April 2026 Newsletter Print

President's Report

April invites us to shift from reflection to action—and EWI is doing exactly that.
With so much ahead of us in the coming weeks, I’m energized by the opportunities we have to work together in visible, meaningful ways throughout our community. This is a time when our planning, collaboration, and willingness to serve truly come to life.

One of the highlights currently taking shape is our upcoming Readers Rock! Reading Rally. This signature outreach reflects the heart of EWI—education, inclusion, and connection—and I encourage each of you to be part of the planning and preparation as we build an experience that will make a lasting impact. Whether you enjoy creative brainstorming, logistics, or hands on event support, there is a place for you to contribute.

Looking ahead to May, we also have the chance to volunteer at the Ironman Race, a major community event that allows us to serve together while increasing EWI’s visibility and outreach. Supporting this event is not only rewarding but also provides us both a way to raise some funds for the Chapter through their grant offered for volunteering and a fun way to work alongside fellow members and demonstrate our commitment to community engagement. 

These efforts remind us that EWI’s strength lies not only in meetings and programs, but in the collective action we take beyond them. Every hour volunteered, every idea shared, and every event supported helps move our mission forward.

Thank you for continuing to show up, pitch in, and support one another. I look forward to all we will accomplish together this spring and beyond.

Sincerely,

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Monthly Meeting

Menu: New Orleans Style menu with Jambalaya and Rice.

April 14, 2026  |  5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Chattanooga Downtown
407 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402

EWI of Chattanooga is pleased to invite you to our April 14th meeting, featuring Pam Reed the Executive Director of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts.

Pam will present a compelling and inspiring talk that explores the remarkable journey of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts—from the visionary collecting of Anna Safley Houston to its current transformation through a major preservation project.

This presentation will highlight how an 1890s home in Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District is being thoughtfully restored and reimagined for future generations. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities involved in leading a large-scale restoration, including creative problem-solving, community collaboration, and strategic reinvention.

More than a story of preservation, this is a story about embracing change, honoring history, and building something meaningful for the future.


We encourage you to reserve your place early.
Please RSVP by April 10th to confirm your attendance and help us prepare for this special program.

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Member Birthdays

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Member Spotlight

Heart Association Close to EWI’s Heart

 

Chattanooga’s branch of the American Heart Association held its annual Heart Ball on Saturday, February 28, at the Chattanoogan.  This year’s ball had a special connection with EWI Chattanooga.  Our former president, Ashley Hollis, was co-chair of the auction committee.

The annual event is a glamorous extravagance in black tie attire with gourmet food, fine wines, dancing and a night filled with fun. 

The ball attendees have an opportunity to bid of a multitude of wonderful auction items donated by numerous local business and friends of the association.  Ani Yacoubian Riggs, Yacoubian Tailors (former EWI firm member), donated a men’s suit for the event.

Chattanooga’s Heart Association is ‘focused on the heart’ of the community, celebrating success in medical advancements, funding science and improving the health of everyone.  The association efforts go beyond the ballroom, working to help every heart, every day.  Their motto is, We live fierce and fight for all.”

Congratulations to Ashley on the huge success of this year’s event raising over $550,000.  All of your EWI sisters are so proud of you!!!! 

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Fundraising

Charlie has the VIP tent signup for IRONMAN May 17th password protected to control who signs up to volunteer.  

This link below lets you bypass the password requirement.  Put EWI Chattanooga in the field asking which group they are volunteering for.

https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100414&job_name=vip tent&job_password=ewi2026

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LCAM

Corporate just shared the New Logo and LCAM Info!

We value the support and engagement of our members and want to be transparent about an upcoming change. Over the past several years, the costs of hosting LCAM have risen, including hotel rates, food and beverage, materials, and speaker fees. While registration fees have not increased in many years, conference expenses have outpaced revenue from registrations, sponsorships, and donations. To responsibly support the full cost of delivering LCAM, we are implementing a modest registration fee increase for 2026.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:

$950 - Early Bird, ends June 30
$1,000 - Regular Registration

$1,250 - Non-Member Registration

REGISTRATION + LEADERSHIP CAUCUS:

$1,100 - Early Bird, ends June 30
$1,150 - Regular Registration

 Theme Reveal:

  • Opening Reception: Nautical
  • Gala Night: Onyx & Ivory

To help your Chapter get on board, we’ve updated the LCAM Toolkit with a fresh participation letter, helpful resources, and tips to make attending a reality for as many members as possible.

💡 March to LCAM: Start the conversation with your Chapter now! Let’s make 2026 our biggest and boldest LCAM yet — encourage your Chapter to join in on the fun and professional growth.

📅 Early Bird Registration is Open! Be sure to take advantage of this special rate and secure your spot for the ultimate EWI experience. Register here today!

Grab the toolkit, spread the word, and let’s gear up for an unforgettable ride in Mobile. We can’t wait to see you in Mobile, where every moment is a celebration!

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

 

 

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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:

  • 🎒 Free School Supplies (while supplies last)

  • 📖 Local Authors hosting live book readings

  • 🚚 Food Trucks offering delicious treats

  • 📚 A Free Book for Every Child (while supplies last)

  • 🎨 Face Painting & Fun Activities

  • 🐾 Appearances by Local Sports Mascots

  • 🚒 A visit from the Local Firetruck

  • …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

  • Prominent logo placement on all event materials

  • Featured mention in press release

  • Opportunity to speak at the event

Gold Sponsor – $2,500

  • Booth option at the event

  • Logo placement on event materials

  • Mention in press release & recognition during event

Silver Sponsor – $1,000

  • Booth option

  • Logo placement on event materials

  • Recognition during the event

Bronze Sponsor – $500

  • Recognition on event materials and during the event

Individual Sponsor – $100

  • 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!

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Community Service

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2025-2026 EWI Board of Directors

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