The Boulevard Saint Louis presented “B” SEEN ON THE BOULEVARD to benefit Mid-County Family YMCA. Music by the Groove Thang entertained as visitors shopped and enjoyed cocktails, beer and wine provided by Chandler Hill Vineyards, Michelob Ultra and Pearl Vodka. They tasted delicious hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Maggiano’s Little Italy, Nadoz Euro Bakery and Café and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.
6/27/2009
Album ID: 785760
Photos by Katherine Bish
Special Education Foundation - Tribute
25 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
The Special Education Foundation celebrated the life and work of Irene Orlando at the exquisite Central West End home of Kellie Hynes and Bob Guller. Husband Mark Orlando, family, and Foundation supporters enjoyed appetizers and cocktails and raised over $16,000 by the start of the evening that will go towards the Irene Orlando Fund for Children with Autism.
Orlando, who passed away in January 2009, devoted her professional life to assisting children and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder. For 35 years, she worked tirelessly in the field of autism, most recently as an administrator in the Special School District. Orlando planned curricula, and tailored need specific programs for classroom and at home learning.
“… From history to treatment, from program to instruction, Irene surpassed all in her knowledge…this tremendous loss of professional expertise will be felt for years” offered Kathy Jackson, a long-time professional associate of Orlando’s.
In honor of her memory, the Foundation will administer the Irene Orlando Fund for Children with Autism that will support families and educators in the autism community by providing grants, scholarships, summer camps, and special educational equipment.
6/26/2009
Album ID: 787844
Photos by Carla Falasco
Saint Louis Zoo: Zoofari 2009
43 photos
for sale
Zoofari 09, the biennial fund-raiser of The Saint Louis Zoo, featured the grizzly bear for the evening’s theme, ‘Grizzly Bear Bash.’ More than 2,500 creatively attired guests visited multiple stations of irresistible food and drinks provided by more than 60 of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers. The Lakeside Café was a cooling spot and a shopping Mecca of great silent auction items.
Entertainment headliners were The Commodores, with The Fabulous Motown Revue, Arvell, Soul Alliance and Galaxy Red who played on satellite stages around the Zoo. Judy Harris chaired the event, assisted by vice chairs Arnold Donald, Debra Hollingsworth and Shaun Hayes.
Zoofari proceeds will assist the Zoo in its mission “to conserve animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.”
6/21/2009
Album ID: 783793
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Little Bit Foundation Big Fun Event
35 photos
for sale
Little Bit Foundation raised $5,000 at its second annual fund-raiser, a Big Fun Event, at the Mandarin Lounge in the Central West End. The nonprofit organization presently serves 3,000 students in twelve St. Louis city schools, with 24 on the wait list. Assistance is given to schools with 90% or above rate of students who receive subsidized meals.
“The money stays in St. Louis,” says event co-chair Jamie Hagedorn. “If we see a child in need of a coat, a pair of shoes, hygiene products, or a backpack, we supply them,” adds co-chair Megan Hudson. “We are not just a drop off, but an opportunity to use the donations to work one-on-one with each child.”
As it partners with St. Louis schools in support of disadvantaged children, the Foundation, in its mission, works to “break down barriers that inhibit personal growth and create a more focused learning environment.”
6/20/2009
Album ID: 783982
Jewish Community Center Film Festival
26 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~
“A Cinematic Journey,” sponsored by the Roswell and Wilma Messing Cultural Arts Department of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, kicked off at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema with a premiere party for loyal film fans.
Since the festival features pieces produced in Canada, China, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Spain and other international locales, a wide array of multinational treats were offered to guests between screenings of the family comedy, Max Minsky, and Me, the opening film. The other 16 films touched on themes of personal faith, growth, and exploration. Dee and Jack Berman, Dee Wolf, Aileen Wallis, and Rosalie Rotenberg served as festival chairs.
6/14/2009
Album ID: 778886
Photos by Carla Falasco
Innsbrook Music Academy & Festival
23 photos
for sale
For the past nine summer seasons, David Halen, Concertmaster for the SLSO, has served as artistic director for the Innsbrook Institute Music Academy & Festival at the Innsbrook Resort & Conference Center 45 minutes west of Saint Louis.
Halen considers Innsbrook’s scenic, pastoral setting a perfect venue for the music school and festival which draws new and returning artists, and provides an artist mentoring program to transition graduates toward a professional career. “Teaching students in the Innsbrook context is one of the most inspiring environments I can imagine,” says Halen.
Institute chairman Ed Boyce and executive director Ron James thanked the loyal audience, consisting of the students’ parents, faculty, sponsors, patrons, and area music lovers.
The festivities ended with an outdoor program at the Lake Aspen Stage, featuring Halen, first-year resident conductor Ward Stare, soprano Miran Halen, Institute artists, and the orchestra including all the student participants. One of the three competition winners, young artist Natalie Piontek (flute) performed with the orchestra at the final concert, and fireworks sparked a glorious finale.
6/13/2009
Album ID: 779762
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Multiple Sclerosis Summer Swizzle
37 photos
for sale
~by Carla Falasco~The Gateway Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society held their 1st Annual Summer Swizzle party and silent auction to benefit programs and services offered to more than 6,000 individuals in St. Louis Metro impacted by multiple sclerosis. Everyone was on island time at The Kemp Auto Museum where guests donned tropical inspired outfits, while grooving to two live bands, and enjoying the delicious spread of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
Anne Louise Graman and Bill Gillispie served as event co-chairs.
The Gateway Chapter of the National MSS provides comprehensive support services and educational programs to people with MS, their family and friends, and raises funds locally to support national research initiatives pressing towards a cure.
6/12/2009
Album ID: 775828
Photos by Carla Falasco
Ladue News Charity Party
32 photos
for sale
Nine local charities were honored at the recent LN Charity Awards party, held this year at the Magic House. Guests from each nonprofit mingled with LN staff to celebrate the important contributions of St. Louis’ charitable organizations. LN publisher Lauren Rechan offered a greeting, and editor Dorothy Weiner, sales manager Norm Frain and senior account rep Wendy Jablonow named the three winning charities, chosen by Ladue News staff vote. Named as 2009 winners were The Wellness Community, Let’s Start and USO of Missouri, Inc., each of which received a monetary award. The six remaining finalists—Girls on the Run, Little Bit Foundation, Variety, Home Services Inc., Safe Connections and Teach for America—were also recognized with plaques, feature stories in Ladue News and words of praise for their missions.
6/11/2009
Album ID: 778278
Photos by Carla Falasco
Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club
26 photos
for sale
6/8/2009
Album ID: 775961
American Cancer Society Cele-ba-roo
41 photos
for sale
The American Cancer Society invited their generous individual and corporate supporters to an exclusive evening of whimsical celebration. As 280 guests sipped and nibbled St. Louis’ finest libations and foods, they enjoyed interactive games of chance, a live auction, the opportunity to win free gas for ten years with a paper airplane toss into a luxury automobile, and live entertainment from comedian Dan Chopin of Comedy Central and the Webster Jazz Band Trio.
An after hour’s street party followed the formal festivities featuring The Brat Pack, the premier 80’s cover band from Chicago, donned in complete 80s regalia.
“We are excited to kickoff a fun and lively celebration at St. Louis’ newest private event space (Neo on Locust),” said Kathleen Smith, chairwoman of the Cele-ba-roo Gala. Smith is a committed American Cancer Society donor and volunteer, as well as local entrepreneur who owns The Chocolate Pear.
This colorful evening raised over $200,000 to help fund local cancer research initiatives, education, advocacy, and patient services.
