StarNight 2025 Committee pictured, front row, left to right - Cynthia Dale, Kim Leffew, Patti Frierson, Katelyn Statom, Lynda Hood, Amanda Johns, Don Mueller, Zachary Beker, Ashley Wolfe Evans and Emmy Trussel; back row, left to right - Allen Bible, Blake Hixson, Mike Cassidy, Frazier Devaney, Rachael Welch and Shannon York.
Not pictured: Alan Cates, Sarah Collat, Catherine Crain, Victoria Evans, Bruce Komiske, Sharon Law, Tracie Lesar, Stacy Keating, Dr. Jim and Fern Shire, Pris Siskin, Emily Smith-Prance and Valerie Rutledge.
Siskin Children’s Institute will host its StarNight Gala at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Officials said, "This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the Institute’s 75th anniversary of bringing hope for children and families in our community. For 75 years, Siskin Children’s Institute has been a cornerstone of support, empowering children with disabilities and their families through life-changing services. Since its founding in 1950, the Institute has been a beacon to building a brighter future for children of all abilities and StarNight 2025 will honor these incredible milestones while spotlighting the true stars of Siskin—the children whose strength, resilience, and joy inspire us daily.
"StarNight has become a premier event of Chattanooga’s social calendar, renowned for its blend of elegance, entertainment and philanthropy.
While more details will be announced soon, attendees can look forward to a night filled with inspiration, celebration and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
"For our 2025 event, we have assembled a committee of more than 25 community leaders, led by our recently announced Co-chairs Lynda Hood, executive director at the Chattanooga Bar Association, and Amanda Johns, director of people and culture at PlayCore. This group is eager to help generate awareness about the developmental medicine and early intervention care provided at Siskin Children’s Institute, while working together to achieve our StarNight fundraising goals. The committee is comprised of multiple leaders from many local businesses including CBL Properties, City Paper Company, Cornerstone Consulting Source, Emory Innovations, Inc., Fareri Academy, Girls Preparatory School, Husch Blackwell, NAI Charter, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Silverdale Baptist Academy, The Burd Law Firm, The Enterprise Center, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Transcard, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Vascular Institute of Chattanooga."
“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this year’s Diamond Anniversary at Star Night,” said Ms. Hood. “Siskin Children’s Institute is a remarkable organization that continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Their dedication to providing essential resources, therapies and support is truly inspiring. This milestone year is not only a celebration of their incredible work, but also an opportunity for us all to come together, show our support and help expand access to these vital services across the region. Let’s make this an unforgettable night of generosity, celebration and hope for the future.”
“I am honored to co-chair this important event because it is about more than a celebration – it’s about expanding opportunities for children and families across our community. I look forward to working with Lynda and the team to make this year’s StarNight one to remember," said Ms. Johns. "I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
“It’s been a while since we have had a team like this to help us with StarNight," said Don Mueller, president and CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute. "We have the ability to help so many more children. Our only limiting factor for the number of children and families we can serve is funding. So, visit our website, sponsor a table and help us make a difference in the lives of children today.”
Officials said, "Your support is vital to ensure that Siskin Children’s Institute continues its mission for another 75 years and beyond. We invite you to join us in this momentous celebration by becoming a sponsor or donating today. Visit
www.siskin.org/starnight to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and stay updated on this unforgettable evening.
"Together, let’s celebrate the stars of Siskin Children’s Institute and shine a light on the future of hope for children and families. Don’t miss this historic event and be part of a lasting legacy."