05/08/12 - StarNight Golden Jubilee Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Children and Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 8, 2012
Contact: Jan Hollingsworth
jan.hollingsworth@siskin.org
423.648.1730, office 

Publicity photos available upon request.

StarNight Golden Jubilee Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Children and Families  

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Josh Turner to headline the gala event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – 2012 marks the 50^th anniversary of one of our community’s longest running charitable events. StarNight Golden Jubilee will be celebrated on Saturday, August 25 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

“This year’s 50^th anniversary of StarNight is a very special reminder of the history of the Institute and what this organization represents to countless families and children in our community,” said Jerry Jensen, president and CEO of the Institute.

StarNight is the Institute’s largest annual fundraiser and benefits children with special needs through four areas of focus: education, outreach, developmental pediatric health care and research.

Through the years, StarNight has featured an impressive list of some of music’s most talented legendary and rising stars. “We are extremely excited to announce that country star Josh Turner will headline the event and help Chattanooga celebrate this very special 50^th StarNight!” said Jensen.

With the imminent release of his fifth studio album, Punching Bag, on June 12 and the album’s first single “Time Is Love” making its way up the country charts, Josh Turner is an artist with a solid foundation in the industry and years of songwriting and performing ahead. He has numerous multi-week Number 1 hits under his belt, including “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” and “All Over Me.” The Hannah, S.C., native is known in country music for his rich baritone voice, Southern charm, focus of family and affinity for a good love song. He has sold more than five million albums.

Turner debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in 2001 as an unknown artist who had dreams of making it big in Music City. That first turn on the Opry stage earned him a standing ovation for his performance of “Long Black Train,” a song he wrote. He was inducted into the Opry in 2007. Turner’s debut album was certified platinum for more than one million copies sold, and his second album, Your Man, went double platinum. He’s been turning out great music ever since as a talented songwriter, vocalist and performer whose distinct voice is a perfect confluence of old school country meets contemporary sound.

StarNight Golden Jubilee is co-chaired by husband and wife team Grady and Phyllis Williams. As long-time supporters of the Institute, the Williams are no strangers to service and community involvement in Chattanooga. In 2010 Grady Williams was named the Chattanooga area “Manager of the Year” and has been campaign chairman of the United Way and president of the Downtown Rotary Club. “We are honored to co-chair the 50^th StarNight,” said Mr. Williams. “We have attended many of the StarNight events and consider it the event of the year.”

StarNight opens with a cocktail reception, beginning at 6 p.m., and a formal dinner followed by Turner’s performance with an intimate, small venue feel. An after-party with dancing and live DJ rounds out the night.

Guests can attend the full black-tie gala, including cocktail reception, dinner, dessert, musical performance and the after-party, for $250 per person. Eight-person tables start at $2,000. The $100 per person Star Attraction option invites guests to arrive at 8:45 p.m. to enjoy Turner’s performance and the after-party. For tickets, visit www.siskin.org/starnight or call 423.648.1707.

ABOUT SISKIN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. Founded in 1950, the non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four initiatives: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.