A Party with a Purpose: Rung for Women Celebrates Empowerment and Raises Over a Quarter Million Dollars for Women's Futures

More Than 200 Supporters Gather for an Inspiring Evening of Philanthropy, Personal Stories and a Bold Vision for Financial Independence

By Grayling Holmes

WHEN WOMEN SUCCEED, FAMILIES FLOURISH, COMMUNITIES PROSPER, AND ST. LOUIS BECOMES STRONGER!

That powerful message was at the heart of Rung for Women's Third Annual Party with a Purpose, held Wednesday, October 14, at the elegant offices of Husch Blackwell on the 15th floor of Commerce Bank Tower.

More than 200 friends, business leaders, philanthropists, and community supporters gathered for an evening that was as inspiring as it was meaningful. And while the atmosphere was one of celebration, the mission behind the festivities was serious business: helping women achieve greater financial stability, professional advancement, and lasting economic independence.

The result? An extraordinary $276,500 raised to support Rung for Women's new Career Center!

Now that's what I call a party with a purpose!

An Evening Where Generosity Took Center Stage

Hosted by John and Ashley Kemper and Logan and Vivian Finerty, the gathering brought together individuals who understand that investing in women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen an entire community.

Ali Hogan, John Kemper, Logan Finerty, Leslie Gill

The setting at Husch Blackwell provided an inviting backdrop for an evening of conversation, connection, and philanthropy.

Guests enjoyed thoughtfully curated food and beverages by celebrated St. Louis restaurateur Ben Poremba, adding a distinctive culinary touch to the festivities.

Artist Tucker Pierce created custom portraits, offering guests a memorable interactive experience and a unique keepsake from the evening.

But beyond the hospitality and entertainment, it was the personal stories of women whose lives have been transformed by Rung that gave the evening its greatest significance.

Putting Faces to the Mission

One of the evening's most compelling attractions was a moving photography exhibition created in partnership with Humans of St. Louis.

Featuring striking large-format portraits and personal stories from women who have participated in Rung's programs, the exhibit brought the organization's mission into sharp focus.

These weren't simply photographs displayed for admiration. They were windows into the lives, aspirations, challenges, and achievements of real women working toward better futures.

Each portrait offered a reminder that behind every statistic is an individual with ambitions, talents, and the determination to succeed when given the right opportunities.

For an organization devoted to helping women move forward professionally and financially, the exhibit was an especially powerful expression of why its work matters.

Building Careers. Building Confidence. Changing Lives.

Heartfelt remarks from event chairs John Kemper and Logan Finerty reinforced the importance of community investment in women's success.

Rung CEO Leslie Gill and Ali Hogan shared personal stories of empowerment, while an inspiring video illustrated the transformative impact of the organization's career-accelerating programs.

Rung for Women takes an approach to economic mobility that recognizes a fundamental truth: professional advancement requires more than ambition alone.

Women also need access to skills, career opportunities, meaningful connections, encouragement, and the resources necessary to navigate obstacles along the way.

By helping women develop these essential tools, Rung works to create opportunities for lasting financial security.

And that mission extends far beyond the individual women participating in its programs.

When a woman advances professionally, increases her earning potential, and gains greater financial independence, the benefits can ripple outward to her family, her neighborhood, and the broader St. Louis economy.

That's not simply career development. That's community development.

Over a Quarter Million Dollars for a Brighter Future

The evening's crowning achievement was the remarkable generosity of its sponsors, hosts, guests, and supporters.

Together, they contributed $276,500 toward Rung for Women's new Career Center, an investment that will help the organization expand opportunities for women seeking stronger financial futures.

The new center represents more than a physical space.

It is a place where women will be able to develop valuable skills, build confidence, establish professional connections, and receive support as they pursue meaningful careers and greater economic stability.

The evening demonstrated what can happen when philanthropy and purpose come together around a shared vision.

And for the women who will benefit from this investment, its impact could be life-changing.

The True Meaning of a Party with a Purpose

St. Louis has a proud tradition of philanthropy, and Rung for Women's annual celebration is another shining example of that generosity in action.

Certainly, there was plenty to enjoy at this year's gathering: outstanding food, artistic experiences, engaging conversation, and the camaraderie of individuals committed to making a difference.

But what made the evening truly memorable was the recognition that every contribution represents an investment in someone's potential.

The success of the Third Annual Party with a Purpose reminds us that charitable giving isn't measured solely by dollars raised. Its real value is found in the opportunities those dollars create and the lives they help transform.

Congratulations to Rung for Women, John and Ashley Kemper, Logan and Vivian Finerty, and the many generous supporters who made this extraordinary evening possible.

And to our Sophisticated Living readers, I encourage you to learn more about this remarkable organization and consider becoming part of its mission.

Whether through financial contributions, professional connections, or other forms of support, there are meaningful ways to help women build the futures they deserve.

Because when we invest in women, we invest in a stronger, more prosperous St. Louis for everyone.

To learn more or support the mission, visit rungforwomen.org.

EMPOWER WOMEN. TRANSFORM FUTURES. STRENGTHEN ST. LOUIS.