| ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, the premiere regional agency providing a safe haven for children of families in crisis, raised $303,000 at their annual Razzle Dazzle Ball on March 3, 2012. The masquerade gala, “A Night of Mystery, Merriment and Magic” at the Sheraton Westport Chalet sold out with 600 guests.
Crisis Nursery presented Tiffany-designed “H.U.G.S. and K.I.S.S.E.S. Awards” to several volunteers and organizations that have supported Crisis Nursery and improved the quality of life for local children. Awardees include: “We have been blessed by the ongoing and unconditional support of our wonderful donors, volunteers and the community,” said Janet Conners, president of the Crisis Nursery Board of Directors. “Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to serve thousands of children in the community every year.” Ninety-nine percent of the children served by Crisis Nursery are returned to their families, and are not abused or neglected while their families are involved in Crisis Nursery programs. Ruthie Schaper purchased a glass of champagne at the event that held a one-carat diamond, and Rebecca Frigy and Heidi Sowatsky won diamond pendants through the “Champagne and Diamond Extravaganza,” a sold-out fundraiser sponsored by Don and Gretchen Gerber and Vincent’s Jewelers. Funds also were raised through silent and live auctions. “We are especially grateful to our premiere corporate sponsor Centene Corporation and all the other sponsors of this event,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of Crisis Nursery. In addition to Centene Corporation, major sponsors included BJC Healthcare, Edward Jones, Emerson, KMOV-TV, Monsanto, Shop ‘n Save, Drs. James & Nanci Bobrow, Don & Gretchen Gerber, GKN Aerospace, Hardee’s, and Missouri Baptist Hospital. Other notable sponsors include Coca-Cola, Shea O’Toole & Darrell Davis, Scottrade, SSM-Cardinal Glennon, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, The Boeing Company, James & Kimberly Wagner, Bancorp South, Phil & Angie Brandt, Carrollton Bank, Essex Dental Benefits, Exotic Motors Midwest, Hogan Trucking, Isle of Capri Casinos, Willie & Annie May, Steve & Sally Mitchell, Qwest Specialty Products and Rhodey Construction, Inc. The blacktie and mask-optional Razzle Dazzle gala featured Houdini-Martini cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, the prestigious H.U.G.S. & K.I.S.S.E.S. Awards, a Magnificent Mask competition and a stilt walker handing out glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces. Dancers from the STL Hula Club performed unusual dance routines with lighted hula hoops, and guests were touched by a video created by Splinter Media Productions. Arvell & Co., Alvin Jett & The Phat noiZ Band and Robin Moore-Chambers provided musical entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies was internationally renowned comedian Buzz Sutherland, who has performed on HBO’s “Comic Relief” and MTV’s “Half Hour Comedy Hour.” Roberta Cohen was the Crisis Nursery Fundraising Merriment Chair. The auction chair was Charlotte McClure and event co-chairs were Drs. Nanci and James Bobrow, Janet and Larry Conners, Chalana and Lathon Ferguson, Ruth and Tim Hogenkamp, Joyce and Jeffrey Jackson, Elizabeth and Mark Niemeyer, and Peter and Kim Wazlawek. Event vice-chairs included Jill Alexander, Millie Cain, Melissa and Gaspare Calvaruso, Pam Duffy, Dan Fitter, Kara and Michael Gatto, Teri Beth Gooch, Stephanie Hall, Lisa Parker, Karen Prideaux, Penny Rogers, Carissa & Scott Rupp, Rep. Jill Schupp, Bill Siedhoff, Phoong Tang and Christina Wilde. The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect by offering real help and real hope to families in crisis. The Crisis Nursery is an independent, not-for-profit agency providing short-term, safe havens for more than 7,300 children a year, birth through age 12, whose families are faced with an emergency or crisis. The Crisis Nursery provides care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at five sites, serving families throughout the greater St. Louis, St. Charles, Southern Illinois and surrounding regions. For more than 25 years, the Crisis Nursery has cared for more than 68,000 children, and provided support and counseling to more than 84,500 families. For details on the Crisis Nursery, call (314) 292-5770 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org. # # #
Photo Captions: Media Contact |
Source: Crisis Nursery News