Chattanooga is nationally recognized for its generosity and philanthropy, and our medical community is no exception. We will recognize the wonderful giving spirit of Chattanooga at the 12^th Annual Denim and Diamonds fundraiser supporting Project Access community health partnership and other community health initiatives.  The event, to be held on March 4, 2017 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, will celebrate the healing generosity of our community’s physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. It will be an evening of music, food, fellowship and fun.

There is no doubt that the work of our partners is amazing. Their dedication and compassion are the embodiment of care and generosity. But, they cannot do the work alone. They need your help to continue the life saving work of Project Access. You can help by becoming an auction donor for Denim and Diamonds! As a donor, your company name will be seen by hundreds of area physicians and their spouses, as well as many other community leaders.  Even better, we are having an auction online leading up to the event, which will be marketed throughout the community. If you prohibit donations to be used in the online auction, we will use it at the silent auction at the actual event.

Since Project Access began in 2004, more than 900 volunteer physicians, the Erlanger, CHI Memorial, and Parkridge Health Systems, and other partners have provided more than $144 million in donated health care services to the working poor. Many of these patients are employed by Chattanooga companies, often working part-time so they don’t qualify for or cannot afford employment-based health insurance. More than 14,000 patients have been impacted by Project Access over the past 12 years.

The ways Project Access affects its patients are nothing short of amazing. At no cost to these patients, they receive care and treatment to help them to beat cancer or have life-saving surgery. It allows them to continue to work which means they are able to support their families and be productive members of our community.  Our partners are doing all they can to care for Hamilton County residents who are sick without health insurance.

The Denim & Diamonds event includes dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and lots of surprises.  The evening is also the opportunity for our community to honor the contributions of hundreds of caring physicians and other health care partners and celebrate the positive impact of Project Access on the patients.