~by Carla Falasco~
Keystone of St. Louis joined forces with Logos School to host a swanky benefit at The Thaxton Speakeasy in downtown St. Louis. Megan Over and Mark Zimmermann served as event co-chairs and Keystone president Kathleen Mosher greeted attendees upon their arrival. Guests enjoyed dance music and drink specials as they navigated the art deco styled lounge.
All proceeds from this evening went to Logos School, an independent, alternative, therapeutic middle and high school dedicated to assisting students and their families working through academic and emotional needs unmet in traditional classroom settings.
Keystone of St. Louis is a non-profit organization made up of community conscious young professionals who work together to raise money for worthy local charities in need of financial support. Four times per year, this dynamic group partners with deserving organizations that benefit from party proceeds.
8/21/2009
Album ID: 823607
Photos by Carla Falasco
Kids in the Middle - Wine Tasting
28 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
Long-time and new-found friends of Kids in the Middle enjoyed fine wines, specialty beers, and creative appetizers at the third annual wine tasting; Swirl, Sniff, & Sip at St. Louis Cellars. Executive director Judy Berkowitz greeted guests and Margo Green and Sarah Underwood served as chairs for this “friendraiser.” Generous community partner, St. Louis Cellars, donated 10% of all sales to Kids in the Middle.
Kids In the Middle is a nonprofit agency that provides therapy for children “in the middle” of their parents’ separation, divorce, or remarriage. Recognized as a leader in the field of divorce and the impact it has on children, the organization also provides specialized support to parents so that they will be able to co-parent without conflict.
8/21/2009
Album ID: 821161
Photos by Carla Falasco
Crisis Nursery-Celeb Waiters/Waitresses
36 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery hosted the 19th Annual Celebrity Waiters & Waitresses Night at Plaza Frontenac where local business, media, and sports celebrities served eager guests at Cardwell’s at the Plaza and Canyon Café hoping for generous tips to benefit the Nursery.
Performers, caricature artists, magicians, and the Silk Pajamas jazz band provided guests with entertainment in the Center Court as they mingled with Brentwood Mayor Pat Kelly, Heidi Glaus, reporter with KSDK, Charlie Dooley, County Executive, Shirley Washington, anchor/reporter with Fox 2 News, and many more high-profile celebrity servers.
Sam’s Club sponsored a silent auction, and Plaza Frontenac contributed a new coupon program with all proceeds benefiting the Nursery. Teri Beth Gooch and Michael Henderson served as event co-chairs. The event successfully raised over $75,000.
The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, by offering a short-term, safe haven for children, birth through age 12, to families faced with an emergency or crisis. The Nursery has provided services to more than 49,500 children and support and counseling to more than 64,000 families since opening its doors 23 years ago.
8/20/2009
Album ID: 820933
Photos by Carla Falasco
Independence Center - Summer Fusion
34 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
The Young Friends of Independence Center presented an evening infused with energy, a wide variety of live local musicians, a gourmet buffet-style dinner, and compelling raffle prizes. The event took place atop the Center’s offices, which offers amazing views of the city skyline. This yearly event raises awareness and funds to empower people living with severe and persistent mental illness to be active and successful in their community.
Honorary chair, Heidi Glaus, of KSDK Channel 5, greeted guests and Sarah Thompson, board member, chaired the event. Chef Rex Hale of sponsor McCormick & Schmick’s, and Pastry Chef Kenda Morado of sponsor Reggie’s Backstage were on hand to dish about their creations. Participants of Independence Center helped to prepare and serve these delectables. Other sponsors included Pearl Vodka, Samuel Adams, ALIVE Magazine, Group Health Plan, and Goodeye Photoshare.
Rising Midwestern talent DJ Needles, Mario Pascal, and Fundamental Elements provided the perfect backdrop of music for this evening’s festivities. Exciting raffle prizes ranged from tickets to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, to a luxury handbag by Michael Kors.
Event proceeds will directly benefit Independence Center’s programs and services that serve more than 1,000 individuals each year who have serious mental illness.
8/16/2009
Album ID: 816843
Photos by Carla Falasco
St. Louis Art Fair 09 Kick-Off Reception
35 photos
for sale
The Saint Louis Art Museum sponsored a kick-off reception at Puck's for the 2009 Saint Louis Art Fair, scheduled for Sept. 11 to 13 in Clayton. Cindy Lerick, Cultural Festivals executive director, welcomed the 100 guests and fine arts enthusiasts.
Fair presenters at this year's event come from 34 states and Canada, with 23 participants from Missouri and eight from St. Louis. Media represented include oil, ceramics, fiber, wood, glass, photography, jewelry and more. There will be great music, children's activities, fabulous food and awards for the artists.
Highlight of the party was the unveiling of the 2009 Commemorative Off-Set Reproduction Print by George Raab of Canada.
8/13/2009
Album ID: 817847
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Old Newsboys Day-2nd Annual Fundraiser
36 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
Old Newsboys Day, the charitable arm of Suburban Journals, hosted a music-filled fundraiser at Maplewood’s Jive and Wail Dueling Piano Bar. Guests socialized over an extensive hors d’oeuvres buffet, open bar, silent auction, and live pop favorites all while supporting charities that serve at-risk children in metro St. Louis.
Scott Larkin, an Old Newsboys Day committee member, offered “…the perfect occasion to get together with friends and co-workers to have a great time to support a worthy cause! For a bargain price of $20, you can help out the at-risk children Old Newsboys Day serves.” Millions of dollars have been raised by Old Newsboys Day over the years benefiting children in our community who need it most.
8/6/2009
Album ID: 812634
Photos by Carla Falasco
St. John's Mercy Benefit for the Kids
40 photos
for sale
St. John's Mercy Foundation's sixth annual Benefit for the Kids of St. John's Mercy, combined with a day of golf at Whitmoor's, concluded with a dinner and auction at the Sheraton Westport. Emcee Rene Knott, sports director for KSDK-5, welcomed the 522 guests and sponsors, including the title sponsor Bissingers's, whose support of the Hospital helps provide compassionate healing for body, mind and spirit to more than 85,000 children during the year.
John O'Leary offered the invocation, and co-chairs Connie Finger and Joe Garea acknowledged the committee, volunteers and donors whose support provides new services, equipment, programs, and child-designed facilities.
7/31/2009
Album ID: 809331
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Ruth's Chris Grand Opening 6/27/09
33 photos
for sale
The new downtown location of Ruth's Chris opened with two grand opening parties on June 26 and 27 and proceeds go to benefit The March of Dimes as part of its grand opening festivities. The invitation only event featuref The Storyville Stompers, a New Orleans band that greets guests and encourages them to do a traditional New Orleans processional and dance their way into the restaurant. Ruth's Chris is located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel and features seating for 150 and offers four private dining rooms and a built in piano bar and on game nights there will be a complimentary stretch golf cart that shuttles guests back and from the restaurant and Busch's Stadium. Ruth's Chris Steak House was founded in New Orleans by Ruth Fertel in 1965. Ruth's Chris now has more than 130 restaurants worldwide. Complimentary valet parking is available nightly.
7/3/2009
Album ID: 790648
Photos by Katherine Bish
Polo for a Purpose June 20, 2009
46 photos
for sale
Marc Bulger & FIRST (Friends of Immigrants & Refugees of St. Louis) sponsored the 2nd annual Polo for a Purpose polo match featuring Blue Heron VS. Little Creek Ranch at Blue Heron farm in Defiance, MO. The family fun event featured a "kiddie" corner with pony rides and shopping and food vendors were also on hand. The day of events included a dinner followed by the awards ceremony. All proceeds benefit refugees and immigrants who have resettled in the St. Louis area.
7/1/2009
Album ID: 788810
Photos by Katherine Bish
Discovering Options-Cirque de la Vie
35 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
Discovering Options hosted their 5th Annual Stakeholder's Appreciation Celebration, Cirque de la Vie: An Evening at the Moulin Rouge, at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. Guests glittered in creative black-tie attire as they reminisced the year's successes. The evening featured cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent and live auction, and dazzling entertainment that wowed the crowd.
"Once a year we invite our stakeholders, volunteers, and investors to come together to celebrate our accomplishments and the work we do with children who truly need options, opportunities, and the presence of caring, skilled adults. The need has never been greater for your support, your time, and your commitment to the work we do," said Executive Director Charmaine Smith.
Ware sponsored the event and Steve Moergen was honored as the 2009 Explorer of the Year. More than $30,000 was raised during the fete.
Discovering Options provides at-risk students with life-enriching programs, encourages positive social skills, and engages inspiring mentors to prevent St. Louis' youth from turning to drugs and other self-destructive behaviors.
