Creative Force: COCA

Creative expression is a powerful thing, and every community benefits when there is a place to nurture the arts. For more than 30 years, COCA has enriched our community by encouraging the creative potential of people of all ages, ability levels and backgrounds. As one of the largest community arts centers in the entire country, COCA is a leader in arts education. “Each year, we provide $1 million in free programming, scholarships and support services,” says executive director Kelly Pollock. “Our goal is to make sure the arts are accessible to all students regardless of income.” This mission wouldn’t be possible without COCAcabana, the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraising event.

Pollock says COCAcabana is known as one of the most exciting and unique parties in St. Louis. This year, the event will be held April 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, and the theme is Show Your Stripes, an appropriate reflection of COCA’s inclusive philosophy, according to Pollock. “In addition to stripes being a hot fashion trend, it captures our spirit and outlook,” she says. “We accept individuality, show creativity and celebrate the diversity of this city. The theme encourages people to be their best selves and express what that means to them.”

Guests can look forward to some amazing experiences, like live music from FatPocket and performances from COCA students. ‘Table One’ also is returning for the third year. The exclusive VIP ticket option for 10 includes special amenities like a one-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton. “We also have an exciting live auction,” says Virginia Howell, major gifts officer. Guests can bid on a trip to New York to visit the showroom of Louisa Rector, owner of the clothing line Mestiza and a COCA alumna. “There are so many incredible experiences—tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Frozen on Broadway, a trip to a dude ranch, a getaway to a private home in Palm Springs, and Super Bowl tickets for next year,” Howell says. “There is really something for everyone!” An early incentive raffle included tickets to Hamilton at The Fabulous Fox, featuring COCA alumna Yvette Lu.

As it has been for the past eight years, Anheuser-Busch is presenting sponsor. “Our ongoing support of COCA speaks to the great work that Kelly Pollock and the entire COCA team do to enrich lives and build bridges in the St. Louis community,” says Bill Bradley, vice president of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch. COCA has a fundraising goal of more than $850,000 for the event. “COCAcabana is a critical element of our success each year, and the money raised helps support student scholarships and education programs,” Pollock says. “We really do rely on the generosity of the community to support our efforts.”

This year also marks some very exciting growth for the nonprofit, which is expanding through its Create Our Future campaign, a $40 million plan to double the center’s physical space. The first phase of renovations is beginning now, which means that for the first time in many years, COCAcabana has to be held off-site. “It still will be a signature COCA event and live up to its reputation as one of the most creative parties in town,” Pollock says. “We’re transforming The Ritz-Carlton to express our creativity and flavor.”

Pictured above: Executive director Kelly Pollock and Bill Bradley of Anheuser-Busch
Photo courtesy of COCA

COCA’s mission is to enrich lives and build community through the arts. It’s COCAcabana 2018 Show Your Stripes fundraiser is April 20 at The Ritz-Carlton. Pictured on the cover: event chairs Joe Werner, Dana Redwing, Ward Brown, Susie Sachs, Kim Kuehner, Susan Werner, Ron Redwing, Lauren Brown and Johathan Sachs. For more information, call Virginia Howell at 314.561.4870. Visit cocastl.org.

Cover courtesy of COCA