St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Charitable Foundation’s 18th Annual A Taste of Italy
The 1904 World’s Fair Charitable Foundation hosted its 18th ” A Taste of Italy” Gala and Auction to benefit the Missouri Adoption Exchange and the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park, Sunday, November 3, 2013, at the St. Louis Women’s Club
This fun-filled event featured signature entrées from the following favorite St. Louis area restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and other food and beverage merchants: Adriana’s on the Hill, A’mis Italian Restaurants, Brio Tuscan Grill, Cafe Napoli, Chef on Call-Dan Felder, Concetta’s, Fazio’s Bakery, Fratelli’s Ristorante, Gioia’s Deli, Irene’s Catering, Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas, Let’s Party Now Catering, Lorenzo’s Trattoria, Lo Russo’s Cucina, Massa’s Italian Restaurant, Naked Bacon, Oceano Bistro, Lou Boccardi’s, Patrick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Paul Mineo’s Trattoria, St. Louis Women’s Club, Vito’s in the Valley, and Zia’s on the Hill These well-known and respected chefs/donors presented unique foods, wine tastings and other beverages for everyone’s eating and drinking pleasure, all to the music of the entertaining Mike Farmer.
Tickets cost $175 per person or $225 for the VIP/Premium Wine Room. “The Coach” John Parker served as the master of ceremonies and auctioneer, motivating guests to open their pockets to items like dining out, get-aways, a gourmet dinnner party, or a “great day for the ladies”.
The evening ended with a thrilling performance by the Ladue Strolling Strings. The net proceeds will be split equally between the Missouri Adoption Exchange and the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park.
The St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Charitable Foundation was established on March 14, 2002 at the top of the Chase Hotel with over 900 people in attendance. Launching the effort was Governor Bob Holden, St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis County Executive “Buzz” Westfall, Archbishop Rigali, TV 4 News Anchors Julius Hunter and Vickie Newton with Frank Ferrara, President of the Saint Louis Ambassadors, as the Keynote Speaker. As part of the ceremony a Missouri Proclamation was read by the Governor appointing Cicardi A. Bruce as Chairman and Richard T. Pisani as President.
This not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) comprises an all-volunteer, grassroots and diverse group of individuals from all walks of life established to host and co-host celebratory events in Forest Park to salute our forefathers and the 100 year anniversary of the 1904 World’s Fair and III Olympics throughout the year 2004.
The mission continues today to raise the necessary funds for the Forest Park “Beautification Program”, the St. Louis Zoo and other local charities.
For more information about the 18th Annual Taste of Italy or the 1904 World’s Fair Foundation, please contact Fran Capra at 314-952-2640 or visit the website, http://www.1904stl.com.
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- Carolyn and Doug Pearson, Ed and Sheila Gilkerson
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- Sherry Farmer, Lisa Schaffer, director of development, Missouri Adoption Exchage
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- Harold Dielmann, Kathy Kusmec, Ralph Turney
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- Shirley Shannon, Ron Carter
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- Cicardi Bruce, co-chair, and Susan Bruce, Robbie Kuske, Bob Heiser
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- Gabrielle Scherr-Thoss, Garry Gossett
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- Richard Terry, Ann Tripodi, Bill Ballard
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- Larry Walker, board chair, Missouri Adoption Exchange, and Judy Walker
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- Inge Whyte, Betty Shepley, Joan Fitzgerald
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- Natalia and Brian Nauert
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- Alana Treppler, Lisa Goessling, Wally Treppler, Diane Anderson
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- John Kreilich, Naked Bacon, Natalie Coyle, Brio Tuscan Grille
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- “The Coach” John Parker, master of ceremonies/auctioneer, Rich Pisani, co-chair, Jeanne Savel, Joanie Bengston, Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Executive
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- Mark Johnson, Lisa Goessling
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- Gabrielle Scherr-Thoss, Gary Gossett, Jeanne Savel
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- Brad and Karen Wood
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- Sean Keough, Alana and Wally Treppler
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- Mason, Annalise O’Brien
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- Harry Lively, Mark and Christi Evans, Rich Pisani, Jeffrey Miller
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- Bob Heiser, Robbie Kuske
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- Lisa Goessling, John and Darcy Walsh, Rachel Boone
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- Richard Terry, Alana Treppler
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- Peggy Nicolai, David Meyers, Gay Burns
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- John Parker, Annalise O’Brien
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- Joanie Bengston with co-chairs Rich Pisani, Fran Capra
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- Charlie Nemec, Jeanne Savel
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- John Parker, Mason, Annalise O’Brien
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- Annalise O’Brien, Lindsey Giaudrone
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- Barb O’Loughlin, Joanie Bengston, Rachel Boone a/k/a “Spunky Horowitz”, Rich Pisani, Fran Capra, Inge Whyte
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- Larry Walker, board chair, Missouri Adoption Exchange thanks guests for their support.
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- Cicardi Bruce, Halina Conti, Joanie Bengston (reading), Rich Pisani recognize the efforts of Fran Capra.
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- Fran Capra takes a moment with entertainer Mike Farmer.
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- Co-chairs Rich Pisani, Cicardi Bruce
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- Joanie Bengston , Fran Capra
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- Mike Farmer covers some of the audience’s favorites.
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- Mike Farmer
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- Ladue Strolling Strings full ensemble opens its program.
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- Background musicians accompany the strolling group.
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- Ladue Strolling Strings
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- Ladue Strolling Strings enchant the audience.
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- One of the ensemble’s members
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- Ladue Strolling Strings surround the guests’ tables.
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- Ladue Strolling Strings
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- Cocktail hour and silent auction browsing
