For 100 years, United Way of Greater Chattanooga has been uniting Chattanoogans and resources to help build a stronger, healthier community, and its first century of work is just the beginning. The organization continues to answer the call of our neighbors in need and empower local, on-the-ground nonprofit partners to drive transformational change in our community.

Following the epidemic of cholera, yellow fever, and Spanish flu, in the early 20th century, a group of leaders, including Dr. Tom S. McCallie, established the Chattanooga Community Chest, the precursor to the United Fund. In 1980, the United Fund got a new name: United Way of Greater Chattanooga.

Since 1922 — and through the caring power of tens of thousands of individuals — United Way of Greater Chattanooga has been able to invest in innovative solutions, establish partnerships, and mobilize resources to fight our community's most dire social problems and help build a community where all individuals reach their full human potential through access to pathways of success and stability.

As a United Way board member and business and civic leader, Scott “Scotty” Probasco helped change lives for countless families with his inspiring spirit. | Photo provided by United Way of Greater Chattanooga

To help celebrate our community, United Way of Greater Chattanooga is hosting a 100th birthday block party on Sat., Sept. 17 from 5-8 p.m. outside its offices at 630 Market St. — free and open to the public. There will be food trucks, performances by the Pop-Up Project, an interactive art experience, face painting + more.All Noogans are invited to celebrate the organization’s 100 years of impact and the upcoming city-wide Impact Days, happening Fri., Sept. 16-Sat., Sept. 17.

See you at the celebration, Chattanooga.

Quiz

Who founded the concept of United Way? Make a guess here.*