Shining Brighter Than Ever: StarNight Raises Historic Funds for Children and Families

 

CHATTANOOGA, TN – StarNight, the annual gala benefiting Siskin Children’s Institute, surpassed recent fundraising records during its “75-years of Siskin” celebration, raising more than $600,000 to expand services for children with special needs and their families.

More than 650 guests gathered on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Chattanooga Convention Center for an evening of hope, celebration, and community impact. The event was co-hosted by Lynda Minks Hood, Chattanooga Bar Association, Amanda Johns, PlayCore & Siskin Board Member, Don Mueller, President & CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute, and Alison Lebovitz, Host of The A List on PBS.

Funds raised will accelerate access to innovative technologies and evidence-based early intervention therapies, which research shows are critical to improved long-term outcomes. Early intervention can mean the difference between simply learning to communicate and pursuing higher education.

“Every day counts. If we can diagnose children before age three, we can make a huge impact in their development,” said Don Mueller. “Innovative technologies like the FDA-approved EarlyPoint devices allow us to diagnose children sooner and reduce waitlists. This year’s funding will help us expand these programs and reach more kids.”

The impact of StarNight extends beyond a single evening. Proceeds will support specialized services at Siskin Children’s Institute, including medical diagnosis, early intervention, and therapies such as ABA, speech, occupational, physical, and feeding, as well as family support. With more than 60,000 annual visits, these services are rare for a city the size of Chattanooga and remain vital for families across the region.

“I feel so lucky to have been part of this amazing team,” said Lynda Minks Hood. “Mose and Garrison Siskin would have been so proud of this year’s StarNight. I can’t wait to see how the Institute continues to enhance access to care for children and families.”

“The stars truly aligned as we celebrated 75 years of Siskin,” said Amanda Johns. “The room buzzed with energy and passion for children and families, and the Chattanooga community came together to create a historic impact in the lives of these children.”

This year’s StarNight was made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners, including Siskin Steel & Supply Company, First Horizon Foundation, Hamico Inc., Arney Guess Goldsmith, Athens Distributing Co., Bank of America, Bruce Komiske, Cempa Community Care, EPB Fiber Optics, Husch Blackwell, Journey Health Foundation, Kubota of Chattanooga, Linda Brock & Lee Brock Luxury Edition – Real Estate Partners, Mauldin & Jenkins, Medicare Misty, Noon Management, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Southeastern Salvage, Sunny 92.3, Sustena – A Pariveda Company, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, The Double Cola Company, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies, Unum Group, Wright Brothers Construction, and many more.

We are also grateful for our individual and family supporters, including Ju-Hsin and Todd Lusk, Movita Steiner, Robert & Pris Siskin, Bruce Komiske, Charles & Betty Lebovitz, Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington, Helen Siskin Pregulman, The Binder Family, and Ward and Nancy Petty.

“We support Siskin Children’s Institute because the work they do is so incredible,” added Dan Youngman, CEO of Siskin Steel & Supply Company. “We are blessed to have this resource in Chattanooga, and I’m proud to help contribute to the legacy of Mose and Garrison Siskin.”

In honor of the Institute’s milestone, a special 75-Year Tribute Video highlighted the legacy of Mose and Garrison Siskin.

You can support StarNight by donating today by clicking here and visit our Facebook to see a full album of StarNight photos.