More than 150 women took part in the Leader’s first-ever Celebrating Women event, held March 8 on International Women’s Day.
The four-hour event was held at the Oak Valley Golf Course and Resort in Pevely and featured a “Hippie Chicks” theme, as well as games and prizes, a dinner catered by Andre’s Banquet Center, desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes and an open bar with beverages from Mother’s Brewing Co.
From left are Ann Witherspoon of Arnold, Lisa Wulfers and Darlene Beffa of Festus and Pam Portell of Crystal City.
“It was a really fun night,” said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital marketing manager for the Leader. “I hope everyone had as much fun as we did because it was a blast.”
The event was sold out, with the Leader selling all 152 available tickets, which cost $40 each.
“I know some missed out on getting tickets and wanted to go,” Skaggs said. “I was ecstatic about the number of women who dressed to the theme. I loved all the fringe, and fun, colored pants and clothing.”
For next year’s event, the Leader plans to present Woman of Impact awards to recognize local female leaders’ hard work and dedication.
“Our inaugural event was a real celebration of women in our community,” said Peggy Scott, publisher for Leader Publications. “As the evening ended, I had several people express interest in expanding the event next year. We plan to develop a way to honor women who make an impact as part of the event."
A small group is being organized to help make plans for next year’s celebration. If you are interested in participating, email peggyscott@leaderpublications.biz.
Skaggs said her favorite part of the event was seeing women supporting women.
Deanna Heselbarth of Imperial, who started the St. Louis area chapter of I Support the Girls, stands with donations made to the organization at the Celebrating Women event.
This year’s women’s celebration also offered attendees the chance to help the St. Louis area chapter of I Support the Girls, an international charitable group that collects new and gently used bras and new underwear and feminine hygiene products for distribution to local girls and women who are unhoused or in need.
“We were blown away by the generosity shown to I Support the Girls before and during the event,” Skaggs said. “The Leader will become a permanent donation site for I Support the Girls.”
Donations may be dropped off at the Leader office at 503 N. Second St. in Festus. Bras may be new or gently used; underwear must be new in the package. Feminine hygiene products may be donated in an open box, but individual items (such as tampons) must be sealed.
Skaggs said the local chapter of I Support the Girls also received $700 from a 50/50 drawing, as well as more money from cash donations made during that night.
Anyone who donated to I Support the Girls had the chance to win several prizes, including a yearlong membership to the St. Louis Art Museum.
Skaggs said she is thankful to all the event sponsors.
The Twin City Area Optimist Club was the event sponsor. Other sponsors included Nothing Bundt Cakes, Staci Templeton/Edward Jones, Reflections Medical Spa, De Soto Veterinary Hospital and Mullberry Hill Sea Salt Scrub.
Skaggs said nothing went to waste. The leftover food was taken to the South County Women’s Shelter.