Pineapple House has a long-standing commitment and
connection to our community.
In 1988, after discovering that there were homeless
infants with high-risk diseases living in near seclusion in hospitals,
Pineapple House owner Stephen Pararo co-founded and became the first
President of ChildKind.The non-profit organization places children with medical and
developmental challenges with adoptive parents, foster parents or
nurturing caretakers.
Stephen purchased and remodeled the first house where the
organization's
newly formed families could live.Soon, with the support of churches, corporate sponsors and
volunteers, ChildKind was able to assume responsibility for their
mortgage and future.
In
1994, Stephen was profiled on Turner Broadcasting's program Between
the Lines, when his work with ChildKind was highlighted and
he was recognized as a TBS Super Citizen.ťwww.childkind.org
TBS Superstation "Super Citizen Of The Week" Segment
Since
the mid-80's, Pineapple House has participated in twenty-two home shows
that have benefited local non-profit organizations. The firm has
either decorated a primary room in the show or decorated and furnished
the entire home that was on display.
The show houses have raised a number of charities and foundations,
including Habitat for Humanity, Georgia Transplant Foundation, HomeAid Atlanta, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance
Children's
Theater, ChildKind, Justin'sť People, Camp Twin Lakes and Heartline
Ministries.
In 1986, Pineapple House started mentoring students of interior design.
In 1989, we developed a full internship program, so interior design
students could receive college credit for their semester of real-life
work experience with us. Over a hundred students have completed our
program. Additionally, to help insure that the courses offered by
schools are comprehensive and pertinent, we sit on advisory boards and
meet regularly with design educators, as well as participate in high
school and college events and panels.
In 2009, Pineapple House donated services to Stand Up for Kids and
handled the development, design, space planning and finish selection of
the organization's new downtown Atlanta outreach center for homeless and at-risk street
youth. The 3,000 square foot facility opened in June, and provides
resources such as meals, clothes, computer access, hot showers,
counselors and medical services to youth ages 21 and younger.
www.standupforkids.org
Also in 2009, Pineapple House mobilized thirty-one businesses located
around the loop of the Armour and Ottley industrial area and formed a
non-profit business association, the Sweetwater Design District.ť
Members share responsibility for common goals and interests, such as
enhancing and maintaining the aesthetics of the area, and partner in
endeavors like security and recycling, while bringing focus and support
to the various businesses located in the unique district. www.sweetwaterdesigndistrict.com
In 2010, Pineapple House began donating goods and
services to the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. This organization
provides free furniture to individuals and families moving out of
homelessness, battling HIV/AIDS and fleeing domestic violence. We
understand the value of a warm bed for sleeping, tables for sharing
meals and couches for relaxing, so are especially pleased to assist the
Furniture Bank.
www.furniturebankatlanta.org