American Brain Tumor Association Fall Festival

On September 15, 2012, I had the honor of attending the 15th annual American Brain Tumor Association Fall Festival at the St. Louis Science Center. The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.

Funds raised at the benefit went directly and exclusively to brain tumor research funded by ABTA. The festival was started in 1997 by Jeanne Savel in memory of her sister Terri Sepac Yarbrough who lost her battle at the young age of 36 after giving birth to her third child.

This year’s event was put together by dedicated individuals whose lives have been forever touched by a brain tumor diagnosis and volunteers from local high schools and universities. 

If you have questions on how to support their efforts please call 800-886-ABTA (2282) or visit here.

Bonnie Nichoalds- STL

Variety's Night of the Rising Stars

The Children’s Charity, Variety of St. Louis, has been a huge support for special needs kids of St. Louis for close to 80 years.  Variety has a strong bond and an exquisite history in this community, and St. Louis can rely on Variety to care for their children.  Over time Variety has advanced and has become a big part of the lives of St. Louis children.

Diana Ross

This year, Variety hosted their Dinner With the Stars and Night of the Rising Stars which featured Joe Buck and the amazing Diana Ross. The event raised over $3 million dollars which means 14,000 children a year are able to receive help from Variety. Incredible!

My mom was my date for the event

Thank you to Mollie Francis and the Variety for inviting me to be a apart of your special event. My mom and I had a great time meeting all the Variety members and dancing the night away to Diana Ross! "If I have someone who believes in me, I can move mountains." -Diana Ross

USO Salute our Heroes Gala

After a fun day of visiting Wildwood Middle School, it was time to get ready for the USO Salute our Heroes Gala at downtown's Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the arch. 

The Salute our Heroes Gala was a dinner to honor our local military heroes. The 13 honorees were selected by their peers for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty and heroism. 

We sat with chairman of the board, Al Kaste, his wife, and his two daughters, as well as St. Louis sculptor Don Wiegand and his wife. 

Thank you Kathy O'Connor, Chris Trotter, Sara Colvin, and everyone at USO Missouri for inviting me to this special event. It was truly an honor to be surrounded by so many incredible service men and women for the evening. I look forward to many more events in the future.