Hill City Gardens August 2013

Recipient: Hill City Neighborhood Association 

The UnFoundation loves awesome neighborhoods, and we were so excited about this grant for the Hill City Neighborhood Association. The residents recognized the need for a safe and beautiful gathering place in the area, so they banded together and built a neighborhood garden on unused land. To keep their garden growing, the dedicated volunteers decided to add a neighborhood composting service. The UnFoundation provided the funds to pass out 100 compost buckets to residents and to spread the word about the service.  Volunteers pick up the buckets weekly, literally turning their trash into a neighborhood treasure.

NeighborFloat September 2014

Recipient: Andy O’Brien, Katie Hargrave, Lauren Ruth 

The Apothecary Art Gallery is a student run art gallery (created by the UTC Art Department) that is located in the MLK neighborhood.  We weren’t sure what a “NeighborFloat” was, but once we figured it out, we were excited to provide them with a grant to purchase the needed materials to build it.  It is literally a parade style float, that has since been designed and constructed by UTC students and neighborhood partners.  The NeighborFloat project is an initiative designed to create awareness and connection between the Apothecary Gallery and the MLK neighborhood.  We can’t really think of a better way to create awareness and bring folks together than a parade!

See Me Educate 3D Printer August 2014

Recipient: Kimberly Elbakidze | Red Bank High School

Kimberly Elbakidze has been on a mission to make her classroom the coolest one at Red Bank High School, and what’s cooler than a 3D printer!? Mrs. E’s students told her that they had to have one, and we at the UnFoundation agree. Thanks to our August grant, Red Bank High School purchased the See Me Educate 3D printer and 3D printing curriculum for the technology class. Now, over 240 students are learning how to 3D print, and we think that’s awesome.

A Band of Ukuleles July 2014

Recipient: Lindsey Hagan

Wouldn’t you rather learn to play the ukulele than the recorder? I sure would, I mean, what cool band is looking for a hip recorder player? At least if you learn to play the ukulele you have a forever job in Hawai’i. Although still in the curriculum, recorders are loathed by many around the world, including Hamilton County teacher Lindsey Hagan. Ukuleles cost more than a recorder so public schools typically can’t afford them. Well, now Bess T Shepherd Elementary has 30 on hand, thanks to the UNFoundation, so hundreds of students each year are playing the ukulele instead of the recorder. #CHA is more awesome for many years to come!

Friends of Stringers Ridge June 2014

Recipient: Jim Johnson

Stringer’s Ridge is a new 92 acre urban park located in Hill City on the Northshore.  If you haven’t been, check it out!  Friends of Stringer’s Ridge is a grassroots organization formed to promote this fantastic opportunity for Chattanoogans to enjoy the outdoors in an urban setting.  Please view their fundraising campaign on Causeway.  Their lastest cool idea was to host a symphony event on the peak of Stringer’s Ridge.  WE FUND COOL IDEAS, and obviously had to jump on this one!  On a crisp fall day, we sponsored a brass quintet to perform on that hilltop and had a great experience.  Can’t say we’ve ever been to a symphony on a hilltop before.  But we did, and it was awesome.  Look for this event next year, it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Camp Horizon Zip Line Adventure May 2014

Recipient: Steven Sharpe

Fun stuff should be for all kids, right? We think so. That’s why we granted to Camp Horizon. The purpose of Camp Horizon is to allow kids with physical disabilities the opportunity to broaden their horizons by spending time with other kids in similar situations in the outdoor environment. Broaden horizons wanted to be expanded upon by Steven Sharpe, husband of camp founder Lindsey, to include a zip line. Camp Horizon is held every August at Camp Lookout and through Peyton Manning's Peyback Foundation built the zip line and wheelchair accessible platforms. We funded the necessary hardware and safety equipment so kids in wheelchairs could use it too. And this is the only wheelchair accessible zip line east of the rockies, folks. Wow!

McCallie Murals April 2014

Recipient: Kevin Bate

Kevin Bate is no stranger to the UNFoundation - his MLK on MLK is one of the coolest and most visible UNFoundation grants to date.  We were super excited to participate in his most recent project - the McCallie Murals. Kevin has engaged Orchard Knob Elementary School, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, the Highland Park Neighborhood Association, Barger Academy of Fine Arts and the community at large to create a ‘drive-through’ mural experience for the community. Kevin is depicting 4 strong female characters that serve to inspire the community and anyone passing through.

Power Lunch March 2014

Recipient:  Emma Williams

Emma Williams defines the catchy phrase “Just Do It.”  Power Lunch was launched by Emma with a simple vision: to help girls who may not otherwise be exposed to a diversity of career choices plan for bright, ambitious futures by connecting them with successful professional women in our local community.  We love to see an individual go into the community and start making things happen, so when Emma submitted her appy for Power Lunch, we saw a great program making a real difference in the lives of young Chattanoogans and wanted to get involved.  If you’d like to volunteer to speak at a lunch and explain your chosen career path to an enthusiastic group of young women, let us know and we’ll connect you with Emma.