President's Report

July 18 Reading Rally

As we move into June, excitement is building for one of our most meaningful community initiatives, the Readers Rock! Reading Rally, taking place on July 18 at Miller Park. This event represents more than just a day of activities; it’s a powerful investment in literacy, education, and the future of Chattanooga’s children.

But the success of the Reading Rally doesn’t happen on event day—it starts now. And that’s where each of us plays a vital role.

🌟 Why Early Participation Is Essential

Preparing for a large-scale community event requires coordination, creativity, and commitment. Every EWI member who steps forward now helps ensure that the Reading Rally delivers the best possible experience for children and families.

When we engage early:

• We strengthen our impact by creating thoughtful, engaging literacy activities.
• We reduce last-minute stress by building a well-organized structure ahead of time.
• We increase community reach by spreading awareness and driving attendance.
• We model leadership and service, which are at the heart of EWI’s mission.

Simply put, early participation allows us to transform a good event into a truly memorable one.

📖 Supporting Literacy Together

The mission behind the Readers Rock! Reading Rally is clear: to inspire a love of reading and support literacy development in our community. Events like this are proven to make a difference by:

• Encouraging children to see reading as fun and rewarding
• Providing access to books and educational resources
• Connecting families with literacy-focused organizations

Your involvement helps bring these goals to life. Whether you’re planning activities, gathering resources, or simply offering your time, you are directly contributing to a child’s opportunity to discover the joy of reading.

🤝 Ways You Can Get Involved Right Now

There are many ways to support the preparation effort leading up to July 18:

• Volunteer for planning committees to help shape activities and logistics
• Assist with booth development, including interactive stations like the Coloring Station
• Help secure supplies or sponsorships to enhance the experience
• Promote the event within your networks to boost attendance
• Donate books or educational materials for distribution

Every contribution—big or small—adds up to create a dynamic and welcoming experience for the families we serve.

💡 Building Momentum as a Team

One of the most powerful aspects of EWI is our collective energy. When members come together with a shared purpose, we amplify our ability to create meaningful change.

The Reading Rally is an opportunity to:

• Collaborate across our membership
• Engage with community partners
• Showcase EWI’s commitment to education and service
• Leave a lasting impression on the next generation

🎯 Let’s Make July 18 Unforgettable

As we look ahead, let’s commit to being proactive, engaged, and enthusiastic in our preparation efforts. The earlier we step in, the stronger our event will be—and the greater our impact on the children and families who attend.

Together, we can ensure that the Readers Rock! Reading Rally is not just an event, but an experience that inspires young minds and strengthens our community.

We look forward to working alongside each of you as we prepare for this special day.

Sincerely,

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Monthly Meeting

Executive Night at the Walden Club

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Member Birthdays

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Member Spotlight

Article Courtesy of our Incoming Vice President, Suzanne Harris that was shared at the May Meeting:

The Power of Sisterhood

There’s something quietly magical in the bond of women, a connection that surpasses time, distance, and circumstance. It’s more than shared laughter or coffee dates; it’s the language of empathy, understanding, and fierce loyalty. It’s in the little, yet mighty, moments: the texts that say, “You got this”, the late-night phone calls that soothe the soul, and the unspoken knowing when words aren’t enough.

Sisterhood is indeed much more than friendship; it is shared strength. It’s a support system, a chosen family, and the mirror that reflects who we are when we have forgotten our worth. Through generations, cultures, and at different times of life, women have helped each other rise through heartbreaks, new beginnings, motherhood, jobs, and the chaos in between.

Think about the quiet power of everyday women who show up for each other: the woman who brings over soup when you’re sick, listens when you are feeling discouraged, who reminds you that you are still you when life feels overwhelming. These are not small acts. They are threads that keep the fabric of sisterhood strong.

Sisterhood doesn’t just happen; it’s built and cultivated.

Reach out — Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Send that text. Reconnect with the friend you’ve been missing.

Be real - authenticity breeds closeness. Let people see the unfiltered version of you.

Listen more – Sometimes, the best thing that you can do is just to be there.

Celebrate others - A friend’s success doesn’t diminish yours. Celebrate her loudly.

Establish traditions - Coffee Fridays, birthday trips, or a simple check-in. Consistency keeps connection alive.

Sisterhood will flourish when we choose it again and again, even when times get so busy.

It’s in this sense that, as we grow older, we realize it will be the women we walk through life with who will be our greatest legacy. We won’t remember, as we look back, the chaos of our to-do lists, but the laughter, the tears, and friends who made it all bearable.

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Fundraising

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ASIST

EXECUTIVE WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

CHATTANOOGA CHAPTER

ENDOWMENT REPORT – 2026 

EWI Chattanooga sponsors an endowment scholarship at Chattanooga State Community College, Southern Adventist University and University of Tennessee Chattanooga.   

The Chattanooga State endowment was established in 2019, but took two years to grow to enough earnings to award a scholarship.  The current value is roughly $42,800.   

Since 2021, scholarships totaling $19,500 have been awarded.  The college will be awarding seven $1,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year from the endowment this fall.

Southern Adventist’s endowment was created in 2010 and has grown to approximately $62,600.  The university has awarded 13 scholarships to-date, totaling $24,600.  There was not a scholarship given for 2025-2026 school term.

University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s endowment is in honor of Jean Bradford and was founded in 1996.  The endowment funds are over $200,000 and produces about $8,000 annually.  Scholarships information for earlier years is not readily available, but since 2010, the endowment has provided 48 scholarships to 31 different individuals.

It is uncertain at this time how many scholarships will be awarded for the 2026-2027 school year from this endowment.

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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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LCAM

Corporate just shared the New Logo and LCAM Info!

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2025-2026 EWI Board of Directors

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