Volume 2, Issue 9 September 2024

Introducing Volume 2 of the Bridge Builder Collective! We're excited to present The Collective Connector in a fresh look featuring our new colors: purple and gold. Your gateway to a world of connection, collaboration, and community building, each edition brings curated stories, insights, and updates, reflecting our mission to bridge gaps and foster meaningful connections.

Thank You for Making the Inaugural Donald D. Stone Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament a Success!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Donald D. Stone Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament! Your support, camaraderie, and enthusiasm made this event a remarkable success. The spirit of community and competition was truly inspiring, and we are grateful for each participant, sponsor, and volunteer who helped bring this vision to life.

A special congratulations goes out to our winning teams:

• 1st Place: Team Marvin Lott

• 2nd Place: Team EMJ Construction

• 3rd Place: Team Regal Barbershop

   

Your dedication and skill made for an exciting day of golf, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Christy Stone, the widow of Donald Stone Jr., and her family for their attendance at this event. Your presence meant a great deal to all of us and helped make the day even more meaningful.

Thank you once again to everyone who took part in this special day. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue to honor Donald D. Stone Jr.’s legacy and support our community.

"Healthy Living is Misleading" - A Purple & Gold Table Talk Podcast Episode

Check out the latest episode of our Purple & Gold Table Talk Podcast, titled "Healthy Living is Misleading - What Does it Mean to Be Healthy?." Huge thanks to David Ulmer, Winston Tramble, & Chris Mayes for their invaluable contributions to this episode.

Join our community of Purple & Gold Table Talk Enthusiasts to stay in the loop with all the exciting content! Hit that subscribe button to keep up with our latest videos, tutorials, and exclusives.

🔔 How to Subscribe:

1. Visit our YouTube channel by clicking here.

2. Once on the channel, click on the "Subscribe" button below the video.

3. Don't forget to hit the notification bell icon 🔔 to receive instant alerts!

    

Your support means everything to us, and subscribing is the simplest way to show it. Let's embark on this journey together! 🚀

#SubscribeNow #Purple&GoldTableTalk #NeverMissOut

Member Spotlight: Sterling Gillum - Vice President of The Bridge Builder Collective

This month, we are proud to shine our Member Spotlight on Sterling Gillum, the Vice President of The Bridge Builder Collective. Sterling has been an invaluable asset to our organization, bringing his dedication, leadership, and passion for community empowerment to everything we do.

Sterling’s contributions to The Bridge Builder Collective extend far beyond his role as Vice President. As a member of Kappa Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he has also served as the Chair of the Fatherhood and Mentoring Committee, leading initiatives that have had a profound impact on our community. From spearheading the SmartDad Finance program to organizing the Scenic City Football Championship and helping revamp the Omega Lamplighters Mentoring Program, Sterling’s efforts have enriched the lives of many.

Sterling holds a Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where he was also a proud member of the school's football team. His background in nonprofit management, combined with his experience in athletics, has shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork, qualities that benefit The Bridge Builder Collective immensely.

In his professional life, Sterling serves as a Lieutenant with the City of Chattanooga Fire Department, a role in which his leadership and dedication to service shine through daily. His commitment to supporting others, both on and off the job, makes him a true role model in our community.

Sterling is a loving husband and father of two, and his passion for making a difference is evident in all aspects of his life. We are honored to have him as part of The Bridge Builder Collective, and we look forward to his continued leadership as we work together to uplift and empower our community.

Applications Now Open for the Omega Lamplighter Mentoring Program!

We are excited to announce that applications for the Omega Lamplighter Mentoring Program are now open through October 31st! If you know a young man eager to grow, learn, and be inspired, this is the perfect opportunity.

The Omega Lamplighter Mentoring Program is a year-long journey designed to empower young men by providing them with guidance, experiences, and mentorship that will last a lifetime. With bi-monthly sessions—one virtual and one in-person each month—participants will gain valuable life skills, build lasting connections, and participate in a variety of activities, including golfing, hiking, bowling, and attending a Chattanooga Lookouts game.

In 2025, we're thrilled to partner with UTC's Challenger Center, giving mentees the opportunity to embark on a simulated space mission, adding a truly unique experience to our program.

Participation in this program is free of charge, and we are committed to helping each mentee discover their potential and achieve their goals. Spaces are limited, so we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.

To apply or learn more about the program, visit www.bridgebuildercollective.org/lamplighters.

Don't miss out—applications close on October 31st!

The Scenic City Football Championship is Coming Soon!

Get ready for the action-packed Scenic City Football Championship, where local high school teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize—the championship trophy! This year, the competition is fierce, as the trophy will be awarded to the team with the best record among three local powerhouses: Brainerd, Howard, and Tyner.

The Scenic City Football Championship is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and school pride. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, outstanding athletic performances, and an atmosphere that brings everyone together to support their teams.

Stay tuned for more details, including the game schedule and venue information. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and come out to support your favorite team in their quest for the championship. Let’s make this event a memorable celebration of local football talent and community spirit!

Don't miss out—follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and be a part of the Scenic City Football Championship excitement!

Nominate The Bridge Builder Collective for the Annual BEC Awards!

We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity to highlight the impactful work of The Bridge Builder Collective by nominating us for the annual Black Excellence Awards (BEC Awards) in the "Best Non-Profit" category, sponsored by Chattanooga Business Elite! This recognition would amplify our mission to foster positive change and support our community through various programs and initiatives.

Why Nominate The Bridge Builder Collective?

The Bridge Builder Collective is dedicated to making a meaningful difference by:

• Mentoring Future Leaders: Through the Omega Lamplighter Mentoring Program, we provide guidance and mentorship to young men, fostering leadership and academic success.

• Promoting Education and Growth: We offer scholarships through the Dr. Marvin Lott Scholarship Program and support professional development opportunities, including undergraduate summits and workforce readiness training.

• Engaging the Community: Our initiatives, such as voter registration drives, community awareness campaigns, and the annual Bridge Builder Cookout, aim to educate and empower.

• Supporting Families: Programs like SmartDad Finances and workforce development efforts strengthen families and provide individuals with essential resources.

   

How to Nominate Us

Help us gain recognition by submitting your nomination for The Bridge Builder Collective in the "Best Non-Profit" category:

1. Visit this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BECAwards2025

2. Scroll to Category 57 (Best Non-Profit Category).

3. Enter "The Bridge Builder Collective" in the "Name of Nominee & Company" fields.

4. Provide our website: www.bridgebuildercollective.org.

5. Include our email: contact@bridgebuildercollective.org.

6. Add our phone number: 423-464-6522.

Your Support Matters!

By nominating us, you're helping to raise awareness of our work and ensure we continue making a difference. Thank you for supporting our mission and believing in the power of collective impact.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors who have generously supported our initiatives. Your contributions have made a significant impact on the success of our programs and the lives of those we serve.

Thanks to your unwavering commitment and generosity, we are able to continue our mission and make a difference in our community. Whether it’s through sponsoring events, supporting our mentorship programs, or contributing to our collective goals, your partnership is invaluable.

We are truly honored to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a brighter future.

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