On the night of May 7, 2025, the unthinkable happened.
A devastating fire tore through the Magnolia House—one of the oldest historic homes remaining in Dade County and the greater Chattanooga area, and the crown jewel of our family-run venue, The Valley Venues. Firefighters from across the region worked heroically to contain the blaze, but the damage was severe. The Magnolia House, with its wraparound porches and century-old walls filled with laughter and love, now stands in ruin.
We are beyond grateful that no one was harmed, but our hearts are broken. This house has been the backdrop for hundreds of love stories, anniversaries, and celebrations. It has hosted joyful toasts, tearful first looks, and unforgettable moments for couples and families from near and far. Losing it feels like losing a part of ourselves.
Originally built in 1896 as the Frye House, the Magnolia House served for years as the headquarters of Paul D. Cummings Worldwide Enterprises, where my father led large-scale retreats and speaking engagements. That chapter came to an end after he suffered a horrible stroke and was diagnosed with aphasia—a condition that severely impacts one’s ability to communicate. But in the face of that loss, we chose to start something new together.
I had grown up here—running barefoot through the fields and dreaming under the very trees that still line the property. So as a family, we reimagined the estate as The Valley Venues, and together we turned it into something magical: a place where love is celebrated, stories begin, and memories last a lifetime.
Through years of dedication—and his deep love for this property—my father has made incredible progress in his recovery. In many ways, he has found his voice again here. And now, as co-owners of The Valley Venues, he and I are more committed than ever to continuing that story.
We’ve already begun working with architects and engineers. We’re ready to rebuild. But we can’t do it alone.
This is where we humbly ask for your help. Insurance will not cover the full cost of cleanup and restoration, and we’re facing an immense financial challenge to bring the Magnolia House back to life. Every dollar raised will go directly toward clearing the site, preserving what we can, and beginning the rebuild—so that one day soon, we can fling open those doors again and invite our community back inside.
If this venue has ever meant something to you—if you celebrated here, toured here, dreamed of getting married here, or simply believe in preserving beauty and history—we would be so grateful for your support.
And if you were ever a part of my father’s journey—whether you attended one of his retreats, heard him speak, or found inspiration through his work—we invite you to be part of this chapter, too. This property was always more than just a backdrop for events. It was where lives were changed, ideas were born, and dreams were nurtured. We would be honored to have your help in bringing it back to life.
Thank you for reading our story. Thank you for the kindness, generosity, and love that so many of you have already shown. And thank you for helping us rise from the ashes and write the next chapter of the Magnolia House.
With love and gratitude,
Kobi and Paul Cummings
and The Valley Venues Team
The news articles below capture both our heartbreak and our hope.