Meds & Food for Kids’ Go Nuts for Haiti

Saint Louisans went more than nuts Saturday, February 28, 2015, as a winter storm hit the city with six inches of snowfall. Nevertheless, the allure of a tropical climate and the thoughts of a warm sea breeze prompted several hundred to overcame the elements and “Go Nuts for Haiti” at America’s Center, benefitting Meds & Food for Kids’ efforts to end malnutrition in Haiti. The guests who decided to attend experienced an evening of Haitian food, Haitian drummers, Haitian dancers, and authentic Haitian art.

The America’s Center complemented the theme, reflecting the look of a Haitian retreat. Haitian dancers and drummers entertained the crowd during the reception. Some guests perused the “Haitian huts”, filled with silent auction items featuring original Haitian artwork before the Haitian troupe beckoned them to dinner.

Pat McGonigle, KSDK morning anchor, officially welcomed everyone to the event, followed by a spotlight performace from the Haitian entertainers. Guests dined on a Haitian inspired menu and then heard from Dr. Patricia Wolff, Exectuve Director. A Fund-A-Need appeal concluded the night.

Founded in 2003 by Dr. Patricia Wolff, a Washington University School of Medicine Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Meds & Food for Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of Haiti’s malnourished children and other nutritionally vulnerable people. The organization accomplishes the mission by developing, producing and distributing highly nutritious foods, including the gold standard Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

MFK makes the food products in Haiti, using Haitian workers and whenever possible, Haitian raw materials. Haitians call
the RUTF “Medika Mamba”, or “Peanut Butter Medicine” in Haitian Creole.

Honorary Co-­‐Chairs for the event comprised Alison and John Ferring, Dr. Peter Raven, and Thad Simons with gala co-chairs Patty and Steve Ackerman, Marilyn Nolan, and Fred and Odile Tompkins. Key sponsorship support came from KT, NOVUS International, Alison and John Ferring, Arkema Innovative Chemistry, Patriot Machine, Inc., Chevron Phillips, Armstrong Teasdale, Sedey Harper, PC, Aboussie and Associates, Ascension Global Health, Clayco, Edward Jones, Icon Mechanical, Midwest Bank Centre, Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C., Standing Partnership, Linda Locke, Dr. Andrew Wolff, Dr. Jerry Rosenblum and Ellen Sherberg, Thompson Coburn LLP, Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, Burns & McDonnell, Fred and Odile Tompkins-Moneta Group, Scottrade, Simmons Hanly Conroy, Stone, Leyton & Gershman, A. Bommarito Wines, Anheuser Busch, Donoson Group, Fox Family Foundation, Kaldi’s Coffee, IgniteEvents, Logic Systems Sound & Lighting, Patti Gabriel Photography, Stein Framing, and Stupp Brothers.