On Saturday, October 26th, Lococo Art Publisher’s Matt Mercer had the privilege of attending the Annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala. The fundraising dinner’s goal was to help fuel the work for LGBTQ+ equality, and to gather together in solidarity. In addition to his table of ten, hundreds of supporters filled the ballroom of downtown’s tony Hyatt Regency Hotel. The gathering was there to celebrate this year’s mission, PEOPLE, PURPOSE, PROGRESS. The event raised thousands of dollars in support of HRC’s mission – to support, protect and defend every member of the community. Read more.

Read here how Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was begun by an 8-year-old little girl raising money at her lemonade stand. Recently, Northwestern Mutual Clayton hosted its annual fundraiser, “Cocktails for a Cure,” The $110,000 raised will be donated to long-time partner Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to further research for childhood cancer and support families affected by a diagnosis.

May and June are months where we celebrate our origins, ours parents – May is for mothers – June is for fathers. At May’s MOMentous Luncheon all things MOM were celebrated at the annual fundraiser for The Haven of Grace. Haven is an organization dedicated to caring for and building up some of the most vulnerable mothers in our area, the homeless. This year, The Steward family brought the full force of its Steward Family Foundation to downtown’s Missouri Athletic Club. Read more here.

The Chamber Music Society's Vintage Gala committee held a kickoff reception at Adam Foster's Fine Jewelry featuring an exclusive exhibition of haute couture vintage gowns by Alex Teih of New York. The gala committee is planning an exceptional evening of entertainment on Monday, September 9 at The Sheldon to commemorate Leonard Slatkin's 80th birthday and the Chamber Music Society's 15th Anniversary.  Read more here.

The summer months are almost upon us. Spring is officially here until June 20th, but anyone who’s lived in St. Louis for any length of time knows that things heat up a lot sooner. And there are so many hot social functions to attend until we all head off for destinations across the globe or just nest here for staycations when the social season takes a little break. Here are a potpourri of sophisticated celebrations from which to choose.

This Saturday, April 13th, Microfinancing Partners in Africa will welcome four women from Africa to St. Louis. These women diligently work with our local nonprofit to transform the lives of those living in extreme poverty through income-driven initiatives. These four women, referred to as ‘Sandals on the Ground,’ can offer stories of strength, resilience, courage, and perseverance for compelling interviews or appearances. Learn more here.

Metro Theater Company, a longstanding pillar of the St. Louis arts scene, kicked off its annual gala festivities at the beautiful home of Russell Jackson and Alex Gutierrez. The event drew a diverse crowd, including longtime supporters and newcomers eager to learn about Metro's mission. See the night in pictures here.

A new fundraising record for Easterseals Midwest — $888,968 — was set as over 400 local attendees gathered for the 40th annual Festival Gala and Auction. The funds will support Easterseals’ work to provide life-changing services to the nearly 6,500 adults, children, and families who count on the organization for daily support. Learn more about the organization and see party pics here.

The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis celebrated its 9th annual season with a kickoff party at the home of Ann Sheehan Lipton on March 7th. Sparkling repartee, stimulating aperitifs, and delectable hors d’oeuvres filled the manse with color — the color red. The festival board of directors brought together major donors and theater lovers to celebrate the brilliance of St. Louis’ own acclaimed playwright, Tennessee Williams. Party pics and details on upcoming season events, including the cabaret and pool party here.

March and April present a veritable smorgasbord of delectable St. Louis galas stacked on top of one another like a decadently delicious treat. Pick from the delights of spring. So many of them fall on the same date, you might have to hippity hop down the gala trail to gobble them all up. Read on for the full menu.

St. Louis society came out in enchanting attire and were ready to wave their magic wands and open their pocketbooks for The Magic Ball: La Dolce Vita! This year’s gala to benefit the Magic House, not only celebrated the opening of their newest cultural exhibit, Ciao Bambini!, but also helped raise nearly $500,000 to support their Access for All initiative that provides hands-on learning experiences to those in need. Click on the pic to see the evening’s highlights.