Sonenshine Honored by GA Association of Realtors

Debbie Sonenshine, a Coldwell Banker Realty real estate professional for more than four decades, was honored for her philanthropy on Feb. 19. The Georgia Association of Realtors presented her with the 2025 Good Neighbor Award.

Sonenshine has been involved with this organization in greater Atlanta for many years, including cofounding Backpack Buddies at Congregation B’nai Torah. It has since evolved and become an official nonprofit called Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, where Sonenshine serves as a board member.

The organization’s goal is to provide weekend meals to food-insecure children in Metro Atlanta to enhance their mental and physical health as well as their ability to learn. Operating out of a storage and distribution facility in Dunwoody, Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta provides food at no cost to dozens of community, civic, and religious organizations, called Community Buddies, that deliver the food to some 2,500 children in 50 Metro Atlanta schools every week to support food-insecure students.

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“This cause has been near and dear to my heart for many years,” noted Debbie Sonenshine. “I am honored to be recognized and hope this will help shine a spotlight on this amazing organization so more people learn about it and become involved.”

According to Coldwell Banker Realty’s Regional Vice President for Atlanta, Sherry Noles, “We are absolutely thrilled for Debbie and this incredible, well-deserved honor! Her unwavering dedication and passion have not only made a lasting impact but have also inspired our entire Coldwell Banker family. Thanks to her tireless efforts, even our Coldwell Banker Cares Foundation has embraced this as an official cause in the Atlanta market. We couldn’t be prouder!”

As part of the Good Neighbor Award, the Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta will also receive a $1,000 donation in Debbie Sonenshine’s honor.