“People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.” These insightful and wise words are often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, but no matter who said them originally, let that truth sink in for a minute. And then consider the fact that Siskin Children’s Institute’s StarNight Gala is just around the corner, Saturday, August 23, 2025. This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the Institute’s 75th anniversary of bringing hope for children and families in our community.
For 75 years, Siskin Children’s Institute has been a cornerstone of support, empowering children with disabilities and their families through life-changing services. Since its founding in 1950, the Institute has been a beacon to building a brighter future for children of all abilities, and StarNight 2025 will honor these incredible milestones while spotlighting the true stars of Siskin - the children whose strength, resilience, and joy inspire us daily.
Patti and Jim Frierson know firsthand how critical, important and life-changing SCI is.
“Jim and I are grateful for the wonderful services that Siskin Children’s Institute provided to our daughter Anna and to us, as a family. We (and she) learned that anything is possible, and, after leaving Siskin she went on to Lookout Mountain School, and then Red Bank Middle and High School, where she was a cheerleader for 10 years! She is now at Chatt State and working at Warren and Griffin Law Firm. We owe so much to this strong start at Siskin. I continue to be involved because I want to assure that local families can continue to receive the expertise and experienced support that Siskin offers,” Patti shared.
Kim Leffew, director of alumnae engagement at GPS and StarNight committee member, also has personal experience with the Institute.
“Siskin didn’t just change our child’s life - it changed ours. The community of support we’ve received has given us hope and strength we never thought possible,” she said.
For the 2025 event, co-chairs Lynda Hood, executive director at the Chattanooga Bar Association, and Amanda Johns, director of people and culture at PlayCore, will join 25 community leaders who are all eager to help generate awareness about the developmental medicine and early intervention care provided at Siskin Children’s Institute. The committee is comprised of multiple leaders from many local businesses including CBL Properties, City Paper Company, Cornerstone Consulting Source, Emory Innovations, Inc., Fareri Academy, Girls Preparatory School, Husch Blackwell, NAI Charter, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Silverdale Baptist Academy, The Burd Law Firm, The Enterprise Center, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Transcard, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Vascular Institute of Chattanooga.
“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this year’s Diamond Anniversary at Star Night,” said Lynda Hood. “Siskin Children’s Institute is a remarkable organization that continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Their dedication to providing essential resources, therapies, and support is truly inspiring. This milestone year is not only a celebration of their incredible work but also an opportunity for us all to come together, show our support, and help expand access to these vital services across the region. Let’s make this an unforgettable night of generosity, celebration, and hope for the future!”
“It’s been a while since we have had a team like this to help us with StarNight, said Don Mueller, president and CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute. We have the ability to help so many more children. Our only limiting factor for the number of children and families we can serve is funding. So, visit our website, sponsor a table, and help us make a difference in the lives of children today.”
Your support is vital to ensure that Siskin Children’s Institute continues its mission for another 75 years and beyond. You are invited to join us in this momentous celebration by becoming a sponsor or donating today. Visit www.siskin.org/starnight to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and stay updated on this unforgettable evening.
Together, let’s celebrate the stars of Siskin Children’s Institute and shine a light on the future of hope for children and families. Don’t miss this historic event and be part of a lasting legacy!
by Ferris Robinson
For 75 years, Siskin Children’s Institute has been a cornerstone of support, empowering children with disabilities and their families through life-changing services. Since its founding in 1950, the Institute has been a beacon to building a brighter future for children of all abilities, and StarNight 2025 will honor these incredible milestones while spotlighting the true stars of Siskin - the children whose strength, resilience, and joy inspire us daily.
Patti and Jim Frierson know firsthand how critical, important and life-changing SCI is.
“Jim and I are grateful for the wonderful services that Siskin Children’s Institute provided to our daughter Anna and to us, as a family. We (and she) learned that anything is possible, and, after leaving Siskin she went on to Lookout Mountain School, and then Red Bank Middle and High School, where she was a cheerleader for 10 years! She is now at Chatt State and working at Warren and Griffin Law Firm. We owe so much to this strong start at Siskin. I continue to be involved because I want to assure that local families can continue to receive the expertise and experienced support that Siskin offers,” Patti shared.
Kim Leffew, director of alumnae engagement at GPS and StarNight committee member, also has personal experience with the Institute.
“Siskin didn’t just change our child’s life - it changed ours. The community of support we’ve received has given us hope and strength we never thought possible,” she said.
For the 2025 event, co-chairs Lynda Hood, executive director at the Chattanooga Bar Association, and Amanda Johns, director of people and culture at PlayCore, will join 25 community leaders who are all eager to help generate awareness about the developmental medicine and early intervention care provided at Siskin Children’s Institute. The committee is comprised of multiple leaders from many local businesses including CBL Properties, City Paper Company, Cornerstone Consulting Source, Emory Innovations, Inc., Fareri Academy, Girls Preparatory School, Husch Blackwell, NAI Charter, Shire Facial Plastic Surgery, Silverdale Baptist Academy, The Burd Law Firm, The Enterprise Center, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Transcard, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Vascular Institute of Chattanooga.
“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this year’s Diamond Anniversary at Star Night,” said Lynda Hood. “Siskin Children’s Institute is a remarkable organization that continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in our community. Their dedication to providing essential resources, therapies, and support is truly inspiring. This milestone year is not only a celebration of their incredible work but also an opportunity for us all to come together, show our support, and help expand access to these vital services across the region. Let’s make this an unforgettable night of generosity, celebration, and hope for the future!”
“It’s been a while since we have had a team like this to help us with StarNight, said Don Mueller, president and CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute. We have the ability to help so many more children. Our only limiting factor for the number of children and families we can serve is funding. So, visit our website, sponsor a table, and help us make a difference in the lives of children today.”
Your support is vital to ensure that Siskin Children’s Institute continues its mission for another 75 years and beyond. You are invited to join us in this momentous celebration by becoming a sponsor or donating today. Visit www.siskin.org/starnight to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and stay updated on this unforgettable evening.
Together, let’s celebrate the stars of Siskin Children’s Institute and shine a light on the future of hope for children and families. Don’t miss this historic event and be part of a lasting legacy!
by Ferris Robinson
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