold at $1500; Silver at $1000 and Bronze at $500.

“At JLL, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. We look forward to participating in this one-of-a-kind event that is destined to make a positive impact on the people of Atlanta. It is a responsibility and a privilege for us to support our community,” added Executive Managing Director and JLL Atlanta Broker Lead Tim McCarthy.”