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July 2026 Newsletter
President's Report
Readers Rock! — A Celebration of Community, Connection, and Literacy
As we welcome the month of July, my heart is full of gratitude and excitement for one of the most meaningful ways EWI of Chattanooga will serve our community this year: the 2026 Readers Rock! Reading Rally. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Miller Park in downtown Chattanooga, we will have the privilege of welcoming children and families for a day centered on reading, encouragement, and possibility. This event is more than something we host — it is something we give from the heart.
At its core, EWI is about our 3 Cs — Connections, Careers, and Community. The Reading Rally beautifully reflects all three. It gives us the opportunity to connect with families, community partners, authors, volunteers, and one another. It allows us to use the strengths and talents we have developed in our careers for a purpose greater than ourselves. Most importantly, it reminds us that community is not just a word we say — it is something we build, nurture, and show up for.
This year, we are expecting approximately 200 children and their families. Each child who walks into Miller Park that day represents a story still being written. A book placed in a child’s hands can open a door to confidence, imagination, learning, and dreams they may not have discovered yet. That is why this event matters so deeply. Readers Rock! is not simply about one day of activities — it is about helping children feel seen, supported, and inspired.
As your Chapter President, I am asking each member to consider how you can be part of this special day. Whether you are able to volunteer, help prepare supplies, invite a community partner, secure donations, share the event with others, or simply arrive with a willing heart and helping hands, your presence will make a difference. Sometimes the smallest act of service — a smile, a kind word, a moment of encouragement — can be the very thing a child or family remembers most.
One of the greatest gifts of EWI is that we do not serve alone. We come together with different talents, backgrounds, and experiences, and when we combine those gifts, we are able to create something truly meaningful. The Reading Rally is a chance for us to live our mission in a visible and heartfelt way, showing Chattanooga that EWI is committed to lifting others up and investing in the next generation.
To everyone who has already given time, ideas, energy, and resources to help bring this event to life, thank you. Your generosity and commitment are deeply appreciated. As July 18 approaches, I hope each of us will lean in, say yes where we can, and help create a day filled with joy, encouragement, and lasting memories for the children and families we will serve.
Together, we can make a lasting impact — one book, one child, one family, and one heartfelt act of service at a time.
Sincerely,
Monthly Meeting
Upcoming Webinars
| Professional Development Webinar: The Power of Transformation: Literacy Changes Lives |
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EWI Corporate Office is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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Join picture book author/illustrator Debbie Clement as she reflects on her own metamorphosis over her 30 years of contribution in Arts Enrichment from coast-to-coast and around the globe. Debbie Clement is the poster child for using your gifts and applying them in a 'find-a-need-and-fill-it' economy. She is also a master at emerging from the setbacks of life. She left a challenging first marriage to find genuine love, marriage and a partnership of 32 years with her current husband. She is also a two-time survivor of Breast Cancer. She knows a thing or two about "the pivot."
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Member Birthdays
🎂 Celebrating July Birthdays🎂
Welcome to this special July edition, where we’re taking a moment to celebrate the people who bring this vibrant month to life. July is filled with peak summer warmth, fireworks, and celebration energy, making it the perfect time to honor those born during this lively season.
July Birthday SpotlightJuly birthdays fall in the heart of summer with long sunny days and warm nights, making it a season of outdoor adventures and celebration. July's birthstone is the ruby, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity, and one of the most prized gemstones. The birth flower is the larkspur, representing positivity and dignity, and the water lily, symbolizing purity and rebirth. |
This Month's Birthday Celebrations
Join us in celebrating these wonderful individuals with July birthdays!
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Name |
Date |
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Nichole Ridge |
July 14 |
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Nena Powell |
July 24 |
Member Spotlight 2
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It’s that exciting time of year again—EWI Chattanooga is preparing for the next chapter of leadership, and we’d love your help shaping what’s ahead! Have you ever considered serving on the Board? Or is there someone you admire who would make a fantastic leader? Now is the perfect opportunity to get involved and have a voice in the future of our chapter. Whether you’re ready to raise your hand or simply want to nominate someone you believe would shine, we encourage you to participate by completing the straw ballot. 👉 Take a moment to share your voice: See Form Below Please submit your responses to our incoming President, Suzanne Harris. Your input truly matters—EWI Chattanooga is stronger because of the passion, talent, and ideas of our members. Let’s continue building something amazing together!
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Save The Date
Save the Date — July 18, 2026 — and get ready to volunteer, donate, and join us in making this event unforgettable!
We are thrilled to announce the Official Name and Logo for our upcoming City-Wide Reading Rally, an event designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading in children and families throughout Chattanooga and surrounding counties.
📅 Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Miller Park
🎟 Admission: FREE
About the Event
This community celebration will be open to all families and filled with fun, learning, and inspiration. Here’s what you can look forward to:
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🎒 Free School Supplies (while supplies last)
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📖 Local Authors hosting live book readings
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🚚 Food Trucks offering delicious treats
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📚 A Free Book for Every Child (while supplies last)
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🎨 Face Painting & Fun Activities
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🐾 Appearances by Local Sports Mascots
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🚒 A visit from the Local Firetruck
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…and many more family-friendly experiences!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to help make the 2026 Reading Rally a resounding success. Sponsorship packages include special recognition and promotional opportunities:
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
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Prominent logo placement on all event materials
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Featured mention in press release
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Opportunity to speak at the event
Gold Sponsor – $2,500
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Booth option at the event
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Logo placement on event materials
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Mention in press release & recognition during event
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
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Booth option
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Logo placement on event materials
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Recognition during the event
Bronze Sponsor – $500
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Recognition on event materials and during the event
Individual Sponsor – $100
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Recognition during the event
If you don’t see a package that fits your budget, we’ll be happy to tailor a sponsorship level to match your goals.
Get Involved
Be part of an event that will put books, smiles, and opportunities into the hands of local children.
For questions or to secure your sponsorship:
📧 Charlie Rosenquist – [email protected]
Let’s rally together for reading, community, and our children’s future!
Member Spotlight
Celebrating the Sponsors and Community Partners Behind Readers Rock Reading Rally
The success of the Readers Rock Reading Rally would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors and community partners. Their commitment to literacy, education, and strengthening our community helps make this event a memorable experience for local families and students.
At the forefront of this year's event is our Presenting Sponsor, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, whose support helps bring the vision of Readers Rock to life and expands opportunities for children and families throughout our region. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in the health, education, and well-being of our community.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Literacy & Books Sponsor, the Hamilton County Schools Foundation. Their dedication to fostering a love of reading and supporting educational success aligns perfectly with the mission of Readers Rock. Through their partnership, more children will have access to books and resources that inspire lifelong learning.
In addition to our major sponsors, we are thankful for the many organizations, businesses, and individuals who stepped forward as Community Partners and Event Friends. Their support helps create a fun, engaging, and impactful event for Chattanooga families. These valued partners include Lyndhurst Foundation, Catherine Cox, the Walker Family, Ewan C. Whaley, Odell Tiller, Renaissance – TennCare Dental, NAMIWalks Chattanooga, McKamey Animal Shelter, Tennessee Aquarium, Hamilton County Health Department, Signal Center/ATS, The Chalet, Dave & Buster's, VFW, DJ Lipstik, Soul Aerobic – Yolanda, Ava (Singer), Imagination Station, EWI of Birmingham, The Edwin Hotel, Downtown DoubleTree, Downtown Coalition Alliance, City of Chattanooga, Chattanooga Parking Authority, Hamilton County EMS, Chattanooga Police Department, and Pit Stop Portables.
Together, these sponsors and partners demonstrate the power of community collaboration. Their contributions help provide free books, school supplies, educational resources, entertainment, and family-friendly activities that make Readers Rock a celebration of literacy and community spirit.
As we gather at Miller Park to celebrate reading and support local students, we encourage everyone to join us in thanking these remarkable organizations and individuals for their generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of Chattanooga's children. We are proud to partner with community leaders who believe that when we invest in literacy, we invest in a brighter future for all.
LCAM
Corporate just shared the New Logo and LCAM Info!
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