THE HISTORY OF The Moth Ball® by CityScope®

THE HISTORY OF

It all started with a dress

Women love a good excuse to dress up, especially when it’s for a good cause. The Moth Ball® by CityScope®, a ladies-only fundraiser, is a chance for women to dust off that wedding, prom, bridesmaid dress or anything old in their closet for an evening full of food, fun, fabulous music and tons of fashions from the past.

The Moth Ball® was started in 2012 by Terri Holley, Alison Lebovitz, and a dedicated committee and was an instant success. Inspiration for the Moth Ball® came when Lebovitz’s husband Alan dared her to wear her wedding dress to dinner for the couple’s anniversary. When the couple ran into then co-chair Terri Holley, the idea for a new fundraiser was born. “We talked about how much fun it would be to dare others to wear their old dresses too, and how an event like that would make a great fundraiser for women’s causes within our community — and the rest, as they say, is fashion history,” Lebovitz says.

In 2015, Terri and Alison graciously asked CityScope® magazine to help further the event’s great success along with a great group of community volunteers. Thank you to everyone who joined us in 2023, and we can’t wait to see you again at the next Moth Ball®!

An event for women, about women, to benefit women

Our Past Beneficiaries

The Moth Ball®’s fundraising mission is to select a different beneficiary each year that is a nonprofit in Hamilton County whose work has a positive impact on women. Since its inception in 2012, a special group of sponsors and women between the ages of 21 and 91 have attended the event and helped to gift over $400k to support other women.

Beneficiaries of the Moth Ball® by CityScope® are chosen annually by a committee formed of local volunteers and event organizers. Eligible organizations must be a nonprofit in good standing with 501c3 status, whose work is based in Hamilton County, Tennessee and have a positive impact on the lives of women in this community.

2023

Austin Hatcher Foundation For Pediatric Cancer

In 2023, all proceeds benefitted the Austin Hatcher Foundation For Pediatric Cancer, an organization which strives to erase the negative impact of pediatric cancer on families. A pediatric cancer diagnosis disrupts the family’s quality of life, and women most often assume the role of primary caregiver. Research shows that while both parents are affected greatly by their child’s diagnosis, women are impacted the most with high levels of anxiety, correlated with post-traumatic stress, difficulties making decisions, loss of memory, difficulty with concentration, and insomnia. At no cost, Austin Hatcher’s programs provide psychosocial and psychological services for women and their families facing pediatric cancer. The money raised by the Moth Ball® by CityScope® 2023 directly impacted women and children right here in Chattanooga.

2020

Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga

Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga matched very well with the mission for the Moth Ball®. For years, this organization has helped homeless families with children – largely headed by single women – and homeless veterans achieve and sustain independence. The goal of the organization is to reduce shelter stays by increasing the number of homeless families who transition to employment and stable lifestyles. Over 50 area churches and synagogues partner with Family Promise of Chattanooga to serve this community of people in need.

2019

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga

Big Brothers Big Sisters was the 2019 Moth Ball® by CityScope® beneficiary. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a long history of supporting Chattanooga’s women. In 1961, the Chattanooga Business Women’s Club founded Big Sisters Chattanooga – one of only three formed at that time to “give girls help and guidance.” Ms. Mildred Montague of Chattanooga grew the organization into Big Sisters International. In 1977, Big Sisters International merged with Big Brothers of America to form today’s current organization. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga creates one-to-one mentoring relationships between volunteer adult mentors and kids who want to realize their full potential, who in most cases (86%), live in households led by a single woman. Among those households, 55% of the children are young girls. The impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters on these households is impressive. Last year 64% of the children mentored showed improved grades. 84% maintained or showed improvement in their attitudes towards high risk behaviors and 84% experienced a positive change in their parental relationships. The mentoring relationships created by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future, placing girls (and boys) on a path to personal growth and development and to social and economic stability.

2018

Habitat for Humanity Women Build

Habitat for Humanity Women Build was the 2018 Moth Ball® by CityScope® beneficiary. Founded in 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area (HabiChatt) is dedicated to addressing the lack of decent, affordable housing in Chattanooga. For low-income families assisted by HabiChatt, many are led by single mothers (75%). Women Build is an event where women and girls from varied backgrounds and stages of life come together to benefit another woman in need. Women Build positions the chosen partner family to be a successful homeowner and subsequently has a long-term, transformative impact on both the partner family and the community.

2017

CHATTANOOGA ROOM IN THE INN

Chattanooga Room in the Inn was founded in 1988 and provides temporary housing/shelter to women and their children who find themselves homeless and are in desperate need of support. Over a six to nine month transitional period, residents receive case management, coaching, life skills, daily supplies, and child enrichment activities. All services are provided at no cost to residents. Since 2010, 89% of graduates remain permanently housed without further incidents of homelessness.

2016

NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

Northside Neighborhood House was founded in 1924 by a group of women concerned for the welfare of their neighbors living in poverty on the Northshore Ninety-one years later, the NNH is still meeting the needs of families, of which 74% have women as the head of household. Proceeds raised through the Moth Ball® were used by the NNH to fund many programs that benefit women and their families. These programs included:

1) The Emergency Direct Assistance Program which provides financial help with utilities, prescriptions, and food to women and children. It also includes a Back-to-School Shop and Christmas Program that empowers mothers in need to shop (for free) for their children at the start of the school year and during Christmas.

2) Education Programming for both children and adults. Adult Education Programming includes a GED Program that helps participants work toward earning their GED, which can open the door for better employment opportunities and better wages. The NNH also offers job-search assistance, workforce training and computer classes for women seeking employment. Their Children’s After-school and Summer Programs provide working moms with the assurance that their children are in a safe environment where they can learn and grow while they work. After-school and Summer Program fees are minimal.

3) NNH Thrift Stores provide quality clothing, furniture and other items to those in need at a minimal cost.

4) The Healthy Families Program offers Cooking Classes to women who need help stretching their food dollars.Many women served by the NNH run out of food by the end of the month. These classes teach healthy eating habits and how to shop smarter to stretch their food budgets.

5) At Family Dinner Nights, mothers seeking fellowship and support from other parents and bring their children and receive a free healthy meal. After dinner, childcare is provided so mothers can attend parenting sessions that provide valuable information on parenting topics such as ‘Coping with Stress’ or ‘Internet Safety’.

2015

children's advocacy center

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County (CACHC) is dedicated to serving those affected by alleged abuse or neglect by offering help, hope, and healing. They do this by providing a safe and caring environment for child victims (most often girls) of alleged abuse in one comprehensive facility offering forensic interviews, medical examinations, therapy and family advocacy services, and community education programs.

2013

Partnership’s Family Violence Center

Partnership’s Family Violence Center provides immediate shelter to individuals and their children who are victims of family violence. The Family Violence Center offers support to individuals by providing a safe environment. The shelter’s living quarters consist of dormitory style rooms with a communal kitchen, bathroom and living room. The Family Violence Center understands that the victim cannot bring all personal items with them so food, personal items, and linens are provided. The staff also recognizes and attends to the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children involved. Family Violence Center staff work diligently to educate the general public, law enforcement, and all organizations about family violence issues and encourages their support.

2012

THE WOMEN'S FUND OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA

The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga unites advocates, donors, and activists striving for social change that improves life for women and girls all across the region. Through advocacy and philanthropy, The Women’s Fund catalyzes movement toward a society that is safe, nurturing, and full of opportunity for women.

CHATTANOOGA'S ULTIMATE GIRLS' NIGHT OUT!

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