About FTK

At For the Kid in All of Us, we seek to spark hope, inspire joy, and equip children with the tools they need to succeed.

At For the Kid in All of Us, we believe every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and inspired to dream big. Through the simple yet powerful gifts of backpacks filled with essential school supplies and toys that spark joy, we provide children facing hardship with the tools they need to learn, grow, and imagine a brighter future. By igniting hope and fostering confidence, we help ensure that every child has the opportunity to embrace their full potential—because every child deserves a chance to thrive.

How We Started

In 2003, a close-knit group of friends, led by City Councilman Alex Wan, came together with a shared vision: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across Metro Atlanta. From that vision, For the Kid in All of Us (FTK) was born.

What started as a small, private gathering soon grew into one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday traditions—the Annual Toy Party. Today, this signature event brings together more than 1,500 guests and collects over 5,000 toys each year, spreading joy to children through partnerships with more than 20 regional nonprofits.

In 2006, we expanded our impact with Backpack in the Park, a back-to-school drive that equips children from low to moderate-income families with backpacks filled with essential supplies.

With your support, we can continue creating moments of joy, empowerment, and opportunity for Georgia’s children—because every child deserves to dream, learn, and thrive.

 2025 Board of Directors

Founder Alex Wan • Devin Barnard • William Duffee Braun • Stacy Brown • Dave Cashman • Tom Dinkleman • Kent Finley • Mikkel Hylderbrant
Bill Kaelin • John Le • Jeff Mayhew • Fabricio Moraes • Rakesh Parekh • Amanda Watson • Scott Wolfson

Advisory Board

In Loving Memory

Lynn Barfield

For The Kid President 2017 - 2018

Hazel Lynn Barfield, lovingly known as the “Mayor of Midtown,” brought warmth, energy, and an infectious smile to everyone she met. A true force of nature, she was known for her boundless hugs, unwavering kindness, and ability to make every person feel seen and valued.

Born in Jonesboro, Lynn attended the University of Georgia, where she quickly formed deep connections within the LGBTQ+ community—relationships that would shape her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service. She dedicated her career to building bridges and lifting others up, serving as a development liaison between Hands On Atlanta and the Coca-Cola Company and later working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to strengthen volunteer programs. As the executive director of Enlight Atlanta, she championed the establishment of gay-straight alliances in high schools and colleges, creating safe spaces for countless young people.

Lynn’s passion for community extended far beyond her professional work. She gave her time and heart to organizations like CHRIS 180, AID Atlanta, and the More to Love Foundation. She also served as board president for For the Kid in All of Us and was a proud member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board.

Lynn’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the joy she spread so effortlessly. She was a true light in the world—and that light will never fade.

Join the Board

Are you looking to make a difference? Want to impact the lives of thousands of children throughout our region? Need to expand your social circle while doing good?

Look no further! Apply to join the FTK board today!

Board applications are reviewed throughout the year, and new board opportunities become available at the start of each calendar year.