Debbie Sonenshine, a Coldwell Banker agent from Cobb/North Fulton, received the Georgia Association of REALTORS’® 2025 Good Neighbor Award for her philanthropy. 

A 40-year real estate veteran, Sonenshine co-founded Backpack Buddies at Congregation B’nai Torah, which eventually evolved into the official nonprofit Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, where Sonenshine serves as a board member. 

Backpack Buddies provides weekend meals to food-insecure children in metro Atlanta. The food is distributed from a facility in Dunwoody to dozens of community, civic and religious organizations, called Community Buddies, that deliver it to about 2,500 children in 50 metro Atlanta schools every week. 

“This cause has been near and dear to my heart for many years,” Sonenshine said in a press release. “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.” 

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

“[Sonenshine’s] unwavering dedication and passion have not only made a lasting impact but have also inspired our entire Coldwell Banker family,” said Sherry Noles, Coldwell Banker’s regional vice president for Atlanta. “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.”