The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s 17th annual Celebration of Life and Hope gala will take place on Sept. 21 at the Foundation’s Education Advancement Center in Chattanooga. The gala features a silent and live auction with over 200 items up for bid, live music, dinner and drinks, and family testimonials. Tickets for the gala are still available for purchase at
www.CelebrationLH.com. All proceeds from this event will provide pediatric cancer-affected families with free mental, behavioral, social, educational, and health services.
The Foundation’s silent auction boasts over 200 items, from unique experiences to one-of-a-kind art pieces and more.
You do not have to be present at the gala to bid on items. Anyone, anywhere can bid, and the auction site is live as of Sept. 9. Select items are available for shipping, and you can see the auction item descriptions for details. The buyer is responsible for all shipping fees.
Silent auction items that are available for bidding now include:
• Dolly Parton + Lodge Collaboration Package
• Mahjong Game + Party Set
• Round of Golf for 4 at Council Fire
• Liz Nichols Fine Art Canvas
• Family-fun Gatlinburg Excursion Passes
• Davis Estates Wine Tour + Tasting for 4
• Simply Outrageous Michelena Table Lamps
• And so much more.
You can view all items at
https://one.bidpal.net/clh2024/browse/all.
Every year, the Celebration of Life and Hope honors a family facing the effects of childhood cancer. This year, the Foundation honors the Otterman family. Parents Mike and Traci Otterman lost their daughter, Simone, to Leukemia in 2015. Simone touched many hearts during her courageous battle with childhood cancer, and Mike and Traci continue to be unwavering advocates for pediatric cancer support and the Austin Hatcher Foundation. Simone’s sisters, Jade and Cali, will also be honored during this special evening.
“As we look back on our journey with childhood cancer and the loss of our Simone, we couldn’t be more thankful to have the Austin Hatcher Foundation in our corner,” said Traci. “They’ve been a source of support, encouragement, and healing for our family and we’re so humbled to be recognized as the Honoree Family this year.”
The Austin Hatcher Foundation invites all attendees to wear blue cocktail attire to this year’s Celebration of Life and Hope, though it is not required. Simone Otterman, of the honoree family, was known for her signature blue nail polish. In honor of her, the 17th annual gala has been centered around the color blue.
This year’s Celebration of Life and Hope is chaired by Kiran & John Patterson.
“The Austin Hatcher Foundation provides hope to families who are facing childhood cancer,” said Kiran. "John and I find purpose in partnering with organizations who "stand in the gap" for children and families who need it most. The Austin Hatcher Foundation isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a community lifeline, providing the support needed to navigate the emotional complexities of pediatric cancer. We're honored to chair this cause at the Celebration of Life and Hope this year, echoing the sentiment of love and resilience that defines the essence of the Austin Hatcher Foundation.”
Kiran is the event coordinator at Material Handling, Inc. and John is the vice president of Fleet Solutions at Material Handling, Inc. They have two children: Madeline (Natura Bissé Corporate Trainer) and John Frank (student at the University of Georgia).
The Celebration of Life and Hope is presented by TRCC. TRCC is diversified company with links to many industries. What began as a “little latex company” has grown to be an international player in innovative products and technologies delivered around the world.
The VIP Sponsor is Material Handling, Inc. The Platinum Sponsor is First Bank.
Gold sponsors include Lodge Cast Iron, Daniel & Stephanie Doty, Hamico, Inc., Mtn View Auto Group, Guide On Group, Brown Whitworth Reynolds Foundation, and Website Squirrel. Silver sponsors include Pinnacle Financial Partners and Truck N Trailers. Bronze sponsors include BCI - Buckeye Corrugated, EPB, Lync Logistics, First Horizon Foundation, and Service Electric Co. Champagne sponsors include Bayne's Business Machines, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, The Mountain Girls, and Scenic City Orthodontics. Supporter sponsors include Southern Champion Tray, Jesse and Cristin Doty, and HHM CPAs. Media sponsors include Chattanooga City Lifestyle, WCLE Mix 104.1, HealthScope Magazine, CityScope Magazine, Brewer Media, and the Times Free Press.