The American Cancer Society signature event in Chattanooga, the Gala of Hope, will be presented by Lexus of Chattanooga and Capital Toyota on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the historical Read House. The theme this year is Unmasking the Future.
The gala will be a black tie, masquerade event (masks optional). Guests will enjoy an evening of music, live and silent auction, cocktails, 3-course dinner, local stories and testimonies of hope and inspiration followed with dancing and music by Nashville’s 12 South Band.
Funds raised will support both cancer research and resources available locally. The money raised throughout the evening, including Garden of HOPE and paddle raise, will be designated to lung cancer research and screening in support of those in their fight, survived their fight or lost their fight to lung cancer.
Chattanooga newcomers Scott and Rhea Greene will chair this year’s event. According to Mr. Greene, “The masquerade theme is secondary to what the evening is truly about and that is the story behind the mask. Unmasking a future free from all cancer. Having the opportunity to chair this event not only allows Rhea and I the opportunity to tell our personal story, but it also allows me to dive into this community and do my part to help others. I believe if we come together, we will end cancer as we know it, which is why Rhea and I have been working hard over the past few months to plan this event.
"We have been involved with other organizations in Cincinnati, raising money for great causes, but our passion to end cancer runs deep. So, raising money for cancer research is dear to our hearts and we have set high standards with even higher goals to raise a lot of money this year. If we truly want to support those in our community who are in their fight with cancer, we have to step it up and do our part together; so, I am inviting all of the greater Chattanooga area to join us Nov. 4 at the Read House because together we can Unmask the Future and have fun while raising a lot of money.”
The American Cancer Society has been a part of the Chattanooga community for over 15 years. Post COVID, the American Cancer Society chose to cut operational costs to invest more money into research and community resources, closing all but a few of their brick-and-mortar offices. “Not having that brick-and-mortar location has hurt us somewhat,” said Cindy Rix, senior development manager with the American Cancer Society in Chattanooga, “but saving those costs has allowed ACS to invest more money directly into our community in ways such as transportation and lodging grants, in partnership with our local hospital partners. I am so thankful to have Scott and Rhea chair this event as they bring so much energy and passion to the position. I can already see the difference they are making for those with cancer in our community.”
The 2023 Gala of Hope will designate a substantial portion of the evening’s proceeds towards lung cancer research in honor of November being lung cancer awareness month. Nationally, post-COVID lung cancer has been on the rise, which is why it more important than ever to focus on educating our community regarding cancer screenings and cancer prevention.
To support the American Cancer Society, contact Cynthia.rix@cancer.org for more information regarding volunteer opportunities, donating, or ACS resources made available in the community. For more information about UnMasking the Future, go to www.galaofhopechatt.org. For information about other resources and cancer updates go to cancer.org.