More than 700 guests enjoyed the culinary specialties of the chefs from thirty local premier restaurants for the St. Louis Division of the National Foundation of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Dinner Auction at the Ritz-Carlton. Suzanne Dalton and Pam Toder co-chaired the festivities, assisted by the patron chairs Doug and Anne Albrecht and Dan and Debbie Dierdorf; Missy Bange, and executive director Deborah Kersting. Honorary chairs were Vincent Bommarito, Jr. and Thom Sehnert, the honoree. Virginia Kerr of KMOV-TV was the emcee.
Bob O'
Loughlin announced program grants, and three board members, Randy Weller, Kim Tucci and Debbie Hollingsworth, were honored with plaques for their many years of service.
Thanks to auctioneer Kim Tucci, sponsors and audience generosity, '
400,000 was raised to support the March of Dimes in its mission to give every baby a healthy start.
9/9/2009
Album ID: 836945
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Thomas Jefferson Society
27 photos
for sale
The Missouri History Museum hosted its 27th Annual Thomas Jefferson Society Dinner in the Marcella Wiget MacDermott Grand Hall. Dr. Robert R. Archibald, president of the Missouri History Museum, Donna Wilkinson, chair of the Missouri History Museum’s Board of Trustees, and Laura Shaughnessy, chair of the Thomas Jefferson Society, presented this year’s Thomas Jefferson Award to Marilyn Fox, known and admired for her dedication to numerous St. Louis organizations and charities. The Society presents this award to those who exemplify the spirit of community service in St. Louis.
Marilyn offers her time and talent to the Girl Scouts, United Way, Variety Club, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Jewish Federation, the National Conference of Community and Justice, and the Missouri History Museum. She is also a trustee of Webster University and past president of the Jewish Community Center.
Marilyn has been married to Sam Fox, 2001 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award, for more than 55 years, during which time they have instilled the same commitment to community in their five children.
Support from the Thomas Jefferson Society members is critical to the museum’s continued ability to provide exhibitions of national significance, to develop programs that serve as models for museum programming, and to share the stories that reveal our region’s past, determine its present, and shape its future. The Missouri History Museum has been available to the St. Louis community since 1866.
9/9/2009
Album ID: 835887
Photos by Carla Falasco
Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund
47 photos
for sale
The Missouri Friends of Injured Marines hosted their fifth annual Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSEF) Golf Classic at the Country Club of the Legends operated by Carmelo Natoli. Guests of honor were General James Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and his wife, Annette, (the initiator of IMSFF) who joined the 350 guests, of whom 190 were golfers.
Dr. Howard Short and Allen Allred chaired the event which raised more than $156,000. Added to the funds raised from past years’ tournaments and auctions, the grand total exceeds more than $856,000 for support of injured Marines in need of rehabilitation, or other medical assistance.
Guest speaker was Marine Lance Corporal Brandon Pelletier whose right arm was crushed at the elbow while on patrol in Iraq. Barnes Jewish Hospital is administering surgical procedures to save his right hand, or to replace it with a transplant or a bionic prosthetic.
Allred presented a plaque to Bill Franz, CEO of Xtra Lease, and to General Conway, for whom the golf tournament will be permanently named: The James T. Conway Injured Marine Golf Classic.
The General recently returned from Afghanistan and praised the troops for their unwavering dedication and service. The day concluded with a dinner and awards ceremony, with the winning golf team the recipient of a gift certificate from the Pro Shop.
8/30/2009
Album ID: 834197
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Harris-Stowe - A Night of Jazz Greats
32 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
The Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute, in partnership with Harris-Stowe State University, presented A Night of Jazz Greats: Statesmen of Jazz Featuring Clark Terry. The concert showcased the talented Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, Randy Sandke, Marty Morrison, Jim Widner, Chuck Redd, Nikki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello, and Denise Thimes. These musicians are nationally recognized recording artists, teachers, Broadway performers, and have shared their repertoire with U.S. presidents.
Atty. Don Wolff served as the emcee, and Dr. Henry Givens Jr., President of Harris-Stowe University, welcomed VIP guests to a post-performance reception with the jazz musicians.
All proceeds will go towards expanding the Wolff Jazz Institute, which is comprised of a portion of Don Wolff’s multi-million dollar jazz collection of recorded music and other memorabilia. Wolff hosts “I Love Jazz” featured on HEC-TV, Live365.com, and Classic 99 KFUO FM.
Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 12 degree programs. The Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute strives to make jazz memorabilia available to all community enthusiasts for enjoyment, study, or research. The facility is located within the university, and is currently free and open to the public.
8/29/2009
Album ID: 825863
Photos by Carla Falasco
Children's Home Society-Casino Royale 7
35 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
Children’s Home Society of Missouri hosted their 17th annual fundraising event, Casino Royale 7, at the St. Louis Marriot West-Maryville Plaza. Guests tried their luck at casino games and participated in live and silent auctions before an elegant dinner and musical entertainment.
“This event is a great way for the community to give back and to show appreciation to such a meaningful and dedicated organization…I am honored to be a part of an event which raises significant funding for children,“ offered local celebrity and MC Wendy Erickson of Show Me St. Louis-Channel 5.
Gregg Lepper served as event chair, Chris Kaplan was event co-chair, and Bill Cockrum of Cockrum Liquidations was the auctioneer. Managerie Models provided the event with live 007 characters to entertain guests.
As a leader in services for children with significant, multiple developmental disabilities for over 20 years, Children’s Home Society provides permanent, safe, loving homes for children as well as family support, education and counseling programs, and other developmental disabilities services.
8/29/2009
Album ID: 825396
Photos by Carla Falasco
Jammin' at the Zoo
35 photos
for sale
8/26/2009
Album ID: 825635
Photos by Carla Falasco
St. Vincent Kookin' For Kids
42 photos
for sale
More than 325 guests spiced up their summer at St. Vincent Home for Children’s 18th annual '
Kookin'
for Kids.'
A bounty of popular restaurants donated food and staff, local media celebrities donated their time as servers and Adam Jokisch was auctioneer.
Executive director Lee Ann Taylor thanked the co-chairs Sr. Mary Ann Eultgen and Ed Fehlig Jr., honorary chair Jill Farmer, board members, staff, committee and volunteers, and emcee Dan Gray of KPLR-11.
Proceeds will benefit the Home in its mission "to provide love, security and professional treatment for troubled children and their families."
8/23/2009
Album ID: 834029
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Art of the Motorcylce
40 photos
for sale
The Second Annual Art of the Motorcycle Gala Event was held on Saturday, August 22 at the Foundry Art Centre located at 520 North Main Center in St. Charles, Missouri.
The Art of the Motorcycle Gala began at 7 p.m. and featured an exhibition of both Vintage and modern bikes, many from the Mungenast Family and Moto Museum
Collections. Partygoers enjoyed a selection of food, wine and beer donated by local
restaurants. More than 300 enthusiasts mingled with the artists, including custom motorcycle creators, racers and bike owners of all makes and models.
Noted Harley-Davidson Motorcycle artist Scott Jacobs headlined the event. Jacobs was the first Harley-Davidson artist licensed worldwide, and his works of art were on display in the Main Gallery. Local metal sculptor Joseph Farmer and line artist Wendy Stansbery Waltert also had their works on display.
Proceeds from the event went to benefit The Visual and Performing Arts locate in St. Charles, Missouri.
8/22/2009
Album ID: 857474
Photos by Diane Anderson
Annie's Hope Rock'n'Roll Benefit
26 photos
for sale
Annie'
s Hope third annual Rock and Roll Benefit was a rollicking success at the Old Rock House St. Louis, which served as the sponsoring venue with KHITS 96 Radio and the More Cowbell band.
The proceeds of the $15 door charge to 170 guests, benefited the kids of Annie'
s Hope. Embroider the Occasion provided free commemorative T-shirts.
Annie'
s Hope: Annie'
s Hope-The Bereavement Center for Kids is a community based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive support services for children, teens and their families who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Grieving children, adolescents and their families in St. Louis and surrounding areas can go to the Center for individualized counseling and support.
Becky Byrne, executive director, commended the supporters for their generosity and the dedicated workers at the Center who help ease the burdens of bereavement.
8/22/2009
Album ID: 834181
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Queen of Peace Center Packs for Peace
27 photos
for sale
Peace for Kids, an affiliate of Queen of Peace Center held the inaugural '
Packs for Peace'
fundraiser at the home of William and Chachie Brennan in Ladue. Board member Missy Leggat and Jeanne Schutte developed the Peace for Kids Community Board, which organized the event.
Solicitations and donations from local vendors and the 100 guests netted $14,000 to purchase backpacks and fill them with school supplies, essentials and extras for children whose mothers are being treated for addiction at Queen of Peace Center.
