Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is pleased to announce the generous donation of $115,000 from The Chattanooga Ball Association’s annual fundraising event.

This year’s donation exceeds their goal of $100,000 and will go towards funding new sensory rooms for children in the Emergency Department, offering a new, calm place to relax in an environment that can often be stressful.

“As a Children’s Hospital, we are incredibly proud to be partnered with the Ball, their Board and their Belles over many years since before 1930!” said Debbie Spielman, Children’s Hospital at Erlanger CEO. “Our gratitude runs deep and we can’t wait to begin the transformation of our children’s emergency room spaces to bring state of the art sensory friendly features to life to enhance the care of every child that comes through our doors!”

The top fundraisers of the Chattanooga Ball gathered for the check presentation with Children’s Hospital at Erlanger CEO Debbie Spielman on Tuesday, July 29 at CHLOE (Children’s Hospital Land of Enchantment), one of their previous fundraising initiatives a few years ago.

This year’s ball was held July 18 and recognized the top five fundraising participants that night.

"The Chattanooga Ball has always been about more than a single night — it's about the lasting impact we can make for women and children in this community,” said Janet Hartman, President of the Chattanooga Ball Association. “Our relationship with Children’s Hospital at Erlanger has helped carry the organization forward, and we’re so proud that these young ladies are continuing the legacy.”

Children’s Miracle Network and Community Giving Manager Andrea Perry Lyons helped coordinate fundraising efforts with the Ball participants. “Watching these young ladies pour their hearts into fundraising for a cause nearly a century in the making was truly inspiring,” said Lyons. “Because of their generosity, future generations can thrive.”

The partnership between the Chattanooga Ball and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger dates back to the days of the Great Depression as a fundraiser to support the free ward at Children’s Hospital.