What began in the mid-80s as a grass-roots effort to raise scholarship money with a Black college football classic, has grown into an entertainment extravaganza that attracts 4,500 people each year and has raised more than $4 million dollars to help cultivate young minds of Chattanooga children over the last 19 years.

Gerald Mason, a business owner and financial manager, as well as TVA manager in energy conservation program, organized the football classic in 1985.  The TVA-sponsored Black college classic provided financial support to Chattanooga’s African American youth who otherwise couldn’t attend college.  During that same time Gerald’s best friend Reuben Lawrence worked for Anheuser Busch Company’s distributor Beasley Distributing Co.

Victor Julian, who in 1985 was vice president of corporate affairs at Anheuser Busch, joked with Gerald and Reuben, “It’ll take a hundred years to educate a hundred kids if we continue to raise money at this rate.  Time for a joining of hands.” Busch had success in other cities with events similar to A Night to Remember, so it made sense to the trio try it in Chattanooga.  The first gala featured Nancy Wilson, Billy Paul and Ramsey Lewis, and did so well; it outsold a similar event in Atlanta.

“Chattanooga had never had that level of entertainment,” said Reuben.

Busch and its distributing company, Beasley, have given 15 years of support that began with underwriting the first event in 1987.

Part of Reuben’s task as an employee at Beasley was A Night to Remember.

“It was part of my job, but not a burden,” said Reuben.  “Helping with the event is a delight because you know what the end result is – making Chattanooga a better place.”

“In the beginning we wore out a lot of shoe leather; Reuben and I WERE the committee,” Gerald added.  “Now we have corporate support and a socially integrated event – one of the first in Chattanooga – that is branded in the community as an effort that benefits kids.”

Now the event is a fixture in Chattanooga.  Audiences outgrew the Choo-Choo convention facilities, so the extravaganza is now held in the trade center in two ballrooms.  More than 4,000 student have directly benefited from A Night to Remember through scholarships, intervention programs and cultural enrichment.
“We always kept our focus on the kids and the community,” said Gerald.  “And we’re so proud of the kids – especially the ones who come back to Chattanooga and make contributions to our community today.”
In addition to corporate support, Night to Remember also is sponsored by minority businesses.  In fact, the event has grown to be an employee business reward to attend.

And then there are all the volunteers – 30-40 core volunteers who not only give of their time and talents, but pay for their own tickets.

“We love this event so much; it’s a privilege, a blessing and a joy for us to see the children benefit,” said Reuben.  “We want our grandchildren to still be going long after we’re gone.”

“The education will be carried on,” added Gerald.

While Reuben and Gerald have a matchless passion for the programs and A Night to Remember, these visionaries let others share the responsibilities and take on leadership roles.

Contributing to the success of A Night to Remember is the resolute dedication and commitment to the community under the newest leadership of Irvin Overton, Sherrie Gilchrist and James Miller.

Irvin is the chairman of the board of the event.  He retired from Erlanger Health System as an executive vice president.  He ensures that fundraising and distribution of funds are carried out and manages the facilities of the organization.

Sherrie Gilchrist is the corporate coordinator of the event, in charge of the sponsorship recruitment strategy.  She also serves as the executive director and CEO for the Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce.

James Miller, treasurer for A Night to Remember, manages the financial aspects.  He’s been involved since the beginning and also is employed as a branch manager for First Tennessee.