On March 8, 2025 - You are cordially invited
We are delighted to invite you to join us for Minerva’s Masquerade, an unforgettable evening of dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, and mystery—all in support of the KELCURT Foundation, Soddy-Daisy Community Library, KELCURT Farms, our food sustainability project, and the SDCL Read 20 program. This annual gala, being held at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga, TN, promises to be an enchanting night filled with excitement, intrigue, and a touch of drama!
The title Minerva’s Masquerade is inspired by our foundation’s blue barn owl mascot, Minerva, named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, scholarship, and strategy. It’s sure to be a night of smart fun and mystery, all in support of our important work in the community.
VIP Experience
For our sponsors and special guests, the evening will begin with a VIP Cocktail Hour starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and signature cocktails. Enjoy an exclusive live performance by jazz artist extraordinaire Clare Donohue and her band, joined by internationally renowned saxophonist Alan Wyatt. You’ll also get a first look at the silent and live auction items. It's the perfect way to start the night in style!
The Masquerade & Auction
Upon arrival, all guests may choose a beautiful masquerade mask to keep, adding an air of mystery to the evening. Each guest will also receive two drink tickets; sip on our signature Minerva Martini or explore other favorites at the bar. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase.
Our tables will be beautifully decorated with stunning, handcrafted literary-themed centerpieces—inspired by authors, books, and characters—that will be available for bid during our silent auction. These handcrafted pieces of book art, made from pages of beloved novels, will transform the room and immerse you in the magic of literature.
A Night of Entertainment
The gala doors will open at 6:oo p.m., where you'll be welcomed by the fantastic talent of rhythm and blues guitarist Tre Powell as you relax into the wonderful night ahead. At 6:30 p.m., savor a delectable dinner crafted by Apron Strings Catering.
Be sure to save room for dessert, as dinner is followed by our signature dessert table from Bond Girl Bakery. Honorary guest speakers will share inspiring stories and support for our cause. But beware—mysterious happenings may occur throughout the night, adding a thrilling twist to the evening!
During the evening, you’ll be invited to solve a murder mystery. It’s up to you to work with your fellow guests to solve the crime—if you dare!
Once the mystery is solved, Tre Powell returns to the stage to prepare you for an exciting live auction, where various unique items and experiences will be up for grabs.
Attire and Masks
The dress code for the evening is semi-formal or cocktail attire with a touch of whimsy! Masks will be provided, or bring your own, and come prepared for a night of elegant fun and mystery.
Your participation directly supports our vital work in the community to create lasting change. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fun, and a hint of mystery.
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 Agatha Christie to Shel Silverstein and from Mr. Rogers to Reading Rainbow, 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 the pages of each theme. Other themes include Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, Bridgerton, Truman Capote, Julia Child, Doctor Who, Grimm's Fairytales, Angela Halgrimson, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dav Pilkey, Rick Riordan, Star Trek, JRR Tolkien, Treasure Island, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
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 Cocktail Hour, featuring hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and signature cocktails. 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
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 Dr. Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee
Dr.Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee is the President and CEO of Chattanooga Montessori Foundation and is a mission-driven, results-oriented leader with years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
Dr. Lee was previously the Chief Reading Officer for Read 20 for almost 20 years and continues to work with the KELCURT Foundation as an advisor for the new
SDCL Read 20 program. She is a dynamic advocate for literacy and a great friend to us!
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.