March 13, Chattanooga Convention Center
Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans – one of the most decorated female veterans in U.S. history – will be this year’s keynote speaker at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation’s annual Possibilities luncheon Wednesday, March 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Evans operated in several dangerous missions around the world including Grenada, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. While working as a sergeant major in Afghanistan in 2006, a mortar blast threw her into a concrete bunker wall. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost 95% of her hearing, ending her career in military service.
Due to this life-changing injury, Evans received the Bronze Star for valor and heroism in combat.
During her recovery, Evans founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team consisting of primarily veterans who also faced life-altering injuries or illness. The team has competed in the “World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji,” which aired on Amazon Prime Video. At the 2022 ESPYS, ESPN presented Evans with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
“Her story is about hope in the face of tragedy and new beginnings,” said Dr. Matthew Gibson, president and CEO of Siskin Hospital. “It pairs perfectly with the work we do every day at Siskin Hospital.”
Gibson first heard Evans speak while attending the Tennessee Hospital Association annual meeting and quickly reached out to invite her to speak at the upcoming event.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear an inspiring story from a previous patient.
Siskin will deposit the proceeds from the event in its scholarship fund, which supports men and women who cannot afford their physical rehabilitation care. Siskin Hospital provides over $800,000 in scholarships to patients in need annually.
Tickets
Rotaract Club Pickleball Classic
May 18, First Horizon Pavilion
The Rotaract Club of Chattanooga will host the inaugural Chattanooga Pickleball Classic May 18 at the First Horizon Pavilion. The club will donate the proceeds from the tournament to Chambliss Center for Children.
The Pickleball Classic will feature three competitions, each with teams made up of two players. Register at www.chattanoogarotaract.com/pickleballsignup.
Sponsorships ranging from $400 to $5,000 are available. To become a sponsor, email.
BBB Fraud Prevention event
March 7, Family Justice Center
The local Better Business Bureau will co-host a free fraud-prevention event with partners from the Federal Trade Commission, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, AARP Tennessee and the Mayor’s Council on Livability and Aging.
The event will take place March 7 at the Family Justice Center (5705 Uptain Road) from 10:30-noon during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9).
Speakers will include: Anna Burns, regional director, FTC; Michele Mason, BBB;
Claire Marsalis, director, Tennessee Attorney General’s Office Consumer Affairs Division; Dennis Valade, AARP of Tennessee; and Rachel Carden, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.
Local 3 News anchor Calvin Sneed will moderate.
Information: Will Hannah, BBB, 423 287-5540 or will@chattanooga.bbb.ord