Charitable events in Chattanooga to fill your calendar for the next year

Philanthropy is an integral part of Chattanooga's social and economic scene. Philanthropic organizations spend a lot of time and money supporting the city and all the varied communities comprising it. The spirit of philanthropy that permeates Chattanooga is such a key component to the city's uniqueness that Chatter magazine named it as a "reason to love Chattanooga" in its June 2023 issue.

With the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, hopefully, in the rearview, organizations are able to host their fundraising events in-person yet again, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to socialize with others and give back to the organizations that help make this city a better place to live. Here is a year's worth of events to keep on your radar.

AUGUST

Pirates, Parrots and Princesses

August 5, 2023

Join Magic Lamp Entertainment at the Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave., from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., dressed in your finest royal or buccaneer attire. Embark on a treasure hunt, get up close with parrots and "dragons" and meet your favorite pirates, princes and princesses. Plus, chat with the knowledgeable zookeepers and witness the zoo's animals enjoying their themed enrichment.

Cost: Event is free with purchase of regular admission, $9.95-$16.95, children 12 and under receive 50% off admission if dressed in themed attire

Contact: Lauren Stockman, [email protected]

Website: chattzoo.org/events/pirates-parrots-princesses

Doggy Pool Pawty

August 12, 2023

Join McKamey Animal Center at the Carver Recreation Center, 600 N. Orchard Knob Ave., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for the annual Doggy Pool Pawty. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event; door tickets will not be sold. Tickets are sold by dog, not by person.

Cost: $20

Contact: [email protected] or 423-305-6500

Website: mckameyanimalcenter.org

Splash Summer Arts Festival

August 19, 2023

Splash Youth Arts Workshop, a nonprofit providing free art workshops to Chattanooga youth since 2012, is hosting a Summer Arts Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Miller Park. This family-friendly festival will feature live music performances, food and arts and crafts and will showcase the works of regional artists that celebrate Chattanooga's rich and diverse arts community.

Cost: Free

Contact: 423-320-6738

Website: splashyouthartsworkshop.org

City of Potential Awards Breakfast

August 23, 2023

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga will shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations making a difference in the community through mentorship. The City of Potential Awards Breakfast honors the champions of mentoring -- those who are creating opportunity and impacting lives through one-to-one mentoring engagement. The event will take place at 8 a.m. at Common House Chattanooga, 1517 Mitchell Ave.

Cost: $75

Contact: Eli Smith, [email protected]

Website: cityofpotential.com

Big Hair Affair

August 26, 2023

Join the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation for a totally rad night out celebrating the organization's founding and the first kidney transplant at Erlanger in 1989. Grab your friends, hop in the DeLorean and come dance the night away at The Walden Club, 633 Chestnut St., Suite 2100. Come dressed in your favorite throwback outfit from the '80s or '90s and enjoy food, drinks, dancing, a silent auction, trivia and more.

Cost: $60

Contact: Kirbee Hutchins, [email protected]

Website: kidneyfoundation.com/calendar/bighairaffair2023

StarNight

August 26, 2023

StarNight is a gala event benefiting Siskin Children's Institute, whose mission is to improve the lives of children with special needs and their families. This year's event, presented by First Horizon Bank and Tennessee Valley Authority, will feature Emmy Award-winner and multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, live auction, concert by Andy Grammer and an after-party.

Cost: $350

Contact: Shannon York, 423-648-1706

Website: siskin.org/starnight

Chambliss Center for Children Golf Tournament

August 28, 2023

The annual Chambliss Center for Children Golf Tournament will raise funds to support the center's mission of enriching the lives of children and their families by providing programs and support services to meet the evolving needs of the community. The event will feature an 18-hole men's and women's tournament. There will be other competitions as well, such as hole-in-one, longest- drive and closest-to-the-pin. The event will take place at the Black Creek Golf Club, 700 Cummings Cove Drive.

Cost: $1,600 for a team of four

Contact: Emily Barrow, [email protected]

Website: chamblisscenter.org

Barnyard Auction

August 31, 2023

Hosted by Executive Women International, this auction will raise funds for scholarships presented to Chattanooga State Community College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Southern Adventist University.

Cost: $50

Contact: Penny Walker, [email protected]

Website: eoc.wildapricot.org/events

SEPTEMBER

Party at Point Park

September 7, 2023

Enjoy an evening of festivities from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Point Park on Lookout Mountain. The celebration will include live music, dinner, gate prizes, photos at Umbrella Rock and more. Proceeds support the National Park Partners' mission to conserve the natural, historic and cultural resources of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Cost: $100 for one ticket, $175 for two tickets

Contact: Tricia King Mims, [email protected] or 423-648-5623

Website: partyatpointpark.com

Chattanooga Mud Run

September 9, 2023

Get down in the mud and support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. The Mud Run will be at Greenway Farm in Hixson. Participants can join solo or create teams of up to 20 or more people. The run will be a 5K obstacle course with lots of mud-running. There will be cash prizes awarded to the top male and female finishers.

Cost: $29-$89

Contact: Jay Nevans, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogamudrun.org

32nd Golf Invitational

September 11, 2023

CHI Memorial Foundation's 32nd annual golf tournament at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, 1511 Riverview Road, will raise funds to support cardiac programs at CHI Memorial Hospital and the Chattanooga Heart Institute.

Cost: varies

Contact: Madison Ralston, [email protected]

Website: memorial.org/foundation

ArtsBuild InterMission

September 14, 2023

ArtsBuild invites you to InterMission, an evening honoring this year's recipients of the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award and supporting ArtsBuild's arts education and community arts programming. Two-time Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming will be the featured guest.

Cost: $125, $250 for VIP

Contact: 423-756-2787

Website: artsbuild.com/intermission

Golf for Good

September 15, 2023

The 2023 Golf for Good charity tournament will be held at Brown Acres Golf Course, 406 Brown Road. Volunteers in Medicine will partner with Southeast Tennessee Project Access to raise funds to support their mission of providing health care to those in the community.

Cost: $150 for individuals, $500 for teams of four

Contact: [email protected]

Website: vim-chatt.org

A Day of Clay

September 16, 2023

Scenic City Clay Arts will host A Day of Clay from 1-4 p.m. at the organization's satellite classroom, 1271 Market St. The event aims to raise over $10,000 to support the organization's outreach programs, scholarship fund and studio operations. This is the first event of its kind hosted by the organization. The event will feature a variety of activities, including wheel-throwing competitions, handbuilding projects, a community sculpture, the organization's signature Smash Booth and more.

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under. $125 "Community Contributor" ticket, includes admission plus 10 "pay it forward" tickets for families in need to attend event free of charge

Contact: 423-883-1758

Website: sceniccityclayarts.org/events

Kidney Kup

September 18, 2023

Join the Kidney Foundation for the sixth annual Kidney Kup golf tournament at The Ooltewah Club, 7502 Snow Hill Road in Ooltewah. Created in 2018, the Kidney Kup raises funds to directly assist kidney patients in the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas.

Cost: $600 per team, sponsorship opportunities available

Contact: 423-265-4397

Website: kidneyfoundation.com/kidney-kup

Impact Dinner

September 21, 2023

The Impact Dinner is an annual leadership event exploring topics related to attracting, retaining and elevating female talent throughout the region. Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute and the Impact Committee will welcome Lisa Lisson of FedEx Express as this year's keynote speaker. Lisson took on the role of senior vice president of Hubs, Ramps and Global Operations Control at FedEx Express in February 2023 and leads a team of more than 40,000 FedEx Express employees across the country.

Cost: $80

Contact: [email protected]

Website: cwli.org/impact

Latino Leadership Awards

September 21, 2023

Join La Paz Chattanooga at their annual fundraiser during Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. The Latino Leadership Awards gala showcases Latino talent across the city as well as organizations who are championing efforts to invest in the Latino population. With a culturally curated dinner and drinks menu, entertainment and Latin-style music and dancing, the event is a recognition and celebration of the positive impact the Latino community is making in Chattanooga.

Cost: $150 per ticket

Contact: [email protected]

Website: lapazchattanooga.org/special-events

LifeSpring's Fall Fundraiser

September 21, 2023

LifeSpring Community Health will host a fall fundraiser at the Daily Ration, 1220 Dartmouth St., from 6:30-8 p.m. There will be live music performed by Jay Brooks, food and fun to support uninsured and underinsured children through LifeSpring Community Health. Attendees are encouraged to make a charitable donation at the culmination of the dinner benefit concert.

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: 423-624-4846

Website: lifespringcommunityhealth.org

Torchlight Gala

September 22, 2023

Join the Chattanooga Audubon Society for an evening celebration at the Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View Ave. The event will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts, beverages, a silent auction and live music. This is a zero-waste event, and proceeds benefit the Chattanooga Audubon Society.

Cost: $80-$100

Contact: 423-892-1499

Website: chattanoogaaudubon.org/torchlight

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ INSERT "Banana_Ball.JPG" HERE }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Banana Ball

September 23, 2023

Attend Chattanooga Zoo's Banana Ball to hear Dr. Mireya Mayor, a renowned primatologist and explorer, speak. She has hosted documentaries and discovered new primate species. The event will feature dinner, an open bar, live animal encounters and animal-themed art. Proceeds will go toward the zoo's Cape of Africa expansion.

Cost: $85

Contact: Donna Deweese, [email protected]

Website: chattzoo.org/events/zooevents

Run4Kids

September 23, 2023

Run4Kids is a celebration of families who have called Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Chattanooga their home away from home while their children are receiving extensive medical treatment. Families, donors, volunteers and friends of RMHC will gather for the fourth annual 5K and one-mile walk at Chattanooga State Community College, 4501 Amnicola Highway.

Cost: $15 for walk, $25 for run

Contact: Mary Pike, [email protected]

Website: rmhchattanooga.com/events

Beyond the Ribbon

October 1, 2023

Starting as an effort to raise money to support communities suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic, White Parties such as this one now take place worldwide. The Chattanooga Cares Foundation & Cempa Community Care invite attendees to continue the tradition and imagine the world Beyond the Ribbon, where together, people can end HIV and champion healthier communities.

Cost: $50 for general admission, $75 for VIP tickets (includes bottomless mimosas)

Contact: Mitzi Ward, [email protected]

Website: cempa.org

Voices

September 29, 2023

The Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga will host the 2023 Voices luncheon. This fun and informative event has traditionally had over 450 people in attendance. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for networking, the Power of the Purse Silent Auction and champagne. From 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., guests will enjoy lunch and a dynamic program. This year, the program will include personal stories from three local women that will highlight issues affecting women in the community and how individuals together can create a space for all women and girls to thrive. The Power of the Purse Silent Auction will also be live online the week leading up to the event.

Cost: $75 per ticket, tables of eight start at $600

Contact: Katie McCallie, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogawomensfund.org

OCTOBER

Children's Classic Golf Tournament

October 2, 2023

Erlanger Foundation's annual Children's Classic Golf Tournament will be held at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, 1511 Riverview Road. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Children's Hospital at Erlanger.

Cost: TBD

Contact: Taylor Hurley-Henson, [email protected]

Website: erlanger.org/golf

18th Annual ABC Event

October 5, 2023

The 18th annual ABC Event, presented by Friends of Special Children and co-chaired by Tom and Darlene Glenn of Elder's Ace Hardware, will benefit the children at Signal Centers. Titled "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," the event will unfold under the big tent at 5:30 p.m. at 108 N. Germantown Road, with dinner provided by Giardino, craft beer by Five Wits Brewing Company and wines by Chattanooga Wine and Spirits.

The evening will include special drawings and a live auction to raise funds to construct a large, multi-use pavilion on the Signal Centers' school campus. The pavilion will offer the children a space for extended outdoor classrooms and play, and it will be available to Signal Centers' adult services and their community program network for training, gatherings and special events. The pre-event ABC Online silent auction will begin Sept. 18 at biddingowl.com with over 100 items.

Cost: $75 per person, $550 for a table of eight

Contact: [email protected]

Website: friendsofspecialchildren.org

Best Cellars

October 7, 2023

Best Cellars is a curated event for wine connoisseurs that supports Preserve Chattanooga. Premium wine selections are handpicked by the participating wineries, whose representatives will be present to answer questions. Food tastings from Chattanooga's leading chefs and live musical performances will create a night to remember. This event will be held on the River Terrace of the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff Ave. Best Cellars tickets also include admittance to the Wine Over Water event taking place in the modern wing of the museum.

Cost: $225

Contact: [email protected]

Website: preservechattanooga.com/wineoverwater

Wine Over Water

October 7, 2023

This annual event has become a favorite destination for wine enthusiasts from throughout the Southeast. Wine Over Water showcases a broad variety of wines and wine cocktails to try, paired with a variety of food tastings and live music. The event will take place in the modern wing of the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View Ave., overlooking the Tennessee River and Walnut Street Bridge. Wine over Water is held on the same night as Best Cellars and also supports Preserve Chattanooga.

Cost: $125

Contact: [email protected]

Website: preservechattanooga.com/wineoverwater

Pink! Out Game

October 7, 2023

Watch the Red Wolves at home for their annual Pink! Out Game. Proceeds from the evening benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial Hospital.

Cost: Varies

Contact: Charlotte McGuire, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com

Trident Cornhole

Tournament

October 7, 2023

Trident Transport will host its sixth annual Trident Cornhole Tournament to help raise funds for the Child Life Program at Children's Hospital at Erlanger. This family-friendly day features a cornhole competition, plenty of child-friendly activities and live entertainment.

Cost: $100 per team

Contact: Katelyn Clark, [email protected]

Website: tridenttransport.com/cornhole

Honoring the Sacrifice

Golf Classic

October 9, 2023

Held at the Black Creek Club, 4700 Cummings Cove Drive, this four-person scramble event benefits the Chattanooga-

based Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation, which provides direct financial and material assistance to post-9/11, severely wounded veterans.

Cost: $1,000 per foursome. Sponsorships available.

Contact: [email protected]

Website: honoringthesacrifice.com

Fifth Annual Robert G. McKamey Memorial Golf Classic

October 10, 2023

Grab your clubs and join the McKamey Animal Center for this fourth annual golf tournament at Council Fire Golf Club, 100 Council Fire Drive. Team registration includes unlimited drinks, a buffet lunch, entry into event contests, a unique player gift, one super ticket per player and a beautiful day on the Council Fire Golf Course for four players.

Cost: Varies based on level of purchase

Contact: [email protected]

Website: mckameyanimalcenter.org

Boo in the Zoo

Starts October 13, 2023

Join the Chattanooga Zoo the last three Fridays and Saturdays in October for Boo in the Zoo. The annual Halloween event is a family-friendly celebration filled with merry-not-scary decorations, trick-or-treat stations, scavenger hunts, costume contests and more.

Cost: $15 for non-members, $10 for members, free for children 2 and under

Contact: Lauren Stockman, [email protected]

Website: chattzoo.org/events/zooevents

Fourth Annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival

October 13, 2023

The fourth annual Chattanooga Motorcar Festival will take place October 13-15, and it will again host family-friendly events held in the heart of the Scenic City to benefit the Neuroscience Center at CHI Memorial Hospital and the Neuroscience Innovation Foundation of Chattanooga.

Cost: $44-$120

Contact: Kailene Dixon, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogamotorcar.com

Women of Distinction Annual Awards Luncheon

October 18, 2023

This annual luncheon honors local women who have helped improve the quality of life for others and names a Tennessee Woman of Distinction, defined by her leadership, philanthropic work and professional accomplishments. Proceeds benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Cost: $75

Contact: Calen Jamerson, [email protected]

Website: womenofdistinctiongc.com

16th Annual Not So Silent Auction

October 19, 2023

The Not So Silent Auction offers a casual atmosphere where individuals of all ages and stages of life can participate. With over 100 auction items up for grabs, attendees have the opportunity to win items through a lively interactive auction as well as through a traditional silent auction. The funds raised will allow the Northside Neighborhood House to continue its work of walking alongside neighbors in their journey to live in stability and independence.

Cost: $125 per person, $1,000 per reserved table, $1,500 per VIP table. Prices will increase on Sept. 1

Contact: Jenny Stripling, 423-267-2217

Website: nnhouse.org/events/not-so-silent-auction

Fall Family Fun Fest

October 21, 2023

Join First Things First for their second annual Fall Family Fun Fest at Miller Park, 928 Market St. This event is designed to provide a free, enjoyable and accessible event for all families and foster a sense of togetherness within the community.

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: Caroline Henry, [email protected]

Website: firstthings.org

RMHC Golf Classic

October 23, 2023

The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Golf Classic has been going on since 1999, creating memorable connections between Chattanooga's leaders and supporters of this organization. With a morning and afternoon tee time, this is a fun way to get your coworkers or golf buddies together to play, all while helping RMHC continue to keep families close to their child in the hospital.

Cost: $1,400 for a foursome

Contact: Mary Pike, [email protected]

Website: rmhchattanooga.com/events/rmhc-golf-classic

Choices Annual

Fundraising Banquet

October 26, 2023

Choices Banquet is an annual fundraising dinner and a night to celebrate the ways in which all have been blessed over the last year. Join Choices this year as they focus on empowering men and women facing pregnancy decisions.

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: Heather Whitfield, [email protected]

Website: team.choiceschattanooga.org

Dare to Dance

October 28, 2023

Based on the popular television show "Dancing with the Stars," local celebrities put on their dancing shoes and dazzle fans alongside professional dancers for Dare to Dance, the Chattanooga Kidney Foundation's largest annual fundraising event.

Cost: contact Kirbee Hutchins for pricing information

Contact: Kirbee Hutchins, [email protected]

Website: kidneyfoundation.com/dare-to-dance

NOVEMBER

Gala of Hope, UnMasking the Future

November 4, 2023

Gala of Hope, Unmasking the Future will be held at the Read House, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Guests will experience a masquerade-themed formal dinner. All donations will go towards lung cancer research. The evening will honor Dr. Rob Headrick and the work he has done locally, statewide and nationally with lung cancer research. Guests will enjoy a live and silent auction, mission moment and program followed by live music and dancing by the 12 South Band from Nashville.

Cost: $3,500 per table

Contact: Cindy Rix, [email protected]

Website: galaofhopechatt.org

Trefoil Society Luncheon

November 7, 2023

When a girl becomes a Girl Scout, she receives a pin in the shape of a trefoil, symbolizing her acceptance of the ethical leadership values she will learn. Members of the Trefoil Society commit to supporting Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians through generous annual financial support, so girls can discover their leadership potential and take action in their communities.

Cost: $50

Contact: Marguerite Hogan, [email protected]

Website: girlscoutcsa.org

Dinner of Firsts

November 9, 2023

Chattanooga State Community College's Dinner of Firsts will honor Diane Parks. Join the college for a hilarious roast and delightful dinner at The Chattanoogan Hotel, 1201 Broad St. Proceeds benefit First in the Family Scholarships.

Cost: $250 per person, $2,000-$7,500 per table (8 people)

Contact: Tammy Sawyers, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogastate.edu/dinner-of-firsts

Beastly Feast

November 11, 2023

Come see some of the world's most amazing predators do what they do best at Beastly Feast. Animals such as komodo dragons, cougars, snow leopards and jaguars display naturalistic behaviors and their incredible adaptations while enjoying whole-prey meals at the Chattanooga Zoo.

Cost: TBD

Contact: Lauren Stockman, [email protected]

Website: chattzoo.org/events/zooevents

CAD4Hope Day

November 14, 2023

Members of the community are asked to donate nonperishable food items to help stock the Samaritan Center's food pantry for the coming year. CAD4Hope all started with a beloved, former Collegedale Academy bible teacher, the late Richard Cadavero ("Cad"), challenging his students to help the community. Now in its 40th year, the local effort is bringing in thousands of pounds in food items to help families in need all across the community.

Cost: Donations of nonperishable foods or monetary contributions to purchase needed items

Contact: Brandi Dixon, 423-238-7777 ext. 20

Website: thesamaritancenter.net or facebook.com/thesamaritancenter

Dink for a Cure Pickleball Tournament and Health Fair

November 18, 2023

Dink for a Cure, an American Cancer Society pickleball tournament and fundraiser, will also offer non-pickleball players the opportunity to come visit the society's first-ever health and wellness fair. Tournament details will be posted online. The tournament will start at 8 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. The health fair will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: $55 entry fee for tournament, free to attend for public

Contact: Cindy Rix, [email protected]

Website: galaofhopechatt.org

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ INSERT "Grateful_Gobbler.JPG" HERE }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Grateful Gobbler

November 23, 2023

The Grateful Gobbler Walk, a 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving Day, starts in Coolidge Park, and proceeds go to the Maclellan Shelter for Families.

Cost: $30 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and under. Subject to change.

Contact: (423) 847-5844, [email protected]

Website: gratefulgobblerwalk.org

Sportsbarn Turkey Trot

November 23, 2023

The Sportsbarn Turkey Trot is an 8K road race, a 3-mile walk/jog and Kiddie K that starts at the Sportsbarn East, 6170 Lee Highway. Proceeds benefit the Chattanooga Track Club and the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

Cost: $6-$38

Contact: Bill Brock, [email protected]

Website: chattanoogatrackclub.org

11th Annual Stuffing Strut

November 23, 2023

The Stuffing Strut is a family-friendly 5K that gives individuals the opportunity to walk off their Thanksgiving Day feast before they even eat. This annual event, held at Chester Frost Park, 2277 Gold Point Circle N., draws hundreds of participants, many of whom have made this part of their Thanksgiving tradition. This year, participants will run through the Christmas lights on display. Funds raised through this event benefit the Northside Neighborhood House, the Soddy Daisy Food Bank, the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department and the Jim Wilson Fund at Soddy Daisy Middle School.

Cost: $25 per person, $100 for a team of five. Prices increase on October 1.

Contact: Jenny Stripling, 423-267-2217

Website: nnhouse.org/support/stuffing-strut

DECEMBER

Land of Sweets

December 3, 2023

Join "The Nutcracker" characters for a new holiday tradition for every generation. Guests will be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland where they can indulge in sweets and treats, local pastries, holiday teas and crisp champagne for the adults. Pose for photos with the iconic characters from Chattanooga Ballet's "The Nutcracker," enjoy children's activities and hear the story read by Drosselmeyer himself. This event benefits Chattanooga Ballet's education programs and raises funds to support the highest quality of dance performances and training in the community. Limited tickets are available, and early booking is advised.

Cost: $50-$350

Contact: [email protected]

Website: chaballet.org

JANUARY

Pink! Gala

January 27, 2024

The 19th annual Pink! Gala will celebrate the breast cancer community and will raise funds to support the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial Hospital.

Cost: Varies

Contact: Madison Ralston, [email protected]

Website: supportmemorialfoudation.org

ChattaChocolate Warmer

January 31, 2024

Scenic City Clay Arts will host the second Annual ChattaChocolate Warmer. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise funds for the organization's member studio operations, which include professional development and advanced learning opportunities for the potters in the community. The organization believes that arts and artists are vital to a thriving community, and events like the ChattaChocolate Warmer help to make space for artists to grow.

Cost: $75 per ticket, includes mug, drinks, food and all activities

Contact: 423-883-1758

Website: sceniccityclayarts.org

FEBRUARY

Mardi Gras Gala

February 9, 2024

The local nonprofit Chambliss Center for Children will host the 12th annual Mardi Gras Gala at The Chattanoogan Hotel, 1201 Broad St. Previous galas have included Louisiana-inspired food, cocktails, live music, a DJ and dance party, a silent auction and other New Orleans-themed festivities. Funds raised benefit the center's mission of enriching the lives of children and their families through the provision of programs and support services to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Cost: TBD

Contact: Emily Barrow, [email protected]

Website: chamblisscenter.org/events

Northside Neighborhood House 100th Anniversary Celebration

February 20, 2024

Join the Northside Neighborhood House as they celebrate 100 years of walking alongside their neighbors. Kicking off on February 20, 2024, with a celebratory breakfast, the Northside Neighborhood House will host events throughout the year to pay tribute to the impact made over the past century.

Cost: $50 per person

Contact: Jenny Stripling, 423-267-2217

Website: nnhouse.org/events

MARCH

AmuseUm

March 2, 2024

Creative Discovery Museum's annual fundraiser, AmuseUm, is grown-up fun benefitting kids. Enjoy a themed evening in the museum with local food, drinks and activities. Explore the hands-on exhibits that make the museum one-of-a-kind in Chattanooga. All proceeds from this event help the museum continue its mission to inspire all children to explore, innovate, create and play.

Cost: $125 for general admission,

$175 for VIP admission

Contact: Mackenzie Steele, [email protected]

Website: cdmfun.org/amuseum

Gowns for Good

March 6, 2024

The 2024 Gowns for Good event will feature a luncheon and live fashion show charity auction. All proceeds help the Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga's free clinic, which helps uninsured neighbors in need receive primary care access.

Cost: $75 for individuals, $600 for tables

Contact: [email protected]

Website: vim-chatt.org

29th Annual Strides of March

March 23, 2024

Held annually in March, Strides of March serves as an opportunity for the community to come together to remember those lost over the years and celebrate the strides and advancements made in HIV health care.

Cost: Free to attend

Contact: Mitzi Ward, [email protected]

Website: cempa.org/strides-of-march

APRIL

Extravaganza III

April 4, 2024

Extravaganza III welcomes over 250 art enthusiasts under one big tent on Main Street for silent and live auctions, food, drinks and fun. Each year, original artwork is donated by local artists and curated to be featured in the silent and live auctions. All proceeds support the Hart Gallery, a program of Signal Centers. Artists with the Hart Gallery come from underserved backgrounds and varied circumstances.

Cost: $75-$125

Contact: Nicholas Bergstrom, [email protected]

Website: signalcenters.org

The MAC Gala 2024

April 5, 2024

Join McKamey Animal Center for the 2024 MAC Gala. The evening will include a delicious dinner at the Westin (801 Pine St.), the Snuggle Lounge with adoptable animals, drinks, dancing at the after paw-ty, a silent and live auction and more. Tickets are required for admission. All proceeds benefit McKamey Animal Center's mission of saving animals and helping people.

Cost: $200

Contact: [email protected]

Website: mckameyanimalcenter.org/the-mac-gala

Believe Bash

April 13, 2024

The eighth annual Believe Bash at the Chattanooga Convention Center is co-chaired by Bob and Shelly Elliott and Guru and Dr. Neha Shah. This black-tie gala will feature a live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing, all to help support Children's Hospital at Erlanger.

Cost: TBD

Contact: Taylor Hurley-Henson, [email protected]

Website: erlangerfoundation.org/believe-bash

Chattanooga Autism Celebration Walk

April 13, 2024

Join the Chattanooga Autism Center for the 11th annual Chattanooga Autism Celebration Walk, which celebrates the autistic community. The event educates the public about autism, leading to a more accepting and inclusive community. Funds raised at the walk help the Chattanooga Autism Center provide vital resources and services to the Chattanooga area.

Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for children and students

Contact: Amber Doolittle, [email protected] or 423-531-6961

Website: ds-stride.org/chattautismwalk.com

4 Bridges Arts Festival

April 19-21, 2024

The 24th annual 4 Bridges Arts Festival returns to the Southside, featuring 140 top artists from around the country, plus live music, food trucks and children's activities. Tickets support the Association for Visual Arts' mission to support the artistic ecosystem of Chattanooga. A preview party will be held on April 19, where guests can enjoy cocktails and wine, catering, live music and early access to shop with the attending artists.

Cost: $5 per person, free for children under 18. $100 for preview party tickets

Contact: Sarah Moore, [email protected]

Website: 4bridgesartsfestival.org

River City Ribbon Run

April 20, 2024

The second annual River City Ribbon Run will raise funds to support the Rees Skillern Cancer Institute at CHI Memorial Hospital. There will be a family-friendly 5K and one-mile walk as well as food trucks, local partners and children's activities.

Cost: $25 and up

Contact: Madison Ralston, [email protected]

Website: supportmemorialfoundation.org

MAY

Bunny Hop! 2024

May 3, 2024

The Chambliss Center for Children will host the 23rd annual Bunny Hop! event at the First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Previous years' events have included arts and crafts; a petting station with bunnies, chicks, lambs and baby goats; face painting; inflatables; a photo booth and more. Adults enjoy a silent auction and dinner. Proceeds benefit the Chambliss Center and their mission of enriching the lives of children and families through support services to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Cost: TBD

Contact: Emily Barrow, [email protected]

Website: chamblisscenter.org

Relevé Soirée

May 3, 2024

Celebrate all that the Chattanooga Ballet brings to the community at this event. Enjoy an intimate in-studio company performance, participate in a silent auction and toast to all the ways that the Chattanooga Ballet provides artistic enrichment for residents and visitors alike.

Cost: $75

Contact: [email protected]

Website: chaballet.org

Kiwanis Fore the Kids

May 6, 2024

The Kiwanis Club of Ooltewah-

Collegedale will present its annual premier golf tournament, a fundraising event that aids the local nonprofit in meeting the needs of children across Hamilton County. The organization partners with several child-related services and ministries in the area, including the Hamilton County Schools Foundation, Siskin Children's Institute, the East Brainerd Sack Pack Ministry, the Samaritan Center, Reading is Fundamental and others. All proceeds from this event benefit the children and families in Hamilton County.

Cost: $175 for single players, $600 for foursomes

Contact: Steve Darmondy, [email protected]

Website: k4k.kiwanisoc.com

JUNE

CGLA 12th Annual Golf Classic

June 6, 2024

Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy will host its 12th annual golf classic at Creeks Bend Golf Club, 5900 Hixson Pike. The classic will feature door prizes and a variety of contests, including an opportunity to beat a professional golfer. Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m., and the shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the classic ensure the academy is able to provide ACT coaching, preparation and registration waivers; to fund student expenses associated with college visits; and to keep the academy's clothing and food pantries fully stocked.

Cost: $1,200-$5,000 for team sponsorships

Contact: 423-468-4105

Website: cglaonline.com

14th Annual Dining Out For Life

June 20, 2024

Choose from participating restaurants in the Chattanooga area to dine out and give back. Proceeds from each restaurant will benefit Cempa Community Care and the HIV prevention, testing and treatment services it provides to the community.

Cost: Price of your meal

Contact: Mitzi Ward, [email protected]

Website: cempa.org/dining-out-for-life

JULY

American Heroes Dinner

July 12, 2024

This annual fundraising dinner benefits the Chattanooga-based Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation that provides direct financial and material assistance to post-9/11, severely wounded veterans.

Cost: $125 per person, $1,250 per table of eight. Sponsorships available.

Contact: [email protected]

Website: honoringthesacrifice.org