An Evening in One of St. Louis' Most Beautiful Gardens

Meet Lafayette Park Conservancy's new executive director while supporting one of the city's most treasured historic landscapes.

By Grayling Holmes

There are few neighborhoods in St. Louis that embody elegance quite like Lafayette Square. Its Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and magnificent centerpiece—Lafayette Park—have made it one of the region's most coveted addresses for generations.

On Friday, September 18, supporters of historic preservation will have a rare opportunity to experience the neighborhood at its finest during A Soiree for the Park, the Lafayette Park Conservancy's signature fundraising event.

Held at one of Lafayette Square's most spectacular private residences overlooking the park at 1703 Simpson Place, the evening offers guests far more than a fundraiser. It is an invitation inside a remarkable home where attendees can tour the beautifully appointed first floor before stepping into an extraordinary half-acre landscape of lush gardens, intimate gathering spaces, and terraces designed for conversation, cocktails, and relaxed outdoor dining.

1703 Simpson Place, site of A Soiree for the Park Lafayette Conservancy fundraiser

Live music, fine refreshments, and the company of fellow preservationists provide the backdrop for an evening that celebrates one of America's oldest urban parks while raising critical funds for its future. This year's proceeds are dedicated to tree care, ensuring Lafayette Park's majestic canopy continues to flourish for generations to come.

The soirée also marks an exciting new chapter for the Conservancy. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Jerry Ehrlich, the organization's newly appointed Executive Director.

Jerry Ehrlich, newly appointed Lafayette Park Conservancy Executive Director

Ehrlich brings a passion for community engagement and nonprofit leadership to one of St. Louis' most beloved civic treasures. While he is just beginning his tenure, the evening offers supporters a chance to welcome him personally, hear his vision for Lafayette Park's future, and become part of the next chapter in preserving this extraordinary public space.

For Sophisticated Living readers who appreciate exceptional homes, beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and meaningful philanthropy, A Soiree for the Park promises all four in one unforgettable evening.

Tickets are $150 per person, with every dollar benefiting Lafayette Park's ongoing tree preservation efforts.

A Soiree for the Park

Friday, September 18
6:00–9:00 p.m.
1703 Simpson Place
Lafayette Square
$150 per person

Historic homes. Exceptional gardens. Inspiring company. And an opportunity to help preserve one of St. Louis' most treasured parks while welcoming the new leader who will help guide its future.

About Jerry Ehrlich

Jerry Ehrlich will serve as head of the Conservancy, bringing significant fundraising and leadership experience in the St. Louis area and a proven ability to grow nonprofit organizations.

Prior to retiring, Ehrlich last served as CEO of Paraquad from February 2020 to June 2025, overseeing a $14 million budget and 80 staff members. Prior to his time there, he was Executive Director of the Cornerstone Center for Early Learning from 2010 to 2020, where he grew the donor base from 300 to more than 2,000 and increased major fundraiser revenue from $10,000 to $195,000. He holds a BS in Communication Studies from Northwestern University.

Experienced, well-connected, and well-respected as a nonprofit and community leader in St. Louis, Ehrlich was selected for his fundraising and leadership experience and his proven ability to take organizations to the next level. As Executive Director, he will oversee the Conservancy's operations, fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and long-term strategic initiatives for Lafayette Park.

"We are delighted to welcome Jerry to the Lafayette Park Conservancy," said Tricia Spence, Chair of the Board of Directors. "His passion for community, his collaborative leadership style, and his extensive experience guiding nonprofit organizations make him uniquely qualified to lead the Conservancy into its next chapter. We are confident that his vision and energy will help advance our work of preserving, enhancing, and activating Lafayette Park for generations to come."

Under Enrlich’s leadership the Lafayette Park Conservancy will continue its steadfast work in preserving, enhancing, and activating Lafayette Park, one of St. Louis' most historic and beloved public spaces.

About Lafayette Park Conservency

The Lafayette Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving the historic legacy of Lafayette Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Lafayette Park was originally part of the St. Louis Common, set aside in the 1760s, and became the oldest developed urban park west of the Mississippi River when it was designated in 1836. The Conservancy builds regional awareness and support for Lafayette Park throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area and beyond, working to protect and enhance this historic urban park for the community and future generations.

Through stewardship, restoration, engagement, and fundraising, the Conservancy works to ensure that Lafayette Park remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. For more information and to become a member today visit lafayettepark.org.