~by Carla Falasco~Breast cancer survivors and supporters donned their brightest shades of blush for the St. John’s Mercy Foundation 2nd Annual Big Pink Blast held at J. Buck’s in Clayton. Guests sipped cocktails and socialized while browsing jewelry, loungewear, and other pink ribbon studded merchandise.
Four breast cancer survivors received complete makeover packages from Studio Branca Salon Spa valued between $200-500, and a pair of pink topaz earrings from Michael Genovese Jewelers valued at $100.
St. John’s Mercy provides breast cancer services through awareness programs, screenings, mammography, ultra sounds, biopsies, transportation to and from medical appointments, and interpreters for individuals who use English as a second language. St. John’s Mercy Medical Center offers superior health care in a faith-based environment.
10/29/2009
Album ID: 879131
Photos by Carla Falasco
Unravel 2009 - The Women's Safe House
31 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~During the International Interior Design Association’s Unravel 2009, held at Mad Art Gallery, 20 local design firms were paired with manufacturer representatives to push creativity to the limit in an alternative fashion show. After months of hard work, runway models showcased these designs, made solely from interior materials used to build living and working spaces. Nearly 500 design enthusiasts witnessed this artistic unveiling.
The IIDA will use proceeds from Unravel 2009 and sponsorship to support the renovation of the "care room" at The Women's Safe House, St. Louis' oldest, largest domestic violence shelter. This essential room is the first impression the agency gives to women survivors of abuse as they take their first steps away from living in violent environments. Designers involved in this event will offer their time, talents, and materials to make this space more welcoming and family-friendly to mothers and their children as they share their stories with advocates.
The Women’s Safe House is a non-profit organization that provides safe shelter and support services to battered women and their dependent children while empowering women to make informed choices about their futures.
10/29/2009
Album ID: 878947
Photos by Carla Falasco
Rural Parish Workers
36 photos
for sale
In celebration of 42 years of fundraising events, the Friends of the Rural Parish Workers, composed of forty local women, presented their annual luncheon and fashion show at the Ritz-Carlton. Julie Dubray and Diane Garea chaired the sell-out program assisted by Angela Vitale and a serving committee.
Chesterfield Mall and West County Center provided the models’ fashions, coordinated by Sean Phillips, regional director of marketing. Jan McCormick was the runway commentator, and The St. Louis Strutters & Co. danced a sparkling patriotic tribute.
The Rural Parish Workers are a small, but dedicated group of lay women bound by religious vows who have been serving the poor and needy in Washington County, Missouri, since 1949.
10/26/2009
Album ID: 875620
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Stan Musial Gala - Covenant House
36 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~Covenant House Missouri hosted the 2nd Annual Stan Musial “Hall of Fame” Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom where guests enjoyed cocktails, an extensive silent auction, dinner, dancing, and a memorial tribute to former board members Don Suntrup and Mike Ernst, both core supporters of the organization for over 20 years.
Dawn Jensen and Anthony Sansone, Jr. were acknowledged as honorary chairpersons and Rene Knott of KSDK served as auctioneer. Covenant House International President and CEO, Kevin Ryan, shared with guests the impact of the House’s services in the broader community.
“We are thrilled that, in addition to raising money, our gala will be raising awareness of Covenant House Missouri and our support services for homeless youth,” said executive director Sue Wagener.
Established in 1998, Covenant House Missouri provides support services to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth between ages 16 and 21.
10/24/2009
Album ID: 874361
Photos by Carla Falasco
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
47 photos
for sale
World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma thrilled a captive audience at Powell Symphony Hall for A Noteworthy Affair, the first Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) gala in a decade. Board chairman Ted Lemkemeier and president/executive director Dr. Fred Bronstein offered greetings, commended conductor David Robertson, Concertmaster David Halen, the Orchestra and artist Ma for their magnificent performances.
Applauded were gala chair Noémi Neidorff and her co-chairs Peggy Ritter and Marsha Rusnack for their superb leadership.
Following the concert, the guests were transported to the Coronado Ballroom for dinner and dancing to the music of the Steve Schankman Orchestra.
Thanks to the collaboration of the SLSO staff, sponsors and guests, more than $800,000 was raised to support the Symphony in its mission to enrich people’s lives through the power of music.
10/24/2009
Album ID: 874083
Photos by Margaret Rambo
JCC Evening at the Market
38 photos
for sale
Friends of the JCC Nutrition Program for Senior Adults hosted ‘An Evening at the Market at Busch’s Grove’ to benefit the senior meal program which offers dinners to seniors at a suggested contribution of $3.50 per meal Monday through Friday at a community meal site.
Administered through the Jewish Community Center, the program is open to everyone 60 and older. Operating costs are not covered by government funding and contributions, which are critical to senior participates and those who can only remain in their homes because of the hot home-delivered meals they receive through the program.
Bette Abeles chaired the fundraiser, assisted by Alice Ludmer, department chairperson of adult programs and services. Honorary chairs Marlyn and Alyn Essman and Wilma and Harvey Gerstein were recognized for their help in initiating the JCC Senior Meal program, which has served daily meals to seniors for more than 33 years.
10/18/2009
Album ID: 874093
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Friends of Wings - Artistry
29 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~Friends of Wings hosted Artistry, a culmination of St. Louis’ the top chefs who each prepared a course of an unforgettable dinner to benefit the Jennifer and Jim Koman Art Therapy Endowment for the BJC Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care Program, Wings.
Held in the Zodiac Room of the Chase Park Plaza, the scrumptious evening featured a unique 6-course meal prepared by chefs from Annie Gunns, Araka, the Chase, Niche, Sage, and Sidney Street Café. Each course was paired with a carefully selected wine.
Gourmet bakers from The Cakery Bakery and Whipt Cream went head-to-head in a live cake decorating competition. At the end of the evening, the two pieces of culinary art were donated to children receiving services so they could enjoy them the following day.
Wings’ Executive Director, Barbara Westland, expressed thanks for “the amazing generosity of the participating chefs who have taken their time, thought, and energy to raise important funds for our families...it is wonderful to see the whole community come together on our behalf.”
Wings is a non-profit organization that provides clinical and emotional support to children from newborn through 21 years who have life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, regardless of their ability to pay. It is the only pediatric palliative care and hospice program in our area.
Friends of Wings is an active network of community members who support Wings with fundraising efforts making it possible to continue offering unique programs to their patients including expressive music, art, and massage therapy. Family members also benefit from Friends efforts through the camps, retreats, and bereavement assistance the organization supports.
10/18/2009
Album ID: 871645
Photos by Carla Falasco
Boys Hope Girls Hope Evening of Hope
36 photos
for sale
Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH) hosted 166 guests to “An Evening of Hope” at the Sheraton Westport Lake Chalet. Nearly $175,000 was raised to help BHGH support young men and women in their environmental and academic needs, and inspire, empower and nurture them for a quality life. “From day one, BHGH scholars are taught that college is not a daydream. It is a concrete destination.”
Nancy Galvin and Peggy Sly co-chaired the festivities, with emcee Rene Knott of KSDK, board president Ed Austin, auctioneer Mark Howald, and keynote speaker Berthane Hantal, BHGH alumnus. The Associate Board hosted the casino games.
Nate and Kim Suddeth were the ‘Heart of Hope’ recipients and Dr. Art McCoy received the Father Sheridan Reflection of Hope Award. Father Paul Sheridan, S.J. created the BHGH program in 1977.
10/17/2009
Album ID: 874102
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Grand Center Gala Honoring Edward Jones
37 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~Grand Center, Inc. honored Edward Jones for its unyielding support of the arts in St. Louis during their annual gala. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, a ceremony acknowledging Edward Jones’ continued generosity, dinner at the Fox Club, and a special performance of Phantom of the Opera.
Ken Kranzberg, Grand Center Board Chair offered, “Edward Jones is a pillar in our community and, in particular, in the charitable community. We are honored to recognize this exemplary company, which contributes so significantly to improving the quality of life in St. Louis.” The company contributed more than $7 million towards local arts, culture, education, civic engagement, and health and human services organizations in 2008.
Jim Weddle, Managing Partner at Edward Jones, accepted the award on behalf of his company. “It is my honor to represent Edward Jones in accepting this award…we support Grand Center's efforts because we believe in the work they do to ensure that the arts and culture are available to everyone in our community…Grand Center is a true hallmark of St. Louis, and the work they do is important for attracting visitors from all parts of the country” said Weddle.
Home to more than 30 arts organizations that demonstrate the depth and diversity of the city’s cultural life, the Grand Center hosts more than 1,500 cultural events and welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually. Over $555,000 was raised in support of the organization’s arts initiatives.
10/17/2009
Album ID: 871116
Photos by Carla Falasco
Laumeier Sculpture Park
43 photos
for sale
Laumeier Sculpture Park presented Out of the Park- a benefit at the Lumen downtown. Board chair John Wuest and new executive director Marilu Knode welcomed the guests who enjoyed gourmet food stations, dancing and a live auction featuring creative artwork of various media. Ed Reggi was the emcee, with DJ Raven Fox and entertainment by Belle of the Ball.
Exemplary event chairs were Tania Beasley-Jolly, Colleen Carlton, Dorte Probstein, Helene Sayad, Julie Shearburn and Mary Ann Srenco, assisted by the Park’s staff and Marie Oberkirsch, development associate. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing operating support of Laumeier.
