Causeway Challenge asked the question, “How can we make Chattanooga a city where people from all backgrounds live, work, play and learn together?” The Wildcard Team answered this question last Friday, with the official after party of Start Up Week, a free block party on Patten Parkway that took place from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
The Wildcard Team is led in collaboration by Roe Anderson, Anthony Byrd, Tenesha Irvin, Devon Kronenberg, Marty Lowe, and Donna Christian-Lowe. The Wildcard Team is made up of four teams that individually applied in June for the Causeway Challenge, a social innovation incubator that seeks bold solutions to community problems, with the same goal: to get Chattanoogans to socialize in a more diverse and inclusive environment. Causeway tasked this power-house of applicants to collaboratively develop an awesome, diverse and inviting event, while also working to make events like this more consistent and sustainable in our city and they delivered last Friday with their Start Up the Block Party event on Patten Parkway.
Over 300 Chattanoogans came out to experience The Wildcard Team’s first event featuring live performances by Clark Kint, 9th Street Stompers, Eclectic Movement, Capoeira Chattanooga, fire breathers and more. Wildcard Team members Anthony Byrd and Devon Kronenberg a.k.a DJ Southtek kept the party going on the 1s and 2s all night. It was truly a diverse and fun night in Chattanooga.
“Hands down the best event I’ve been to in Chattanooga. Finally something that brings different types of people together,” said Kayla Brown, an attendee. Another attendee, Briston Smith shared his thoughts on the night saying, “I met some awesome people and the music was fantastic. Looking forward to the next event…ya’ll aren’t finished, right?”
There is definitely more to come from The Wildcard Team. Each team member holds a unique perspective, and represents a unique network. Collectively, they are creating the social intersection that our city has been missing.
To learn more about The Wildcard Team follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Wildcard-Team-1162351677127332 and on Twitter at @wildcardteamcha