Blacktie photojournalists have professionally covered hundreds of events from benefit runs, walks, and thrift store openings to intimate and enormous fund raisers and of course, blacktie galas. Here you will find the events that our members wanted covered. Many of the over 500,000 pictures from the thousands of covered events from the last seven years are here for all to enjoy and share
Moonrise Hotel's Charitable Grand Opening Liftoff
What: Charitable Grand Opening to Benefit Places for People Where: The Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar in the Loop When: May 9, 2009 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Ticket Prices: $125.00 Beneficiary: Places for People Host(s): Joe Edwards EMCEE: Jennifer Blome Gala Chairperson(s): John Russell of Stifel Nicolaus, and Alison Ferring Executive Director: Francie Broderick, M.S. Co-President(s): James Fox Speaker: Alison Ferring, John Russell, Francie Broderick, and Joe Edwards Entertainment: Magician Brent Loewenstein, music by the Dawn Weber Duo, fortune teller Juniper Grimes, and caricaturist Coyote. Music: Jeremy Davenport Sponsors: Paric Corporation, Asset Strategies, Inc., Bob Brown, First Bank, Tami and Eric Strand, Josephine and Richard Weil, Bill and Judy Krenn, Paul and Jean Mennes, Ann and Leon Robinson, Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, Dr. and Mrs. Jorge Alegre, John and Laura Meyer, Paul and Laura Miller, Sally and George Nikolajevich, Joe and Laura Valenti, James Wilson and Patti Gabriel Quote of the evening: "The Difference is night and day" , Francie Broderick Menu: Imported and domestic cheese display, chilled gulf prawns with cocktail sauce, chicken sate with roasted Thai peanut sauce, Bow-tie pasta, Penne pasta with marinara, roasted prime rib of beef, and an assortment of mini desserts. Attire: Lunar attire requested, otherwise business casual attire. Information: Kathryn Jamboretz, Twist, 314.863.3033 ext. 275; Harry Lunt, Moonrise Hotel, 314-721-1111 Donors: American Airlines, Joe Ambrose, Jennifer Blome, Joe Edwards, Hotel Mela, Mark Howald, Scott Kolker, Karen Kowach, Waller McGuire, Patty Long Catering, Joe Reyes, John Russell, Benet Schaeffer, Steve Stogel and Melinda Allen, Mary Straus, Tivoli Theater, Rob Thurman. Board of Directors: Paul Kaufmann, President; James Fox, Vice-President; Kathleen Wehrfritz, M.B.A. , Treasurer; Steve Meier,Secretary; Robin Kolker Adkins; Jennifer Blome; Shonagh Clements; Nancy Cripe; Susan Ehlers; Alison Ferring; Rick Heldorfer; Tim Hobart, M.B.A.; LaRhonda Jones, M.D.; Kevin Kissling; Lee Kling; Scott Kolker; Bill Krenn; Bill Metroff; Trigg Render; Leon Robison, M.D.; Tami Strand, M.B.A. Blacktie Photos by: Jennifer McConnell
Senator Claire McCaskill, left, with Francie Broderick,
Executive Director of PFP
The grand opening of Joe Edwards Moonrise hotel was one that surely left it's attendees with stars in their eyes. The grand event, which benefited Places for People, began it's countdown to liftoff at 6:00 p.m. with cosmic cuisine and cocktails offered in both the Apollo 8 room on the second floor and in the elegant Eclipse restaurant, located on the main floor. "In-flight entertainment" gave guests many fun opportunities, featuring a fortune teller, a caricaturist, well known magician Brent Loewenstein, and St. Louis native, Jeremy Davenport, a renowned singer and trumpet player.
The liftoff began at 7:30 pm featuring speakers Alison Ferring, Jennifer Blome, John Russell, and Francie Broderick. Shortly into the program, the speakers were interrupted as the Places for People staff majestically marched into the lobby to the 2001 Space Odyssey theme song ("Was Also Sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss). Armed with rainbow light sabers, the troops created the "Arch of Sabers" heralding the arrival of Joe Edwards in full astronaut regalia.
The program concluded with a presentation of artwork to Joe Edwards in gratitude for all he has done to support Places for People, and a charity auction whose auction list included a trip to New York for a June production of "Hair", won with a bid for $1,500.00, and the item everyone had their eye on, a one week trip to Paris, France valued at $4,500.00, and won with a bid for $2,800.00
Following the program, some patrons chose to relax to the stylish music of Jeremy Davenport and his band in the Eclipse restaurant. Others chose to take in the beauty of the night on the rooftop terrace.The evening weather turned out to be the perfect conditions for the opening of the terrace which was lined with telescopes allowing patrons to get an up-close look at the heavens above, while staff offered delicious desserts and refreshments.
Places for People, the organization that benefited from this event, was founded in 1972 to provide housing and mental services to individuals being discharged from the Saint Louis psychiatric hospital. Today the Places for People Club offers individuals psychosocial rehabilitation, social interaction, activities, hot meals, and relief from extreme weather conditions. PFP assist their members in finding and maintaining affordable housing, as well as offering emergency housing and group home options.
Francie Broderick defined PFP and its members as “The difference between night and day”, stating that PFP is what makes the difference between a homeless individual in need of help and support, and a PFP member, who have the assistance and support they require, who are now an active part of this community once again.
She also stated that PFP and Joe Edwards held something very powerful in common. “The powerful urge to fill a need”. Joe wanted to “add what was missing in the Loop”; “PFP want to fill a critical human need for reclaiming their lives devastated by mental illness”.
Whether it was the lunar wardrobe choices, the great food and entertainment, or even the huge rotating moon on the top of the roof, this night will go down as being one to remember for years to come, a spectacular event that was truly out of this world.
