Christa (Aebersold) Pitts ’97 and Chanda (Aebersold) Bell ’96
The Lumistella Company, co-founded by two University of West Georgia alumnae – Christa (Aebersold) Pitts ’97 and Chanda (Aebersold) Bell ’96 – recently marked its 20th anniversary by donating $160,000 to local and national organizations, including the co-founders’ alma mater.
As part of the celebration, seven local and national organizations were given grants of $20,000 each to honor 20 years of the company. Aside from UWG, those organizations included: Chase the Victory, Cobb Chamber – Give Our Schools a Hand, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Georgia Chapter, Folds of Honor, Must Ministries and Path United. The remaining $20,000 of the $160,000 will be dedicated to The Lumistella Company’s Employee Donation Fund, allowing its employees to give to charities close to their hearts.
UWG’s $20,000 grant will supplement the Annual Giving Fund, which supports the most pressing needs of students, faculty and staff.
Pitts, a mass communications graduate, has remained connected to UWG through her involvement on the UWG Foundation board of trustees and by establishing the Christa Aebersold Endowment for Student Entrepreneurial Education. The endowment supports programs and opportunities for UWG students who dream of building something of their own.
“From the beginning, we’ve been committed to sharing joy with others, and tonight’s celebration shows how powerful that joy can be,” said Pitts. “We’re deeply grateful to our fans. Because of their support, we’re able to mark our 20th anniversary by giving back to local nonprofits in a meaningful way.”
Bell, recognized internationally as “Santa’s Chief Storyteller,” is the driving force behind all creative development at The Lumistella Company. Throughout her career, she has leveraged her education degree from UWG to connect with audiences of all ages.
“Our passion has been telling stories that spark imagination and bring families closer together,” she added. “Seeing how those stories have inspired such joy over the past 20 years is humbling beyond words. Tonight reminds us that the magic of storytelling doesn’t end on the page. It lives in the love of our fans and in the good we can do together for our communities.”
Allyson Bretch ’14, CEO of UWG’s foundations and vice president for university advancement said she is thankful and honored that The Lumistella Company chose UWG as one of the organizations to receive such a meaningful contribution.
“We are incredibly grateful for The Lumistella Company’s generosity and continued commitment to UWG,” she concluded. “Christa and Chanda are creating a lasting legacy of community, connectedness and philanthropy, and we are honored to be part of their story.”
For more information about how you can make an impact by supporting UWG, please visit UWG’s Give West page.
