Parts of Washington County, Mo., look like a storybook forest, with flowers blooming everywhere and woodland creatures drinking from a sparkling pond. If you were casually driving by the area, located about 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis County, you’d never guess that unemployment is high and many residents can’t afford food, utilities and other necessities.
But more than 70 years ago, LaDonna Hermann stopped her car—and never left. Hermann co-founded the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King, a group of Catholic women who devote their lives to helping the poor. Based at St. Michael House in Fertile, Mo., they assist more than 3,000 residents annually with basic needs such as food, clothing, medical supplies and shelter, and they partner with area leaders to create solutions for economic problems. Services include a food pantry, self-help work programs, and educational, religious and social activities.
“These women are committed to improving the quality of life for these families,” explains Maura Houseworth of Friends of the Rural Parish Workers, an organization dedicated to supporting the nonprofit’s efforts. “They are phenomenal human beings, so kind and loving. They never turn anyone away. If your child is sick and needs a doctor or if you need gas money to get to a job interview, they’re there for you. They restore the dignity and self-respect of everyone they encounter.”
The group receives financial assistance from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, but much of its funding comes from the annual Friends of the Rural Parish Workers Luncheon and Fashion Show. This year’s event, co-chaired by Houseworth and Therese Hagemeister, takes place Sept. 26 at The Ritz-Carlton. “We have something for everyone, from fun boutiques you can browse with your friends to fabulous raffle items and door prizes donated by high-end local merchants,” Houseworth says. Boutiques open at 10 a.m., followed by cocktails and lunch.
The runway show, produced by StLouisInStyle.com and hosted by Guy Phillips and Kathy Ferrara, features the latest fall fashions from Chesterfield Mall and West County Center. Participating stores include Charming Charlie, Francesca’s, H&M, and White House|Black Market at both malls; American Girl, Camille La Vie, Dillard’s, Hot Mama, and Monsoon Children at Chesterfield Mall; and Cache, Gap/Gap Kids, Geranium and The North Face at West County Center. “I’ve been producing this show more than 10 years,” says Sean Phillips, founder of StLouisInStyle and regional marketing director of CBL & Associates Properties, which owns and operates Chesterfield Mall and West County Center. “I’m honored to help support the work of this wonderful organization.”
A highlight of this year’s luncheon will be a tribute to Workers co-founder LaDonna Hermann, who died recently at age 96. “I saw her just a few weeks before she passed away, and she was still hard at work,” Houseworth recalls. “She gave us all a hug, and her smile lit up the room. By supporting the community she and the Workers built, we can make sure her spirit lives on.”
Photo: Bill Barrett; Blue dress by Never Enough
Pictured: Luncheon and fashion show co-chairs Maura Houseworth and Therese Hagemeister
[The annual Friends of the Rural Parish Workers Luncheon and Fashion Show, benefiting the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King, takes place Sept. 26 at The Ritz-Carlton. The show, produced by StLouisInStyle.com, features the latest fall looks from retailers at Chesterfield Mall and West County Center. Tickets start at $75, with a table of 10 at $750. For tickets, call 314.965.0993. For more information, visit rpwck.org.]
