RECENT EVENTS

Chattanooga's Education, Arts, and Culture Department, together with community partners and veterans organizations, has launched a campaign to raise $3 million for the renovation of Chattanooga's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, making it a "living, breathing memorial to those who have served and are serving our country in the military." Since the building was dedicated to our military men and women, the purpose of the campaign is to revive the purpose and original vision of the Memorial Auditorium. The CMC joins with the EAC and other organizations in the city in providing an opportunity for our children, youth, adults, and newcomers to the city to enjoy the use of the Auditorium now and for many years to come. We must preserve, upgrade, and use this great memorial to our service men and women, remembering the sacrifices they have made for us.

A steering committee has been appointed to make a study and to complete a strategic plan for the project, as well as to follow up with alternatives to accomplish the plan, set milestones, and look for ways to achieve the financial goals. CMC member Vance Fry (Rear Admiral, US Navy, Ret.) has been appointed chair of the committee which is composed of Lee Anderson, Chattanooga Free Press Editor; Delores Beery, Head, Fine Arts Dept. of First Baptist Church; Jim Bailiff, president of the CMC; Evelyn Gibbs, CMC member and chair of the organ restoration committee; Sheriff Jim Hammond; Dr. Leldon Nichols; Major Gen. Bill Raines; Lt. Gen. Don Rodgers and June Scobee Rodgers; Attorney Alfred Smith; and Judge Robert Summitt.