Reporter’s Notebook: United Way of Greater Atlanta turns 120, Herbert Taylor Park ribbon cutting, Wild Haven Beer marks 15 years

United Way of Greater Atlanta turns 120 years old

In 1905, a group of Atlanta business leaders formed Associated Charities to respond to the community’s needs after a devastating ice storm. Associated Charities, which later became known as the Community Chest, eventually became known as United Way.

The idea was to have one central entity help raise money and cultivate leaders to serve the Atlanta region’s numerous nonprofits.

The Atlanta History Center on Sept. 25 unveiled a special exhibit in honor of United Way’s 120th birthday. Milton Little, president and CEO of United Way since 2007, spoke of the role the philanthropic organization has played over the last 12 decades.

On hand for the event was Mark O’Connell, who served as president of Atlanta’s United Way from 1988 to 2007. O’Con