Sophisticated Society

JOIN THE JOURNEY

The Little Bit Foundation held a hybrid version of its annual Join the Journey Gala back in October. About 200 guests mingled at the Four Seasons St. Louis downtown while the rest of the supporters enjoyed the evening online. Little Bit has adapted and ramped up efforts during the pandemic through direct-to-home food distribution for students and families, virtual tutoring and other new programming that supports learning.

IPHF’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY

The International Photography Hall of Fame honored its 2020 class of inductees and awardees while celebrating its 55th anniversary virtually. Hall of Fame inductees include Robert Adams, Lynsey Addario, the late Alfred Eisenstaedt, Hiro, Jay Maisel, Duane Michals and Carrie Mae Weems. Legendary rock music photographer Henry Diltz was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

ANGAD ARTS HOTEL RECEPTION

A reception was held at the Angad Arts Hotel in Grand Center to celebrate the opening of two new exhibits. Black Nonpareil and Imperfect Pixels feature a total of 18 local artists. All of the art is for sale and will be on display through April 25. For more artist information, head to sophisticatedstlouis.com.

YWCA LEADER LUNCH

The 40th Annual YWCA Leader Lunch was held virtually with a live broadcast from Spot Studio in South St. Louis. Many amazing leaders were recognized for partnering with the YWCA to help provide safety, security, and stability to women and children in the St. Louis community.

STAN MUSIAL CELEBRATION

Rather than the usual live gathering for The Musial Awards, a drive-by birthday party was held in Downtown St. Louis to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Stan Musial’s birth. Musial’s family and other special guests including Fredbird and the St. Louis Sports Commission greeted fans with cheers, music, and fireworks as they drove past.

GREAT FUTURES GALA

Scholarships were awarded at the ‘70s-themed Great Futures Gala for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. The event was held at the upper Muny lot in Forest Park and raised $450,000. Youth of the Year Ja’Niyah Banks-Ewing was awarded a $5,000 scholarship, a renewable college scholarship and a new car from Frank Leta Honda.

THE J’LA

The J’s annual fundraising gala– The J’la¬– was held virtually with special guest star Jason Alexander. Philanthropist Alice Ludmer was honored online during the evening. Money raised helps support scholarships that provide respite for caregivers, camps and childcare for families unable to afford those opportunities, and financial and physical assistance to those with disabilities.

ABC’S DANCING WITH THE STARS FINALE

It was a fantastic season of Dancing With the Stars as St. Louis’ own star, Nelly, made it all the way to the show’s finale. The “triple threat” (he’s now a singer, actor, and dancer) scored perfect 10s from the celebrity judges when he and his partner, Daniella Karagach, brought hip hop to the ballroom floor for their final performance. The pair finished in third place behind Nev Schulman and winner Kaitlyn Bristowe.

SAINT LOUIS BALLET’S NUTCRACKER EXTRAVAGANZA

The joy of The Nutcracker was shared to viewers in their homes everywhere as the Saint Louis Ballet made the performance available for free. Dancers pre-recorded the show in early December. VIP packages were made available that included a catered dinner from Butler’s Pantry, Cookies and Confections by Jen, and special delivery from a costumed– and masked– dancer.