We’re losing 900 World War II veterans every day as they die of old age. Greater St. Louis Honor Flight seeks to celebrate these heroes by transporting them to and from the National WW II Memorial in Washington, D.C., so they can pay their respects to their fallen brothers. St. Louisans will have a chance to say ‘thanks’ April 26, when the organization hosts Tribute to The Greatest Generation. A very special guest at the event is LOUIS ZAMPERINI, a World War II bombardier, prisoner of war and hero of Unbroken, the best-selling book now being made into a movie directed by Angelina Jolie. The tribute features vintage aircraft and military hardware, and takes place at the Jet Linx private aviation hangar at Lambert Airport.
YouthBridge Community Foundation is now offering customized charitable gift cards to businesses and organizations as an innovative way to recognize partners, clients and employees. The cards can be redeemed to benefit a charity chosen by the recipient. “It’s a great way to build your brand, show you care about your your employees’ and clients’ favorite causes, and spread the love of philanthropy,” says Lisa Dinga of YouthBridge. Cards are fully tax-deductable.
Emmy Award-winning actor ED ASNER performs his acclaimed solo show, FDR, April 27 at Edison Theatre. The play, based on Dore Schary’s Sunrise at Campobello, focuses on one of America’s most complex, influential presidents as he reflects on his years in office, which included the Great Depression and World War II. Asner is best known for his indelible performance as Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The one-night-only event is a benefit for the New Jewish Theatre, which is dedicated to the exploration of universal themes and issues filtered through the lens of the Jewish experience.
Magnificent Missouri, a nonprofit that organizes fundraising events to benefit more than 20 regional environmental groups, has been named Conservation Organization of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri. MagMo co-founders Dan Burkhardt and John McPheeters host an April 6 reception at Missouri Botanical Garden to celebrate the award and to preview Heartland, a Nine Network-produced documentary about state conservation efforts.
Rainbow Village has named DENNY REAGAN, president/CEO of The Muny, as recipient of its 2014 Tice Humanitarian Award. In recognition of his support, leadership and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, Reagan will be the first award recipient to have a Rainbow Village home dedicated in his name. He’ll be honored at an April 25 gala, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Pictured: Louis Zamperini
