Portfolios Archive - Lesley Francis Public Relations

Panda Fest Savannah

PANDA FEST is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.

Food Festival

https://www.pandafests.com/

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

PANDA FEST SAVANNAH TO FEATURE EXTENSIVE RANGE OF ASIAN STREET FOOD AND MERCHANDISE OCT. 16-18

October 8, 2026 / Press releases

Panda Fest, making its Savannah debut Oct. 16–18 at Tanger Outlets Savannah, is bringing more than 70 food vendors, 150-plus street-food offerings and over 20 merchandise vendors to the Coastal Empire from around the nation as well as local Georgia businesses.

INAUGURAL PANDA FEST BRINGS NATIONAL ASIAN FOOD AND CULTURE FESTIVAL TO SAVANNAH OCT. 16–18

September 9, 2026 / Press releases

Panda Fest, one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States, will make its Savannah debut during the weekend of Oct. 16–18, 2026, at Tanger Outlets Savannah, 200 Tanger Outlets Blvd. in Pooler. This three-day, family-friendly festival will bring together more than 80 Asian food vendors offering over 200 street-food selections, alongside more than 20 merchandise vendors, live cultural entertainment, interactive activities and plenty of panda-themed fun.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Southeast Georgia Opioid Prevention Initiative

The Bulloch Alcohol and Drug Council (BADC) is proud to support the OUD (Opioid Use Disorder) Continuum of Care, by introducing the Southeast Georgia Opioid Prevention Initiative. This initiative will offer drug misuse prevention services, targeting youth and young adults aged 14-44 years. The initiative will serve people in Bryan, Effingham, and Evans counties in southeast Georgia. In addition, through this initiative, we will provide OUD education and resources to assist families and social networks.

Nonprofit Organization

friendsofthecoastalgardens.org

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Blogs Client Blogs English Rose Newletters Press releases Team Member Bios

AN ENGLISH ROSE IN GEORGIA – TALES OF PIRATES

October 15, 2026 / English Rose

This week, Lesley speaks to the history of pirates in Savannah.

ABBIE DELOACH FOUNDATION AND GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY INVITE COMMUNITY TO TRUE BLUE 5K & ABBIE’S ADVENTURE RACE

October 14, 2026 / Press releases

The Abbie DeLoach Foundation, in partnership with Georgia Southern University Campus Recreation & Intramurals, invites students, alumni, families and community members to participate in the 2026 True Blue 5K & Abbie’s Adventure Race on Saturday, Nov. 7, at M.C. Anderson Park, located at the Recreation Activity Center, 2687 Akins Blvd, on Georgia Southern University’s Statesboro Campus.

BRYAN COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION 25TH ANNIVERSARY APPRECIATION LUNCHEON TO BE HELD AT RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER

October 12, 2026 / Press releases

Bryan County Family Connection will host its 25th Anniversary Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026 at Richmond Hill City Center, located at 520 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, GA 31324. The event will commemorate 25 years of collaboration, service, and commitment to strengthening children and families throughout Bryan County.

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Friends of Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Friends of the Coastal Gardens is a non-profit organization formed in 1995 for the sole mission of providing financial and volunteer support to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA 31419. Since their inception, Friends has raised and contributed over $13 million in funding for the operation and improvements of the Garden. In addition to financial support, members of Friends have provided thousands of volunteer hours over the past 25 years to the growth and operation of the Gardens.

Donations, either in large (or small) gifts from individuals or through proceeds from Friends’ fundraising events, have facilitated many new garden expansion projects. Friends volunteers also help manage specific garden areas, assist in greenhouse or grounds maintenance projects, conduct group educational tours, assist with the Roots and Shoots program for schoolkids, and a wide array of special fundraising events and activities.

Nonprofit Organization

friendsofthecoastalgardens.org

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

COASTAL GEORGIA BOTANICAL GARDENS ANNOUNCE CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANNUAL DECEMBER NIGHTS & HOLIDAY LIGHTS

August 5, 2026 / Press releases

Businesses throughout Coastal Georgia are invited to showcase their community support while gaining valuable exposure by sponsoring December Nights & Holiday Lights, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens' signature holiday event. This annual holiday celebration transforms the Gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland featuring twinkling lights along beautifully illuminated walking trails. The event draws thousands of visitors each holiday season, making it one of the region's most beloved family traditions and providing sponsors with an opportunity to connect with a broad audience while supporting an important community asset. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, starting at $500, allowing businesses of all sizes to participate.

COASTAL GEORGIA BOTANICAL GARDENS HOSTS YOGA CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

June 15, 2026 / Press releases

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will host yoga classes for children and adults this summer at 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA 31419. Classes will be held on the garden terrace from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Adult classes are slated for Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 18 to July 9 and children’s classes are scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays from June 17 through July 10.

COASTAL GEORGIA BOTANICAL GARDENS PARTNERS WITH ESP SAVANNAH TO HOST SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY FRIEND FRIDAYS

June 4, 2026 / Press releases

This summer, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will partner with ESP (Extra Special People) Savannah to host one of the community’s most uplifting and impactful programs: ESP Summer Camp. This two-week experience is designed to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. As part of the partnership, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and ESP Savannah are inviting community members to attend Friend Friday, a special opportunity to experience the energy and impact of camp firsthand. Friend Fridays will be held on June 26 (ESP’s 40th Birthday Celebration) and July 17.

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Guerry Lumber

Established in 1927, Guerry Lumber creates for their customer an unmatched supplier experience by providing quality materials, dependable service and competitive prices. Commercial builders and homebuilders will find their location has not changed but our complex has grown to include over six acres. True to the T.H. Guerry tradition, the members of their crew are actually experienced users of the products we sell. This gives customers the advantage of choosing the right materials, in the right amounts, to be delivered to the right place, at the right time.

Business – Tree Services

guerrylumber.com

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

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GUERRY LUMBER PREPARES FOR 100TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR WITH COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT 100 LOCAL CHILDREN THROUGH P.A.C.K. SAVANNAH

July 29, 2026 / Press releases

Today, Guerry Lumber announced a new partnership supporting local nonprofit organization, People of Action Caring for Kids (P.A.C.K.), with a check presentation at their facility in Savannah ahead of Guerry Lumber’s 100th anniversary year in 2027. Guerry Lumber announced the company’s commitment to sponsoring 100 local children through the organization's weekend food assistance program during the 2026–2027 school year. In addition to its financial support, Guerry Lumber employees will volunteer with P.A.C.K. each month, helping pack and distribute food to children and families in the Savannah community.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The Abbie DeLoach Foundation

Inspired by Abbie’s compassion for others and love for life, the Abbie DeLoach Foundation continues the good work Abbie began.

As a student, an athlete and a nurse, Abbie’s interests are their core values. Founded in 2016, the Foundation benefits organizations rewarding academic excellence, exemplary service-work, and athletic commitment.

Media Relations
Social Media
Content Creation
Events Mangement
Website
Graphic Design
Newsletters & Digital Marketing

Nonprofit Organization

abbiedeloachfoundation.com

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM AS ORGANIZATION ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH

July 30, 2026 / Press releases

The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is entering its next chapter with a strengthened leadership team, welcoming new staff members and recognizing the experience and dedication of longtime employees through a series of internal promotions. The expanded team reflects Savannah Music Festival's continued growth and organizational stability as the nonprofit builds on its legacy of presenting exceptional music and expanding access to meaningful arts experiences throughout the community.

FINAL WEEKEND OF THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS FOUR DAYS OF WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCES TO SAVANNAH

April 1, 2026 / Press releases

The 2026 Savannah Music Festival (SMF) enters its highly anticipated final weekend with an exciting lineup of performances from Thursday April 2 through Sunday April 5, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists across roots, jazz, classical, and global music traditions. Music lovers still have time to experience one of the Southeast’s most celebrated cultural events before the festival concludes. Photo Courtesy Savannah Music Festival/Elizabeth Leitzell.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CLASSICAL ARTISTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 18, 2026 / Press releases

The lineup of classical music artists during the Savannah Music Festival, happening March 25–April 5, will inspire and uplift audiences in a variety of Savannah’s most beautiful venues. From a four-part series featuring British classical violist Philip Dukes and Friends to German classical pianist Sebastian Knauer, attendees will have a chance to see world-renowned artists right in the Hostess City. Tickets are on sale now at savannahmusicfestival.org.

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Savannah Music Festival

The Savannah Music Festival is a leading nonprofit performing arts organization, dedicated to presenting exceptional live music that entertains, educates, inspires, and unites communities.

In addition to year-round music education, community engagement and broadcast initiatives, Savannah Music Festival produces one of the most distinctive multi-genre music festivals in the world. Hailed by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution as “one of the gleaming musical treasures of the Southeast” and by the Toronto Star as “one of North America’s most distinctive musical events,” the annual springtime festival has featured thousands of artists from across the globe since its founding in 1989.

Nonprofit Organization

www.savannahmusicfestival.org

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM AS ORGANIZATION ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER OF GROWTH

July 30, 2026 / Press releases

The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) is entering its next chapter with a strengthened leadership team, welcoming new staff members and recognizing the experience and dedication of longtime employees through a series of internal promotions. The expanded team reflects Savannah Music Festival's continued growth and organizational stability as the nonprofit builds on its legacy of presenting exceptional music and expanding access to meaningful arts experiences throughout the community.

FINAL WEEKEND OF THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS FOUR DAYS OF WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCES TO SAVANNAH

April 1, 2026 / Press releases

The 2026 Savannah Music Festival (SMF) enters its highly anticipated final weekend with an exciting lineup of performances from Thursday April 2 through Sunday April 5, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists across roots, jazz, classical, and global music traditions. Music lovers still have time to experience one of the Southeast’s most celebrated cultural events before the festival concludes. Photo Courtesy Savannah Music Festival/Elizabeth Leitzell.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CLASSICAL ARTISTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 18, 2026 / Press releases

The lineup of classical music artists during the Savannah Music Festival, happening March 25–April 5, will inspire and uplift audiences in a variety of Savannah’s most beautiful venues. From a four-part series featuring British classical violist Philip Dukes and Friends to German classical pianist Sebastian Knauer, attendees will have a chance to see world-renowned artists right in the Hostess City. Tickets are on sale now at savannahmusicfestival.org.

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Richmond Hill City Center

Richmond Hill City Center is a popular special event location on the Georgia coast. Your event deserves the elegance they can provide. The Richmond Hill City Center team is there to ensure your meeting and special event is seamless. They consider your guests our guests. Their indoor and outdoor spaces are flexible, for a multitude of events.

Conferences. Meetings. Receptions. Weddings. Reunions. Corporate Meetings. Presentations. And More!

Events

https://www.richmondhillcitycenter.com/

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

BLACK MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST BRUNCH COMING TO RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER

August 5, 2026 / Press releases

The Black Therapist Brunch, an event to support Black licensed mental health professionals through connection, reflection, and community, will be hosted at Richmond Hill City Center from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. The event, presented by Journey with J.Lee Consulting, will serve as an opportunity for licensed mental health providers to gather and network with their peers.

BRYAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS 2026 STATE OF THE COMMUNITY EVENT AT RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER

July 27, 2026 / Press releases

Future plans for Bryan county’s growth and development will be a key focus at Bryan County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community event, presented by Georgia Power. This event is slated to be from 8-10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Richmond Hill City Center.

BRYAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVITES FAMILIES TO BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO AT RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER – JULY 21

July 13, 2026 / Press releases

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, the Bryan County Chamber of Commerce is bringing together local businesses, organizations and community partners for an afternoon dedicated to helping families start the school year strong. The Back to School Expo will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Richmond Hill City Center, 520 Cedar St.

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Low Country Shakespeare

Originally based on Roosevelt Island in NYC, Lowcountry Shakespeare (then “Island Shakespeare”) has been transforming the way audiences experience Shakespeare since 2012. The core of their work is site specific and immersive, and puts YOU as an audience member straight into the world of Shakespeares work.

You are more than just a witness. Their work is crystal clear and accessible to all dispelling the notion that Shakespeare is “other” or unintelligible. Join them and experience the heartbreak, the history, the loves, the losses, and everything in-between the way YOU chose and in a way you’ll never forget.

Entertainment

https://lowcountryshakespeare.com

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

All Press releases

LOWCOUNTRY SHAKESPEARE PREMIERES IN SAVANNAH AND PRESENTS IMMERSIVE RETELLING OF “ROMEO AND JULIET” – NOVEMBER 14-23

October 15, 2024 / Press releases

Lowcountry Shakespeare, Savannah’s new performing arts company, will debut its immersive retelling of Romeo and Juliet this fall.

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Savannah Performing Arts Festival

The Savannah Performing Arts Festival is an exciting annual event that brings the thrill of performance to vibrant life in Savannah, Georgia. Taking place from February 10th to February 22nd, 2025, this dynamic multi-week festival unfolds at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center’s Ben Tucker Theater. What can you expect during these exhilarating weeks? Well, there will be public performances, including a fully staged musical, as well as engaging workshops, captivating concerts, and a gala that celebrates and features our local performance groups and the broader community. It’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and the arts, all set against the backdrop of this charming coastal city.

Non-Profit

https://onstagesavannah.com/fest

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

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SAVANNAH OPERA COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL STUDENTS TO PRESENT GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

July 18, 2024 / Press releases

Savannah OPERA will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the Yamacraw Performing Arts Center at 649 W. Jones Street in Savannah.

SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL RECEIVES GRANT FROM GEORGIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

July 10, 2024 / Press releases

Savannah VOICE Festival was awarded a Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025.

SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

May 1, 2024 / Press releases

After an extensive nationwide search, Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) announces the appointment of a new Executive Director, Evelina Erickson, to join the leadership team as it plans for future growth and development.

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Savannah Magazine

Savannah Magazine celebrates the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce, and creative community. Elegant and relevant, the magazine captures the essence of Savannah, offering authentic and fun content. Through smart, layered, and inclusive articles, Savannah Magazine interprets the city’s unique cultural identity and serves as a thought leader. Whether it’s spotlighting talented individuals from the creative class or showcasing the best of Savannah in various domains, the magazine embodies the spirit of this vibrant coastal city.

Publishing Business

https://savannahmagazine.com

GALLERY

PUBLISHED

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SAVANNAH OPERA COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL STUDENTS TO PRESENT GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

July 18, 2024 / Press releases

Savannah OPERA will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the Yamacraw Performing Arts Center at 649 W. Jones Street in Savannah.

SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL RECEIVES GRANT FROM GEORGIA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

July 10, 2024 / Press releases

Savannah VOICE Festival was awarded a Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025.

SAVANNAH VOICE FESTIVAL APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

May 1, 2024 / Press releases

After an extensive nationwide search, Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) announces the appointment of a new Executive Director, Evelina Erickson, to join the leadership team as it plans for future growth and development.

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