by Grayling Holmes

Just a week remains until St. Patrick’s Day, the day where EVERYONE’S a little bit Irish. From the 55th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held in downtown St. Louis this year on Saturday, March 16th, to the much-heralded, Annual Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade and celebration held in Dogtown on St. Patrick’s Day itself, Sunday, March 17th, the city will be billowing in all things green.

But why wait until that long? On Friday, February 23rd, the St. Patrick Center Young Professionals Board held its 17th Annual Irish Party to kick off the season. This year, the event raised $14,500. The money raised from Irish Party is used to help people who are facing homelessness. St. Patrick Center provides housing, employment, and healthcare to individuals and their families.

The 2024 Irish Party St. Patrick Center fudraiser was a great success. This year’s Irish Party was the first one to be held at Blueberry Hill in the St. Louis suburb of University City. The Duck room at Blueberry Hill was the perfect space and atmosphere for guests. 130 guests attended the event, where they enjoyed delicious food, beer and wine, raffle baskets, a whiskey and wine pull, a Chuck-a-luck game, and a Series Six pop-up shop.

Although footage from this year’s party at Blueberry Hill is not yet available, besides the location, not much has changed with the party held 15 years ago at Vin De Set in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood. Take a peek at the 2009 event in the video that follows.

2009 St. Patrick’s Center Irish Party held in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood at the Vin De Set French restaurant.

Throughout the year, the center holds other fundraisers to help fill the immense community need. The Irish Open Gala and Golf tournament will be held on June 1 and 3, 2024. Their Veterans Day 5K on takes place on November 9th. Although these fundraisers help supplement their 22-million dollar annual operation budget, some of the which from government funds, the need is still great.

St. Patrick Center supports St. Louisans in need Winter 2024.

In addition to patronizing parties, galas, and other fundraisers, they encourage donors to give of their time and talents also. Volunteering is a great way to get involved. They have many great volunteer opportunities.

To make a financial commitment to the mission-critical work of St. Patrick Center, one can contact Bri Gerzevske at 314-802-5416.

Sophisticated Living readers and others can also make a donation online at www.stpatrickcenter.org/donate. Contributions of time, talent, and monetary gifts are gratefully received!

The St. Patrick Center Young Professionals Board is already planning next year’s fundraiser. Readers are welcome to join in the planning process or to give ideas on better ways to generate funds while having fun.

Speaking of fun, here are some highlights from this year’s Irish Party at Blueberry Hill.

The Young Professionals Board and Irish Party planning committee,

Young Professionals Board member Lauren Roehlke and friend.

Patrick McFadden, Chair of Young Professionals Board with Allie McFadden, Irish Party Chair.

Young Professionals Board members Andrey, Maura, and Kate.

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, focuses services in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, provides assistance to 3,700 individuals and families annually. In addition to St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program operates in seven outlying counties: Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Francois, Warren and Washington.

For more information, please visit their website at stpatrickcenter.org.

St. Paddy's Day Season Began with the Irish Party to Benefit St. Patrick Center