Gina and Alnoor Dhanani
Siskin Children’s Institute has announced this year’s co-chairs for StarNight 2019, Alnoor and Gina Dhanani. Siskin Children’s Institute holds a special place in the hearts of Alnoor and Gina, as their youngest daughter attended the Siskin Early Learning Center for several years.
StarNight will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Chattanooga Convention Center and will welcome nearly 1,500 people for a night of music, dancing, and fun in support of children with special needs served by the Institute.
“We are thrilled to be chosen as this year’s StarNight co-chairs,” said Mrs. Dhanani. “Siskin Children’s Institute is such a special place for families in our community and we know that first hand as our daughter attended the early learning center for several years. We saw the love and friendship that blossomed with all the children in that inclusive environment and are grateful she was able to experience that at such an early age. We couldn’t be happier to support the great work of Siskin Children’s Institute and all they are doing for children with special needs.”
Mr. Dhanani is the president and C.E.O. of The Double Cola Company, a part of the K. J. Group of Companies. Double-Cola is a 90 year old company that was founded in Chattanooga and still maintains its headquarters here. Mr. Dhanani has experience in international business, having negotiated investment and licensing agreements in several countries around the world. In the course of these negotiations, he has worked closely with local governments and with public and private sector institutions. Mr. Dhanani has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Schiller College (London) and has also attended the MSBA graduate program of Boston University. He has been involved with several community organizations United Way, Metropolitan YMCA, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and UTC among others.
Mrs. Dhanani is the chief operating officer of The Double Cola Company. She has been with The Double Cola Company since 2004, and has been influential in leading the company’s growth over the last several years. She has shown vision for the company through the planning and execution of new products, such as QUAD Energy, MINOKU Coconut Water, and ZILI Tea—products that have expanded the company’s traditional product offering for the first time in 90+ years. As a mother of four, Mrs. Dhanani has a heart for advocating for children and practices this through volunteering her time with several local non-profits. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UTC and an MBA from Auburn University. She is also a graduate of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Chattanooga and Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute’s Women Mentoring Women. In 2009, Mrs. Dhanani was recognized in City Scope Magazine’s Gold Club, featuring 30 influential business leaders in the community, and was featured in Chatter Magazine’s “20 under 40” in 2018.
StarNight 2019 opens with a cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m., then moves to a formal dinner followed by a concert performance. An electrifying after-party with dancing and music from Bizz & Everyday People will round out the night.
For more information and tickets, visit siskin.org/starnight.