Rotaract Club of Chattanooga, a Rotary-sponsored service club for young professionals ages 22 to 35, is hosting a fundraiser benefiting Lookout Mountain Conservancy’s Howard Intern Leadership Program. The event Lookout for Leaders seeks to raise money for additional funding for LMC’s Howard Intern and Leadership Program.
The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Waterhouse Pavilion, 850 Market St. The evening will celebrate the interns with music, cocktails, appetizers and a silent auction.
Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple and can be purchased
here.
Rotaract’s President Jonathan Armstrong states, “We can see a palpable difference in the lives of these young students, and our hope is to add additional spots in the program so other students can benefit from this life-changing program. We’d also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our corporate sponsors and recognize those who contributed at the Presenting and Graduate levels respectively: Lamp Post Group, BlueCross BlueShield Community Foundation, First Tennessee Bank, T.U. Parks Construction and Chattanooga Whiskey.”
"The Lookout Mountain Conservancy employs students from Howard High School to preserve and protect Chattanooga’s natural resources. The students learn about nature, conservation, teamwork and trust by establishing lasting relationships with LMC’s leaders and other students in the program. More importantly, the program provides a unique opportunity for inner city students to have a safe work environment, provide supportive income for their families, and learn social and professional skills needed to succeed in life," officials said.
Since the creation of the internship program in 2013, Howard High School reports that participating students have become leaders in their class and set examples for other students.
"Their grades and attendance are improving with promising plans for attending secondary education upon graduating, a first in the family for many. Additionally, LMC is receiving national attention from land trusts for establishing a unique program that connects inner city youth with a community’s natural resources - a program that many land trusts hope to replicate.
"Rotaract has formed a strategic partnership with LMC’s Howard Intern Leadership Program as mentors for these students. Connecting with the interns through land conservation creates a perfect opportunity for building relationships and ultimately establishing mutual trust, respect and cooperation. Rotaract’s intention is to show the interns that life outside of their neighborhood not only exists but is within their grasp so students can reach their fullest potential," officials said.