A Season of Gratitude
As the crisp air settles in and leaves begin to turn, this time of year always invites reflection. Gratitude becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a lens through which we begin to see the world a little differently.
This fall, David and I had the opportunity to take our first trip to Europe. It was a long-awaited adventure that turned out to be more than just sightseeing and new cuisine. Traveling abroad and immersing myself in other cultures gave me a refreshed perspective on daily life. I was struck by the kindness of strangers, the history captured in ancient architecture, and the unfamiliar rhythms that momentarily became our own. There’s something profoundly humbling about being far from home, navigating unfamiliar streets, and realizing how much there still is to learn.
And yet, as much as I treasured those new experiences, the trip made me even more thankful for the familiar—the comfort of home, the strength of community, and the joy of connection right here where we live.
This month’s issue is a celebration of that very spirit. We’ve gathered stories that reflect creativity, generosity, and local heart. We speak again with Closets By Design owners Ben and Ashton Gifford, a couple whose design business is built on family values and excellence. Southern Star gives us a taste of tradition, hospitality, and the power of passing recipes down through generations. In MedicareMisty, you’ll discover how one woman turned personal passion into a mission of helping others find peace of mind in an often-confusing healthcare world.
We also shine a light on Executive Limousine, where even a ride to dinner becomes a family tradition worth cherishing. Bahamas Bloom offers hope and education to children abroad, reminding us that thankfulness knows no borders. And if you're looking to dress your home in fall’s finest, Porch & Pumpkin Co. will inspire with their elegant, seasonal doorstep designs.
These stories remind us that thankfulness lives not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday—in a warm meal, a helping hand, or a beautifully decorated porch. I hope this month, you too can find new and exciting moments to grow and learn from. And while doing so, recognize and appreciate all the amazing opportunities and people in your life.
Wishing you a season of reflection, beauty, and gratitude. Cheers!
LISA YOCKEY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Demi Guillory, Belinda Martin, Michelle W. Parnell, Kate Robertson Parrish, Lynn Thorne
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Golden Hour Images, Trey Photo Co.
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
business monthly
Lee Company's Annual Canned Food Drive, Vans4Cans, Returns
Lee Company’s annual food drive, Vans4Cans, has returned to help fight hunger in our community. Now through Friday, November 21, the Lee Company team is collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items to support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Donations will provide nourishing meals for neighbors in need this Thanksgiving season. Community members are encouraged to participate and make a difference. Learn more about drop-off locations and ways to give at leecompany.com/vans4cans.
Scan to read more
Austin Hatcher Foundation Expands Leadership Team Naming New COO
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer welcomes Taylor Vinson as its new Chief Operating Officer. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration, Vinson previously served as Vice President at LeeSmith, Inc. and Idealease of Chattanooga. In her new role, she will oversee operations, implement strategic plans, and drive organizational growth to better support families impacted by pediatric cancer. The Foundation looks forward to the leadership and vision she brings.
Bacon & Barrel Crowns the Winner of the Golden Hog
Chattanooga Bacon & Barrel, presented by George Dickel, celebrated another sold-out evening of bacon bites and premium spirits. Eighteen restaurants competed for the coveted Golden Hog, with Ruby Sunshine taking first place for its “White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding.” Kai Bistro claimed second and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar third. With whiskey tastings, craft mocktails, dancing, and photo ops, attendees enjoyed a lively night benefiting the Chattanooga Market. Follow @chattbaconandbarrel for 2026 festival updates.
Photography by Juan Hopkins, Drift & Frame
Photography by Austin Hatcher Foundation
Closets By Design
BEHIND THE DOORS OF CHATTANOOGA’S NEWEST
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING COMPANY
ARTICLE BY LYNN THORNE
“Closets? Do you really think we can do just closets?”
When Ashton Gifford and her husband, Zach, were considering several franchise opportunities, the options ranged from building tiny houses to opening a milkshake shop. Although the business model for this cabinet design and manufacturing company came highly recommended, Ashton was dubious about how it would fare in Chattanooga. However, the couple was impressed with everything and everyone at the company’s corporate headquarters and it didn’t take long before they were up and running. The Giffords opened the doors to the first local Closets By Design location on August 5, 2024.
“It was like a fever dream. It all happened so fast after we made the decision,” Ashton said.
Within a month of completing the paperwork, the husband-and-wife team was in California for training and signed the lease on their Hamm Road location just one week after they returned. The business’s success happened as quickly as everything else—Zach made a sale on his first appointment.
“We didn’t even have equipment yet and we were already booking installations,” he said.
Due to the area’s smaller population size, especially compared to much larger markets like Atlanta, Nashville, and Kansas City, corporate sales projections for the location were low. However, the initial momentum continued and, in its first year, Chattanooga’s Closets By Design created a whopping $2.7 million dollars in revenue.
CAREER MOVES
Neither Zach nor Ashton had any sales experience when they launched the company.
Ashton Gifford graduated from nursing school in 2016 and became an oncology nurse at Erlanger, caring for patients both in the hospital and at the chemo center.
An empath, she became very attached to those she cared for, which made the work rewarding as well as emotionally taxing. Having also endured multiple surgeries due to previous back injuries, the mental and physical pain of her career took their toll. After eight years as a nurse, she was ready to take on a new opportunity—one with fewer life-and-death situations. Closets By Design fit the bill.
“There are no closet emergencies,” she said. “No one is going to die because of a closet.”
Zach Gifford served in the Navy for 13 years, first as a nuclear engineer on aircraft carriers and subs and then working in intelligence. He was stationed in Japan for his last three years of duty and returned to Chattanooga to help care for his ailing father when his tour ended.
His father died of pancreatic cancer a few years after Zach moved back, and the Chattanooga native poured himself into renovating his dad’s house, gutting the space and redoing all the plumbing, electrical, and flooring work. He also used that time to teach himself software development in preparation for a civilian career. But after an unsuccessful, two-year job search, Zach was ready to consider other options. The franchise opportunity gave both members of the Gifford family a chance for a fresh start.
CABINET APPOINTMENTS
Closets by Design offers complete home organizing, with custom-built units that feature a wide variety of woodgrains, features, and finishes and are designed to beat clutter of all sorts. The types of requests have run the gamut even in the short time the business has operated.
“Sometimes clients just wanted cabinets above the washing machine,” Ashton explained. “Others envisioned a big, beautiful closet like the Taj Mahal.”
Business was steady from the start. Within the first six weeks, Zach and Ashton needed a second van
“Some clients just want cabinets above the washing machine and others want a big, beautiful, lighted closet that is more like the Taj Mahal.”
and an additional installation team to keep up with demand and, in just over a year, they’ve already outgrown their space.
Future plans include taking over some available space in their current building and relocating to a larger space once the lease ends. The extra room will make room for additional equipment, including an automated router that could result in a 10-fold increase in production. The Giffords also plan to expand their staff.
Closets By Design now employs 20 people – some of whom have been with them since the early days – and Zach said hiring additional employees will enable the couple to step away from the day-to-day demands of running the company for more strategic operations.
“A bigger team can help free up some weekends so we can focus on working ON the business instead of being knee deep in it.”
PARTNERS IN BUSINESS AND LIFE
The Giffords met at a bonfire 11 years ago. Even as Ashton worked nights and weekends at the hospital, putting in anywhere from 12–18 hours at a time, the couple was inseparable since the start.
Zach said, “If she was at home and awake, we were together.”
For a brief period after moving into the building, the pair had separate offices but said that made it difficult to collaborate. They saw each other in passing and would raise a topic for later discussion at home, but by the time the workday ended, their energy levels flagged, and it was challenging to cover all the necessary ground.
Their solution likely didn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knew them; Ashton and Zach moved into the same office. The decision meant they could talk through ideas and issues in real time and enjoy meals together while still working on the business. Both admit it’s challenging to leave work behind and focus
on each other when they’re home, but the experience is teaching them new facets of their relationship.
Ashton said, “We are growing and learning how to be business partners rather than just husband and wife.”
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
A lack of sales experience and industry knowledge created a steep learning curve for the Giffords. They acknowledged a couple of instances where a job didn’t go as planned and the team had to rip out the initial job and start from scratch. However, their goal of 100% customer satisfaction has clearly paid off.
Ashton and Zach said brand recognition played a large role in their early success and said they’re grateful to the Closets By Design corporation. From a best-in-class business model to top-notch training and resources, they said they’ve always felt as though those at corporate headquarters were invested in seeing them succeed personally, as opposed to simply filling the company’s coffers.
The couple also praised their own hard-working team members, whom they called talented, committed to learning the business, and dedicated to delivering only high-quality products. That teamwork, they said, enabled their company to flourish.
And finally, the pair said they’re grateful to the local community for trusting their company—allowing the team to come into their private spaces and to create and install a personal design solution. Zach said both he and his wife are excited about Closet By Design’s future in Chattanooga, and their business goals extend beyond making money or building custom shelving.
“We want to be part of the community, as an employer and taxpayer, for the next 20-30 years or more,” Zach said. “But the ultimate goal is to get out there and bring people’s dreams to life.”
Contact info: chattanooga.closetsbydesign.com | 423-922-5446
LEARN MORE: Closets by Design is a local and veteran owned franchise located at 210 Hamm Road Suite A in Chattanooga. For more information on which Closets by Design personalized storage and organizational solutions will work best for you and to book a consultation, visit chattanooga. closetsbydesign.com or call 423-922-5446. Also follow Closets by Design Chattanooga on Facebook and Instagram.
CHATTANOOGA.CLOSETSBYDESIGN.COM
GIVING BACK AND SPREADING HOPE Through Education
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
BAHAMAS BLOOM REACHES THE PEOPLE OF SAN SALVADOR THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
After spending time in the Bahamas doing research as a college student, Dr. Dawn Ford felt drawn to return to the islands and give back to the people there. Since joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga nearly 30 years ago, she has taken hundreds of UTC students to study island and marine ecology at Gerace Research Centre on the island of San Salvador.
The center, which is housed in an old naval base, has strong connections to Tennessee. “Gerace Research Centre was started by Don and Kathy Gerace. Don passed away a few years ago, but Kathy has a home here in Tennessee,” Dawn shares. “And the field station’s executive director is Troy Dexter, who is an alumnus of UT Knoxville’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.”
In 2022, Dawn took the next step to provide educational programs for the people of San Salvador, which is considered an underdeveloped island, and founded the nonprofit organization Bahamas Bloom. The organization takes an educational approach in the mission to improve the lives of both children and adults on San Salvador.
“A few years ago, we were awarded a grant from Walden University to start a community garden and to do some summer programming for the children who live there,” she explains. “That was the first year we offered Camp Bloom, a science-based summer day camp for kids on the island. It is the only summer science education program for the children there.”
At camp, which lasts four days per age group, children learn about their environment with lessons on plants and animals as well as how to live in their environment through snorkeling, hiking, and learning to swim. In addition to offering educational activities, the camp provides transportation for many kids to and from camp each day.
This summer, a family snorkel event was added to the Saturday between camp sessions, and it was a great success. “We provided equipment and help so that parents could learn how to snorkel if they didn’t yet know how,” explains Dawn. “We’re really trying to connect all the dots so that adults and children both become more connected to their environment and are comfortable in it.”
Another exciting event happening this fall is the harvest of the community garden, which was planted in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute.
“They have a project to improve food security in the Bahamas through gardening of sweet potatoes,” explains Dawn. “They provided sweet potato plants to us and the kids planted the plants this summer during camp. They should be ready for harvest in November.”
Bloom offers. “I would love to expand the program to be more scientific and provide opportunities for the kids to do things they may not be able to experience otherwise, like looking through a compound microscope to study marine life,” she says.
“I would love to expand the program to be more scientific and provide opportunities for the kids to do things they may not be able to experience otherwise, like looking through a compound microscope to study marine life.”
With the success of previous camps and programs, Dawn is excited about expanding what Bahamas
Growth for Bahamas Bloom programming means reaching more people and additional opportunities for community involvement through donation of time, money, and supplies. “We have to take everything that we need for programs and camps. Through fundraising and the grant, I’ve been able to buy kid-sized snorkeling equipment, life vests, and supplies for activities such as arts and crafts,” explains Dawn. “I also need volunteers to help run the camp. I’ve had UTC students help as well as alumni who have traveled to the island before, but it would be great to connect with others who want to make an impact.”
Bahamas Bloom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. For more information on how to support Bahamas Bloom camps and programs, visit www. bahamasbloom.com . Also visit mosquitojoe. com/locations/chattanooga to find out how Dawn and her husband work locally through Mosquito Joe of Chattanooga to protect people and the environment through the use of botanically based products.
EXECUTIVE LIMOUSINE and Shuttle Service
EXECUTIVE LIMO PROVIDES LUXURY TRANSPORTATION FOR EVERY OCCASION AND REMAINS A TRUSTED COMMUNITY FAVORITE
ARTICLE BY DEMI GUILLORY
It isn’t without due diligence and an unwavering commitment to the community they serve that Executive Limousine and Shuttle Service maintains consistent stellar reviews from their clients across the Chattanooga area. Pat and Janna McKenna own the concierge company reimagining what it means to use limousine services.
What started fifteen years ago with a small fleet containing only a sedan and a couple of stretch limos has evolved into an impressive lineup of sleek vehicles to meet any client’s unique needs. This consists of “three SUVs, a sedan, three stretch limousines, a party coach, and a transit sprinter van,” Pat shared.
From weddings and special celebrations to airport transfers and corporate transportation, the Executive team is wellequipped to handle any type of event. Their preparedness and attention to detail in creating an experience for their clients is a product of the passion they have for serving the entire community. “If you want to do this job, you certainly have to like all kinds of people,” Pat elaborated.
People, like seniors, who rely on chauffeur services for a variety of things like errands and medical appointments, have become integral to fulfilling the company’s mission of serving every client with a personalized, safe, and memorable experience.
Janna recognizes the importance of meeting senior needs because their options are limited. “They like the continuity knowing that they are getting to know that driver,” she said. The familiarity and reliability they enjoy is how the company successfully turns a seemingly ordinary ride into an experience.
Speaking of ordinary, a family holiday tradition of taking “Jammie Rides” with their children has become one of their most popular services. Pat and Janna would surprise their children at bedtime with shouts of “JAMMIE RIDES!” down the hall to go look at Christmas lights.
Today, they take their clients on festive rides, providing hot cocoa from a local vendor to enjoy as they see the sparkling lights. The idea was simple but impactful: allow families the opportunity to safely enjoy the holidays during a time when many activities were restricted due to the pandemic while keeping costs low to be attainable for everyone.
It has been a resounding success.
To put it in perspective, “December was our second slowest month of the year,” Pat said. Now? The holiday season is the second best time of the year, second only to prom. But no matter what the time of year or need, Executive Limousine and Shuttle Service is here and ready to serve. “There’s a lot of things we do to provide safe, reliable transportation.”
Medicare Misty
ARTICLE BY LYNN THORNE
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MEDICARE?
“It was totally a God thing. I’d gone through 25-plus job interviews to become a pharmaceutical sales rep, and everyone told me I needed experience to be hired. But one interviewer asked me if I’d want to do Medicare and I asked, ‘What’s Medicare?’”
WHO AND HOW DOES YOUR COMPANY HELP?
“I help qualifying seniors, veterans, and disabled people understand their options and choose what’s best for them. Medicare is so complex and now they have someone holding their
CHATTANOOGA
WOMAN HELPS
PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE MEDICARE SYSTEM WHILE TEACHING OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS THE SAME
“GOD MADE ME STRUGGLE TO GET WHERE I AM SO I CAN
HELP OTHERS.”
hand… they’re not just thrown to the wolves to figure it out on their own. I’m married to an Air Force veteran, so I love helping service members explore programs beyond those at the Veterans Administration.”
HOW DID MEDICAREMISTY COME ABOUT?
“I worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield when they laid off the whole Medicare department in 2011. As a single mom, I went out and started getting contracts with every company I could find.
After about six years, I started training other single moms to create their own business, but I wanted to help more people succeed. Now I have 50 agents and am licensed in 45 states and Puerto Rico.
IS IT HARD TO RECRUIT OTHERS TO DO WHAT YOU DO?
“This is not a sexy industry. It is all about marketing and sales, and I can teach anyone how to do that successfully. One woman said, ‘It’s going to take four years to accomplish this? But I’ll be 44 then.’ Her friend said, ‘You’ll be 44 anyway, so why not set your goals and chase them?’ I encourage anyone to come shadow me for a day to see if this is a good fit.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
“I came from nothing. My parents were 16 when they had me, and my brother and I were in foster care. My college degree didn’t teach me how to be a business owner, so I had to start from scratch. Now my brother is general manager of a trucking company, I own my own business, and my 17-year-old son joined my company and will take it over someday.
WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR YOUR SUCCESS?
I believe I was called to do this work. God made me struggle to get where I am so I can help others, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Contact info:MedicareMisty.Com Misty@MedicareMisty.com | 423-240-0794
Southern Star
Classic Southern Cooking Shines at Southern Star Amid Chattanooga’s Diverse Culinary Scene
After 25 years in business, the Adams family has a lot to be grateful for.
Rick and Nancy Adams moved their family to Chattanooga from south Georgia, where they ran the original Southern Star restaurant—known for its hearty lunch buffet and a more refined dinner menu. In 2000, once settled in their new city, they opened the next iteration of Southern Star in a shotgun-style space on Market Street. The restaurant quickly outgrew the space, prompting a move to the former freight depot at Warehouse Row. Six years later, the couple seized the chance to buy into a building on Chattanooga’s Southside, securing the ideal setting to build their dream full-service restaurant.
“There wasn’t a lot going on at the time, but the TVA building was right there,” Rick recalls. “We felt like it was the right place for us to be.”
They were right—Southern Star has called 1300 Broad Street home ever since.
Along the way, the Adamses opened a counter-service, takeout-only location on Signal Mountain. It gave residents a convenient way to grab meals without making the drive down the mountain. Years later, this model would become the blueprint for the adaptations that helped Southern Star weather the challenges of the 2020 pandemic.
ARTICLE BY KATE ROBERTSON PARRISH PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES
True to its name, Southern Star has always centered on classic Southern cooking. At lunch, a self-serve hot bar features blue-plate specials and longtime customer favorites. Afterward, guests can browse a wide selection of prepared meals, sides, and snacks to take home—an easy option for those who don’t want to cook a full meal. Regulars often say they’re grateful for a place that still serves timeless Southern staples, especially vegetables prepared the way they remember: simple, fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Southern Star has always been a family affair. Rick and Nancy remain deeply involved, with Nancy leading the kitchen and their daughter, Claire, serving as general manager. Together, Nancy and Claire craft weekly menus, pulling from a collection of beloved dishes the restaurant has served over the years. Many recipes
trace back to Nancy’s childhood, meals she once cooked alongside her family. Over time, the menu has expanded beyond its Southern roots to include pastas, cold salads, and globally inspired favorites—all still made from scratch.
Thanksgiving is Southern Star’s biggest week of the year. The restaurant offers a special holiday menu that covers everything except the turkey. Customers can pick up all the traditional sides, breads, and desserts—cornbread dressing, green beans, squash casserole, sweet potato soufflé, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin pie, and more. To make the process simple, there are no pre-orders; everything is first come, first served. Dishes are available in both family-sized portions that feed up to ten, and smaller sizes
perfect for two or three, making it easy for families of any size to enjoy a Southern Thanksgiving.
After 25 years, Southern Star has become woven into the fabric of Chattanooga life. The Adamses have watched multiple generations of customers grow up alongside the restaurant, and the feeling of gratitude runs both ways.
“Running a restaurant can be stressful, but walking out to see our regulars in the dining room is always so heartwarming,” Claire says.
Someone from the family is in the restaurant every day, and longtime staff members add to the sense of continuity. Regulars even notice when a new guest walks through the door, a testament to the tight-knit community that’s formed within its walls.
For the Adamses, Chattanooga has proven to be the perfect place to build their dream: a family-run restaurant where both the food and the relationships are made from scratch.
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN
Giving Back
SHARE THE GIFT OF SUPPORT WITH VITAL CHATTANOOGA NONPROFITS
MCR Foundation
MCR Foundation champions the prevention and early intervention of eating disorders through community education, resource support, awareness campaigns, and partnerships—empowering individuals and families across Tennessee to foster healthier relationships with food and body image.
Siskin Children’s Institute
Siskin Children’s Institute delivers comprehensive developmental health care— diagnosis, therapy, early intervention, and family support—to children with special needs across Tennessee and Georgia, fostering inclusive growth, independence, and hope for families.
AIM Center
AIM Center is a Chattanooga nonprofit providing psychosocial rehabilitation and vocational support for adults living with serious mental illness, empowering members to build independence, purpose, and community through employment, education, wellness, and meaningful social connection.
Signal Centers
Signal Centers in Chattanooga empowers children, adults, and families through programs in early childhood education, disability services, therapy, and workforce development, fostering independence, growth, and opportunity while strengthening the community for lifelong success.
WUTC 88.1 FM
WUTC 88.1 FM is Chattanooga’s NPR affiliate, offering a blend of national news, local music, and community-driven programming. Operated by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, it serves the Tennessee Valley with diverse content that informs, educates, and entertains.
Helping protect your most valuable assets
Personalized, local, sophisticated legal advice
Super Lawyers Rising Star 2018- 2021
Super Lawyers 2022-2025 an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys each year
Porch & Pumpkin Co.
In a season centered around gratitude and gathering, Porch & Pumpkin Co. delivers more than décor. They create moments of warmth, welcome, and wonder right at your doorstep. This Chattanooga-based boutique pumpkin concierge specializes in transforming entryways into elegant seasonal vignettes that celebrate the charm of fall.
Founded by Hope Welsh and Haley Collis, Porch & Pumpkin Co. blends interior design sensibility with outdoor artistry. Each porch installation is thoughtfully curated, balancing color, texture, and scale to create a look that feels both elevated and deeply inviting. Packages start around $300 and include full-service delivery and styling. The result? A cozy, custom look without lifting a finger.
This November, we’re especially thankful for creative businesses like Porch & Pumpkin Co. that remind us how the spaces we inhabit can inspire community, hospitality, and joy. If you’re dreaming of a front porch that makes your guests linger a little longer, Hope and Haley are ready to bring your vision to life.
To learn more about Porch & Pumpkin Co. or to book with Hope and Haley, visit their Instagram page: @porchandpumpkinco.
Boutique Pumpkin Concierge Turns Front Porches Into Warm, Artful Welcomes for Fall
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY TREY PHOTO CO.
The Bunny Hive is an elevated social club for littl e ones, aged two weeks to kindergarten, and their grownups. We offer a wide variety of regularly scheduled clas ses that grownups attend with their children, including art, music, sensory, ballet, baby massage, culinary, sto rytime, and more – as well as social events and pop-up workshops for grownups.
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 4TH
Blluum Annual Holiday Open House
5243 Little Debbie Parkway, Suite 109 Ooltewah, TN 37363 | 5:00 PM
Blluum’s Annual Holiday Open House is a celebration of community and the perfect way to kick off the season! Shop exclusive holiday gifts, pop-up vendors, and enjoy surprises throughout the event. We love celebrating the season with our community and can’t wait to share the magic of the holidays! Follow us on social media for event updates and giveaway updates!
NOVEMBER 6TH
Photojournalist David Guttenfelder to Speak for Veterans Day
Southern Adventist University Iles P.E. Center | 11:00 AM
Southern Adventist University will host acclaimed international photojournalist David Guttenfelder for a free Veterans’ Day Convocation. With more than 25 years documenting global conflict, culture, and conservation, Guttenfelder also explores how wilderness can restore those facing physical and emotional challenges. The event is open to the public. More information: southern.edu/southernevents
NOVEMBER 8TH
Ember Movement Studio's Bellydance Workshop
1635 Chestnut St. Chattanooga, TN 37408 | 5:00 PM
Join our beginner-friendly Bellydance Workshop for a fun introduction to isolations, technique, and an easy-to-follow combo that will get your hips shimmying and your blood flowing. Each session ends with a gentle cool down and light stretching. Visit www.embermovementstudio.com/events under "Workshops" for more info. Classes held Saturday, Nov. 8 from 5–6:30PM and Nov. 15 from 12:30–2PM. Drop-ins welcome!
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 21ST
Plum Nelly’s Holiday Open House
330 Frazier Avenue #104, Chattanooga, TN 37405 |
Plum Nelly’s Holiday Open House returns November 21–23! Stop by to browse new holiday arrivals and enjoy festive treats to kick off the season in style. One day will also feature a special pop-up jewelry event—perfect for finding a unique gift or treat for yourself. Don’t miss this cozy, creative start to the holidays!
NOVEMBER 22ND
Thanksgiving on the River
151 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga TN 37402 | 2:00PM
Celebrate Thanksgiving on the water with a scenic two-hour cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat, featuring a one-time-through buffet of holiday classics like roast turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, and more—plus cheesecake for dessert. Enjoy live entertainment, a pilothouse tour, and full bar. Cruises set sail November 22 and 27. Tickets at chattanoogariverboat.com.
NOVEMBER 25TH
Master Holiday Baking with the Sweet & Savory Classroom
45 E Main St Ste 112, Chattanooga, TN 37408 | 6:00 PM
Celebrate the season with hands-on baking fun at Sweet & Savory Classroom! Master Thanksgiving pies on Nov. 25, craft apple and fried pies from scratch on Nov. 26, or build a magical gingerbread house with your child on Nov. 29. These festive classes are fun, educational, and delicious. Details and registration at sweetandsavoryclassroom.com
