Todd Womack and Nicole Watson
A DeLorean, time machine, robots and laser light shows dazzled the 1,000 plus attendees at Erlanger Health’s 10th annual Believe Bash, presented by First Horizon, at the Chattanooga Convention Center last Saturday.
Officials said, "The theme of this year’s fundraiser was 'Building on Erlanger’s Past for a Better Tomorrow,' which celebrated Erlanger’s 130 year history, while addressing its plans for a strong future, emphasizing a legacy of innovation. While the Chattanooga community came together for a night of futuristic fun, it was all for the purpose of making Erlanger’s mission possible for another 100 years.
"The community met the moment, raising an unprecedented $2.33M for the health system; the most a Chattanooga philanthropic event has ever generated in a single evening. Included in that number was an individual gift of $500,000 by Scott and Alison Robins of The Group Savings Organization. Their gift set another record for the largest individual contribution in Erlanger history during the paddle raise at its annual fundraiser.
"Funds raised this year at Believe Bash are supporting the recently announced renovations to Erlanger Children’s lobby and Emergency Department. Believe Bash 2026 is awarding $550,000 to this project, which is the single largest donation to Children’s Hospital ever given in the gala’s 10 Year history."
“The energy behind what we’re doing at Children’s Hospital is really exciting,” said Deborah Spielman, senior vice president and CEO, Women and Children’s, Erlanger. “People will be amazed when they bring in their children, but more importantly, they’ll feel cared for and safe.”
Additional projects on the Baroness campus will be funded and announced in the near term. Even before the surprise gift of $500,000 was added to the total, the evening had raised $1.83M, surpassing last year’s record of $1.67M.
"This community showed up in a way we've never seen before," said Sheila Boyington, Erlanger board chair and Believe Bash Steering Committee member. "Every dollar raised is a promise to the families who need us most. We are so grateful."
Officials said, "Erlanger started with a single gift of $5,000 in 1891. It began with a dream and a vision. So, innovation is so much part of our story at Erlanger, it’s in our DNA. We will continue to innovate and do what is necessary to meet our mission to this community to compassionately care for people for another 100 years."
Jim Coleman, CEO of Erlanger Health and Believe Bash co-host, said, "We cannot thank the community enough for joining us and supporting us on this journey.”
"Group Savings Organization made this gift because we believe deeply in Erlanger’s mission and its leadership,” said Scott Robins, chairman of the board, The GSO. “Over the last four years, Erlanger has transformed into a private, nonprofit with a leadership team that blends visionary strategy with strong execution. Erlanger delivers world-class technology because they have deployed innovative business processes rarely seen in this industry - a model that must become the future for multi-state health systems. As we often say, there’s no mission without margin, and this investment supports Erlanger’s ability to innovate and change lives. We hope it inspires others to join us in supporting this vital work.”
"This incredible event could not happen without the generous support of our Believe Bash leaders: Amy Coleman, chair of the Believe Bash, co-hosts Dr. Amar and Sujata Singh and Jim and Amy Coleman, and Todd Womack and Nicole Watson, who led the historic auction and giving moment, which raised over $400,000," officials said. "And a huge thank you to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor - First Horizon; Leading Sponsors – The Maclellan Family Foundations, Blue Cross Blue Shield TN, Group Savings Organization, Riverdance at River Gorge Ranch and Chattanooga Lookouts; Prime Plus Sponsors: Marsh McLennan Agency, Delta Dental, Unum Group, Tennessee Valley Authority and Sodexo; Prime Sponsors: Ace Anesthesiology Consultant Exchange, DeFoor Brothers, EPB, Global Medical Response, Health Trust Performance Group, Lift, Millenium Bank, Noon Development, Nephrology Associates, Shields Health Solutions, University Surgical Associates, Major Plus Sponsors: Food City, Tennessee Oncology Major Sponsors: Acumen Wealth Advisors, Ahead, Bass, Berry & Sims, Dr. Christopher Bell, Bellanomi, Bussey Financial Group, Cempa Community Care, Coca-Cola, DeRoyal, The Double Cola Company, Finks Jewelers, Flawless Aesthetics, Grace, Johnson Group, Journey Health Foundation, Kauffman Hall/Vizient, Korn Ferry, Barry and Marylee Large, M&M Industries, MagMutual Insurance Co., McCarthy Building Co., Morgan Stanley, Dr. Haresh & Sumi Patel, Patten & Patten, Inc., Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates, Qventus, Riley & Jacobson PLC, Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams PC, Steris and Warbird Healthcare Advisors."
