Dinner of Firsts
Celebrate the joy of “firsts” with us at one of Chattanooga’s most memorable evenings. Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 12, 2026, and join us at The Chattanoogan Hotel for Chattanooga State’s Dinner of Firsts, our signature “FUNdraising” event supporting first‑generation college students.
Each year, we honor an accomplished first‑generation college graduate with a spirited and good‑natured roast, all while raising vital funds for student success.
This year we celebrate Rick Honeycutt, former Major League Baseball world series winning pitcher and LA Dodgers pitching coach! Rick is a graduate of Lakeview High School and the first in his family to attend college. Julie Elsea will serve as Event Chair, and Darrell Patterson will guide the evening as our Master of Ceremonies. A fantastic lineup of roasters, including Eddie Davis, Jay Howell, Bob Nevil, Sal Rende, and Mark Smith will ensure an evening full of laughs and heartfelt moments.
We are honored to have State Representative Greg Vital, President and Co-Founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living, along with Lebron Womack, Market President of First Horizon Bank, as our presenting sponsors and evening co-hosts.
For more information, please contact:
- Tammy Sawyers at [email protected], (423) 697-3359
- Suzanne Harris at [email protected], (423) 697-3317
Sponsorship Levels
Presidential
$10,000 (2 available). Includes a full-page recognition ad in the program, social media recognition, listing on large screens and sponsor boards, and prime seating for eight. Choose from:
- Video Sponsorship: Recognition on the First in the Family Scholars video
- Wine Sponsorship: Recognition on wine bottles at every table
Summa Cum Laude
$5,000. Half-page recognition ad in the program, social media recognition, listing on all sponsor boards on display at the event, and one table with priority seating for eight.
Magna Cum Laude
$3,500. Quarter-page recognition ad in the program, listing on all sponsor boards on display at the event, and one table with preferred seating for eight.
Cum Laude
$2,500. Listing in the program and one table with seating for eight.
Individual seating is available at $300 per person. Can’t attend? Consider a donation in honor of Rick Honeycutt to the Tom Edd Wilson First in the Family Endowed Scholarship.