A fabulous pool party with a serious purpose helped make theater history in St. Louis. The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis’ signature summer fundraiser, An “In-Appropriate” Afternoon by the Pool, brought 75 arts patrons and philanthropists to the magnificent Central West End home of longtime Festival supporter Andy Arnold for cocktails, cuisine, art and giving. Record proceeds from ticket sales and an auction featuring works by notable artists provided critical funding for the Festival’s 11th season and its landmark production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award-winning Appropriate, running September 17–27 at COCA.
The production marks both the St. Louis premiere of Appropriate and the first time the Festival has selected a headliner not written by Tennessee Williams. Instead, the season explores “The Tennessee Effect”—Williams’ enduring influence on contemporary playwrights such as Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony Award winner Jacobs-Jenkins. Fundraising, together with generous grant support from Washington University, is also helping bring Jacobs-Jenkins to St. Louis for the free “A Conversation with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins” on September 19 at the St. Louis County Library’s Clark Family Branch.
The afternoon proved that behind every great production are patrons willing to help raise the curtain—and sometimes they do it poolside.
For writer Grayling Holmes, the mission of Gratitude House is deeply personal. His best friend Bridgette was beautiful, brilliant and raised with every advantage, yet a lifelong battle with alcohol and drug addiction ultimately claimed her life at just 51. Her story is a powerful reminder that addiction knows no ZIP code, social status or income level. Today, Gratitude House offers women in early recovery something Bridgette might have benefited from—an elevated sober-living home combining dignity, structure, accountability and neuroscience-based education to help turn sobriety into lasting recovery. On September 19, the Gratitude GiddyUp Gala at Casa Loma Ballroom will raise critical funds for current operations and an ambitious 2027 expansion, including the new Gratitude Institute for Recovery and Behavioral Change. Whether attending the gala or donating from home, Sophisticated Living readers have an opportunity to help give a woman struggling with addiction the support, tools and time she needs to build a different future—and perhaps a different ending.
Summer may be winding down, but St. Louis is just getting started. In his welcome to the September/October issue, Grayling Holmes looks ahead to the city’s bustling fall gala season and the philanthropists, civic leaders and tastemakers who make it one of the most exciting times of the year. This issue celebrates the people, places and ideas shaping St. Louis, while also taking readers beyond our borders into the worlds of travel, automobiles, wine, fashion, food and luxury living. Look back on summer through the always-popular Celebrations pages, then discover stories ranging from a moving remembrance of philanthropist John Ferring and the fascinating St. Louis origins of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair to our cover story on restaurateur Ben Poremba and his ambitious vision for Maker’s Yard on Delmar. Consider it your invitation to savor fall in St. Louis—before the holidays arrive and 2027 is suddenly at our doorstep.
The Saint Louis Zoo's most important annual fundraiser, ZOOFARI 2026 presented by Wells Fargo, brought supporters together for a spectacular summer evening of food, entertainment, and philanthropy on June 12. The all-inclusive "grazing gala" featured signature bites from more than 40 local restaurants and caterers, refreshing libations, and live music from A-Town A-List. Guests also supported the Zoo through a wine pull, bourbon tasting, bubbly wall, silent auction, restaurant gift cards, Topgolf experience, Hearth & Soul pop-up, Kendra Scott Color Bar®, and a giving gallery featuring flamingo artwork. Beyond the festivities, ZOOFARI serves a critical purpose: proceeds from the evening support the Saint Louis Zoo's exceptional animal care and conservation efforts in St. Louis and around the world, making an unforgettable night out an investment in wildlife and its future.
For nearly five decades, The Women's Safe House has provided hope, safety, and a path forward for women and children escaping domestic violence, and this fall the community has an opportunity to help continue that mission. Donors gathered on August 14, 2026, for the organization's annual gala beneath the spectacular Big Top near Powell Hall. It combined breathtaking aerialists, circus performances, fine dining, and inspiring stories into one of the season's most memorable charitable evenings. Proceeds will support emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and life-changing services that empower survivors to rebuild their lives. If you were unable to attend the gala, supporters can always make a tax-deductible donation to the cause. Your funds will make a lasting difference for women and families in crisis while strengthening one of St. Louis' most essential nonprofit organizations.
Experience one of Lafayette Square's most beautiful private homes while supporting the future of one of America's oldest urban parks at A Soiree for the Park on September 18. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of outdoor dining, music, and garden tours, while meeting Jerry Ehrlich, the Lafayette Park Conservancy's newly appointed Executive Director. With all proceeds benefiting tree care and preservation efforts, this signature fundraiser offers a unique opportunity to celebrate historic architecture, exceptional gardens, and the enduring legacy of Lafayette Park.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin has become the first classical musician to receive the prestigious Lincoln Medal, honoring his lifelong contributions to American music, arts education, and public service. Read here how he was honored at the Ford Center in Washington, D.C. to celebrate his extraordinary legacy in St. Louis and beyond. A feature documentary, Don't Call Me Maestro, produced and directed by award-winning documentarian Miran Halen will highlight his upcoming role as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, chronicling four generations of the Slatkin family's impact on American music.
The annual Flower Power fundraiser once again brought together a devoted community of supporters to celebrate the enduring beauty and legacy of Tower Grove Park. One of St. Louis' most anticipated charitable gatherings, the event showcased breathtaking floral artistry by more than 20 of the region's most talented designers, an inspiring program, and special recognition for the individuals whose dedication continues to help this historic landmark flourish year after year. Welcoming 250 guests, Flower Power raised more than $95,000 to support the Park's renowned gardens, enhance the visitor experience, and safeguard this historic landscape for generations to come.
The annual pool party is the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis' signature summer fundraiser, helping ensure that one of the Midwest's premier literary and theatrical festivals continues to thrive. Every ticket purchased, every auction bid placed, and every donation made helps sustain a nonprofit organization that works year-round to bring world-class theater, educational programming, and literary scholarship to our community. This year's event—cleverly titled "An In-Appropriate Afternoon by the Pool"—takes place Sunday, July 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the magnificent Central West End home of philanthropist Andy Arnold. The title, of course, is a playful nod to this fall's headline production, the Tony Award-winning play Appropriate.
Despite a blizzard raging outside in January, the Independence Center sparkled. Nearly 400 people came to the 19th Dancing with the Stars evening held at the Ritz Carlton. By the end of the night more than $555,000 had been raised to support clinical services, community connection, employment opportunities and housing for programs for adults across the region with severe and persistent mental illness. Dancing with the Stars St. Louis is one of the city’s longest-running fundraising traditions — nearly two decades. It has become one of the most highly anticipated fundraising events in the region, and this year was no exception.
The Stranger Than Fiction: Gets A Clue Gala brought all the intrigue of film noir and mystery fiction, with attendees donning their best sleuth attire. More than 430 guests attended and raised $252,000 for St. Louis Public Library. Throughout the evening, attendees could find literary inspired activities such as a clue-inspired mystery game featuring actors from Brickworks Theatre Company. Attendees could also look for red herrings, or sip on one, as the signature cocktail was named after the famous term and created by Tim Wiggins, owner of Extra Wavy, Yellowbelly and Lazy Tiger. Get a clue and you just might find your face inside this article.
On March 28, community and corporate leaders gathered at The Ritz ‑Carlton for the 2026 St. Louis Breakthrough T1D Dream Gala, an elegant evening centered on progress, purpose and hope. Approximately 240 guests attended, which raised an extraordinary $1 million plus and counting, fueling life‑changing research and advancements for the T1D community. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner‑Carlton, silent and live auctions, a live sweepstakes drawing and a powerful Fund A Cure program. More than a celebration, the evening reflected a collective commitment to accelerating cures and improving lives while honoring the resilience, innovation and progress shaping a brighter future for the Type One Diabetes community.
With record-setting attendance, more than 400 supporters gathered at Energizer Park on May 1 for Hear the Future, St. Louis Public Radio’s annual celebration in support of independent local journalism, the city heard the call. This support comes during what has been a defining year for public media, with challenges including the loss of federal funding. In response to those cuts, community members have stepped up to become members of STLPR, with over 28,000 supporters in total – another record for the station. See how supporters of STlPR lit up the night at the 2026 Hear the Future Gala.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
Hosted by Stifel Chairman and CEO Ron Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, more than 400 guests gathered for La Notte Bianca, “White Night in Cortina,” inspired by Cortina d’Ampezzo from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Guests embraced the “all white” theme in glamorous style, turning the night into a dazzling alpine celebration. The record-setting event raised $1.375 million to support the athletes of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, who mingled with guests throughout the evening.
The Saint Louis Art Museum’s 2025 gala, Elements: The Alchemist’s Garden, on December 6, was inspired by the monumental exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea.” The evening, co-chaired by Lisa R. Carnahan and Brooke Ray, celebrated 40 years of the museum gala and featured an immersive dining experience and high-energy after party where elegance and art converged. Proceeds from the event ensure that world-class exhibitions, transformative programs and unparalleled art experiences continue to inspire the community.
The Black and White Ball 2025 was a true celebration of St. Louis’ generous heart. It transformed the Four Seasons Ballroom into a celebration of glamour, community and giving back, blending high-fashion moments with unforgettable performances and hometown pride. Nelly, a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, announced that 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan will be going on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World with his family. Nelly also surprised Harris-Stowe State University student Te’Ron Moore with a 4-year full ride scholarship. Ashanti, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Ozzie Smith, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Wesley Bell.
This year marked the museum’s 20th Art in Bloom, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of fresh flowers and fine art. It drew a record-breaking 35,000-plus visitors from February 27 through March 1. The festival featured 30 local floral designers’ interpreting works from the museum’s collection. In addition to the floral arrangements on view, the Art in Bloom weekend included a successful Preview Party, the ticketed Flowers After Hours event, family programs and a drop-in demonstration by Rachel Cho, a New York–based floral designer who created a large-scale installation in Sculpture Hall for the festival. See highlights.
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) gathered its most brilliant supporters for Spark: CAM's 2026 Gala on Friday, April 17 at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. Spark guests generously raised their paddles during the Fund the Need auction to ensure continued support of beloved CAM programs and resources such as New Art in the Neighborhood, guided tours, youth transportation, Resident Teaching Artist honorariums, Artist Talks, and Family Days. The event generated over $415,000, making it one of the most successful events in CAM’s history—and keeping CAM free and accessible to all.
Twenty nine young women were presented to the Archbishop of St. Louis at the 67th Annual Fleur de Lis Charity Ball on December 27. Held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, the lavish event raised funds for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. To date, the Fleur de Lis has exceeded a total of $3 million in donations. Last year, the hospital provided millions of dollars in free care to children from St. Louis and the surrounding bi-state area.
