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
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Silver Sponsors CHI Memorial
Platinum Sponsors Supply Chain Solutions
Silver Sponsors CHI Memorial
Bronze Sponsor
Your Organization Here
Your Organization Here
Bond Girl Bakery
Your Organization Here
Your Organization Here
Your Organization Here
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, Dr. Who, Neil Gaiman, Phillipa Gregory, 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.
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
Murder and Auction
We trust you will enjoy your evening with us, but be aware that a mystery, perhaps even a murder, could happen at any time during the masquerade. Relax, but be vigilant, you may be called upon to help solve a crime!
Throughout the evening, a variety of items will be available for bidding in our silent auction, followed by an energetic live auction! Proceeds from the auctions go toward the mission of the foundation.
Our chairperson and Speakers
Chairperson - Dr. Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee
Bio to come
Mary Blackburn
Bio to come
Mecca Rogers
Bio to come
Claudia Inwood
Bio to come