StarNight Brings Community Together to Expand Access Through New Child Access Fund
CHATTANOOGA, TN – August 15, 2026, Siskin Children’s Institute celebrated another successful StarNight, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, bringing together community leaders, supporters, families, and friends to support new child access fund.
Cowboy boots met black-tie elegance as more than 750 guests gathered for a Western Glam-themed evening of Grit, Grace, and Giving at Siskin’s Annual StarNight Gala. The event transformed the Chattanooga Convention Center into a celebration of community and philanthropy, all in support of helping children reach their full potential.
Co-chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Beavers and Stefanie Wittler-Beavers and Toni and Dan Youngman, StarNight welcomed community leaders, sponsors, supporters, families, and friends. Together, attendees helped raise more than $640,000. Proceeds will benefit the newly formed Child Access Fund, ensuring children and their families have access to the evidence-based developmental healthcare and the resources they need to thrive.
“StarNight is always a special opportunity to celebrate our community and the children and families we serve,” said Don Mueller, CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and helped make this year’s event such a success. Their generosity allows us to continue providing important services and resources to children and families across our region.”
Siskin Children’s Institute supported nearly 3,900 children in fiscal year 2026, an increase of approximately 1,000 children compared with the previous year. As the Institute continues to expand access to care, the new Child Access Fund will help make it possible to serve even more children and families in the years ahead. The fund will support new clinical programs, expand existing services, provide specialized equipment for therapy, and offer additional resources for families navigating their child’s developmental journey. By investing in these critical areas, the Child Access Fund will help more children reach important milestones, from first words and first steps to starting school and gaining greater independence.
StarNight guests also got to meet Margo Kawakami and her family, highlighting the impact Siskin Institute has had on their lives. Born with Down syndrome, Margo has received support from Siskin since she was a baby, reaching milestone after milestone along the way. Her family’s story offered a meaningful reminder of the difference Siskin makes in the lives of children and families every day. You can watch Margo’s story at siskin.org.
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