St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Fabulous Fox Help Raise $350,000 for Tornado Relief
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and the Fabulous Fox announced that more than $350,000 has been raised to support the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Disaster Relief Fund, a joint initiative that included a benefit concert on June 29 at the Fabulous Fox and a related online donation effort.
SLSO and its two choruses. / photo by Latrelle Yancey
All funds raised will benefit the Urban League and support the most immediate needs of people displaced or impacted in north St. Louis following the May 16 EF-3 tornado, including:
Large-scale food distribution
Temporary hotel housing
Necessities such as toiletries and personal care items
Emergency building supplies
A portion of the funds will also support partner churches damaged by the tornado in the SLSO’s IN UNISON program, which has connected congregations primarily in north St. Louis to the orchestra for more than 30 years.
The Urban League continues to accept donations to the Disaster Relief Fund directly through its website.
Marie-Hélène Bernard, SLSO President and CEO, said, “On behalf of the 170 musicians on stage, Music Director Stéphane Denève, and IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth, the SLSO thanks the St. Louis community for its exceptional support of this joint effort benefiting the Urban League’s vital disaster relief efforts. We are grateful to our friends at the Fabulous Fox for opening their doors wholeheartedly to host the June 29 concert, and to our friends at The Muny for their strong support. This collaboration is a shining example of what the community can achieve in the face of adversity through vision, teamwork, and unity.”
Michael McMillan, Marie-Hélène Bernard, and Stéphane Denève. / photo by Latrelle Yancey
Jeff Antrainer, The Fabulous Fox President & CFO, said, “The Fabulous Fox and its owners are truly honored to have been part of the benefit concert alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Urban League. It was incredibly moving to see our community come together with such heart and generosity. We are deeply thankful to everyone who showed up to support our neighbors and help bring hope and healing to those affected by the tornado.”
Teresia Simmons recites an original poem. / photo by Latrelle Yancey
Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO, said, “We are tremendously grateful to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Fabulous Fox, and The Muny for standing with us during this time of crisis. Their generosity and partnership have not only raised over $350,000, but also renewed hope for families, churches, and entire neighborhoods working to recover and rebuild. This inspiring collaboration is a shining example of how the arts can unite a community in compassion, purpose, and action.”
Pay-what-you-wish concert ticket purchases generated $100,000 in addition to $250,000 in donations directly to the Urban League, with another $150,000 pending as challenge grants. Leadership gifts came from Noémi Neidorff, BSI Constructors, Nancy and Walter Galvin, and the Steward Family Foundation.
Dr. Charles Pearson leads a prayer. / Latrelle Yancey
The June 29 concert, led by SLSO Music Director Stéphane Denève, and Kevin McBeth, director of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, featured the SLSO and members of its two resident choruses—the IN UNISON Chorus, which specializes in the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora, and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.
Many of the singers in the IN UNISON Chorus come from SLSO partner churches in the SLSO’s IN UNISON program. Grammy Award winner BeBe Winans also joined the orchestra and choruses for an uplifting performance. The program included music of reflection, hope, and resilience, as well as a moving tribute to Patricia Penelton, an IN UNISON Chorus charter member who died in the tornado.
Michael McMillan, BeBe Winans, Stéphane Denève, and Kevin McBeth. / photo by Latrelle Yancey
About the Urban League Disaster Relief Efforts
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has been actively involved in disaster relief efforts following the May 16 tornado that impacted the city. They've been providing food, shelter, and essential supplies to displaced residents. A large-scale distribution event on May 24 saw over 500 volunteers distributing 3,000 packages of food and necessities. The Urban League continues to accept donations to their Disaster Relief Fund, which supports their ongoing efforts, including temporary housing and emergency building supplies.
Here's a more detailed look at their work:
The Urban League has held multiple large-scale distribution events, providing essential items like food, toiletries, and other necessities to those impacted by the tornado.
The Urban League is accepting donations to their Disaster Relief Fund, which is crucial for their ongoing efforts.
The organization is working to provide temporary hotel accommodations for those displaced by the tornado.
The Urban League is committed to long-term recovery efforts, including providing resources for rebuilding and stabilization of homes.
The Urban League is collaborating with other organizations like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Schnucks Markets, along with the city of St. Louis, to maximize their impact.
The Urban League is specifically requesting items like tarps, caulk, buckets, tools, and other supplies for home stabilization and cleanup.
The Urban League's efforts are a vital part of the larger community response to the tornado, providing immediate relief and working towards long-term recovery for those affected.