An Enchanted Gala Benefitting the KELCURT Foundation and Its
Step into a storybook night of magic, mystery, and meaningful impact at Minerva’s Masquerade: Once Upon a Time—a fairy tale–themed evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and philanthropic wonder. Held at the historic Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, TN, this annual gala supports the vital work of the KELCURT Foundation, including the Soddy-Daisy Community Library, KELCURT Farms, our food sustainability initiatives, and the SDCL Read 20 literacy program.
Inspired by our wise and whimsical mascot Minerva the Owl—named for the Roman goddess of wisdom—this year’s masquerade promises to be a night full of enchanted moments and smart fun in support of literacy, learning, and food security in our community.
The VIP Spell Begins at 5:00 PM
For our sponsors and honored guests, the magic begins early. Enjoy an exclusive VIP Hour complete with sparkling champagne (a gift from our Founders, Curtis and Kelly), delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a live jazz performance by the incomparable Clare Donohue, joined by internationally renowned saxophonist Alan Wyatt. You'll also get the first look at our silent and live auction treasures.
An Evening of Enchantment
The grand doors open at 6:00 PM, where rhythm and blues guitarist Tre Powell sets the stage for a night to remember. At 6:30 PM, guests will enjoy a fairy tale–worthy feast prepared by Apron Strings Catering, followed by a decadent dessert spread from the magical Bond Girl Bakery.
Each guest will receive a beautiful masquerade mask to keep and two complimentary drink tickets—perfect for trying our signature Minerva Martini or another favorite from the bar, courtesy of our founders. Tables will be transformed with handcrafted literary-themed centerpieces inspired by classic tales and beloved characters, all available for silent auction bidding.
Mystery, Mayhem & Merriment
Beware... not everything is as it seems. A murder mystery will unfold during the evening, and only the cleverest guests will unravel the clues and solve the crime! Just when you think the story is complete, Victoria Underwood will lead us into a lively auction, offering unique items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Then, as the final chapter draws near, the real magic begins—the ballroom comes alive with dancing! Waltz, sway, or spin the night away as our fairy tale masquerade turns into a true celebration.
Dress to Impress or Dress from the Realm
Fairy godmothers, charming rogues, wicked queens, or woodland heroes—come dressed in cocktail or semi-formal attire, or embrace the theme and arrive as your favorite fairy tale character. Masks will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own!
Your presence at Minerva’s Masquerade: Once Upon a Time helps write a better story for our community—one filled with education, nourishment, and opportunity for all. We can’t wait to welcome you to this unforgettable night of philanthropy, fantasy, and fun.
Minerva's masquerade sponsored in part by
Platinum Sponsors Tennessee Valley Authority
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Silver Sponsors CHI Memorial
Silver Sponsors CHI Memorial
Bronze Sponsor
Bond Girl Bakery
Your Organization Here
Your Organization Here
Your Organization Here
Become a sponsor
Sponsorship information
A variety of sponsorship packages with a range of benefits, gala and VIP Experience tickets, and marketing/promotion are still available.
General information is available here.
For additional information or to finalize your support as a sponsor, please contact Mandee Michael,
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
The Bessie Smith Cultural Center was established to pay homage to the late “Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith, through the establishment of a Performance Hall within the complex. The Bessie Smith Performance Hall has become well known in the Chattanooga community as an educational institution and spectacular venue to host performances, banquets, meetings, and various community events.
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
200 E Martin Luther King Blvd
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Centerpieces
From Cinderella to Arabian Nights and from Narnia to King Arthur's Court, each table will be decorated with a different literary motif. A variety of book and design elements come together to tell a story and carry our guests into a happily ever after! Other themes include Dolly Parton, Eric Carle, Foxfire, the Great British Baking Show, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, Leonardo daVinci, the Magic Tree House, Monet, Rebecca Yarros, Sherlock Holmes, and the Marvel of Stan Lee.
Upgrade Your Evening with the VIP Experience!
Kick off your night in style with our exclusive VIP Experience! Your evening begins at 5:00 p.m. with a VIP Hour, featuring hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy an intimate live performance by jazz sensation Clare Donohue and her band, joined by world-renowned saxophonist Alan Wyatt. Plus, be the first to preview our silent and live auction items.
Don’t miss this unforgettable start to an incredible evening—secure your VIP tickets today!
Dinner is served
Apron Strings Catering Co.
http://www.apronstringscatering.com/
Your served dinner includes:
Spinach Salad - fresh greens with Feta cheese, crisp apples, candied pecans, and dressed with a maple vinaigrette.
Your choice of:
Herb Roasted Chicken -
or
Red Wine Braised Beef with Pan Gravy -
or
Roasted Zucchini stuffed Wild Rice, Parmesan, and Sunday Sauce. (vegetarian option)
Four Cheese Penne -
Broccoli Souffle -
Yeast Roll w/Butter
Georgia Peach Tea, Lemonade, Coffee and Infused Water
Gourmet designer cupcakes by Bond Girl Bakery https://bondgirlbakery.com/
Cocktails are not included with ticket, but will be provided by Kelly & Curtis our Founders
Unforgettable Entertainment Awaits!
Get ready for an evening of incredible live music! Acclaimed acoustic blues musician Tre Powell captivates audiences of all ages with his soulful baritone vocals and dynamic performances. By day, Tre is an engineering professor, but on weekends, he transforms into a SoundCorps Sidewalk Stages artist, gracing music venues and festivals across the Southeast with his signature sound.
Don’t miss the chance to experience his unforgettable live performance—a perfect addition to an extraordinary evening!
An Evening of Intrigue & Excitement!
Get ready for a night filled with mystery and surprises! While you enjoy the masquerade, be on alert—a mystery, or even a murder, could unfold at any moment. Relax and revel in the evening, but stay sharp—you may be called upon to help solve the crime!
As the night unfolds, explore a spectacular selection of items in our silent auction, leading up to a thrilling live auction. All proceeds directly support the mission of the foundation, making your bids even more meaningful.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where elegance meets intrigue!
Our chairperson and Speakers
Mistress of Ceremonies Kayte Locke
Kayte has served on the KELCURT Foundation Board for more than two years and has helped guide our programming and events. She serves on the Woodmen Life Lodge #60 non-profit board and helps many schools and organizations fill financial gaps in their budgets.
Mecca Rogers
Mecca Rogers is a former small business owner who prioritized family over career, embracing the role of a dedicated mother. Mecca believes in the transformative power of literature to inspire growth and change hearts in ways technology cannot. She may consider herself just a small town Southern girl, but inside this strong woman is a passionate advocate for family, education, and the SDCL.
Ernie and Kathy Landry
Originally from Louisiana, Ernie and Kathy met and married 50 years ago before relocating to Soddy Daisy after Hurricane Katrina. Ernie, a retired teacher, enjoys gardening and cooking, with Kathy, a retired physical therapist, as his enthusiastic helper.
Mary Blackburn
Mary Blackburn has always loved to escape into a good story through reading, and she now hopes to instill the skill and desire to read into her students. As an educator, she knows that a love of learning is born through reading. Mary wants all parents and caregivers to know that young children learn as we read to them - then we teach them to read and give them the world. She encourages support of the SDCL because they have done just that for her own children.
Claudia Inwood
"Miss Claudia" is an 88 year old dynamo that has been volunteering with the SDCL for seven years. She is a fierce champion of the library and will be sharing her very personal story of what the library has done for her.