This isn’t only a gala, it’s a ‘jubilee.’ And you can feel the excitement in the air. “We’re calling it a ‘jubilee’ because we want to get across the idea of celebration,” says Tim Butler, executive director of Mary Ryder Home, “of our residents and our history.”
The Mary Ryder residential center in the Central West End is home to more than 60 vulnerable older women. Many fall below the poverty line, and some have suffered abuse. The home has sheltered elderly women since 1930 when it was founded by Depression-era citizen Mary Elizabeth Ryder as she was moved by the hardship around her. Although the home was expected to close when the economy recovered, Ryder saw an ongoing need and worked to keep it open. Today, thanks to the United Way, fundraising efforts and donations from the public, it remains a safety net for some of our city’s most fragile.
The Mary Ryder Home Jubilee 2017 is its biggest annual fundraiser and this year’s goal, says board member Barb Pierce, is $350,000. But there’s work to do: “We’re looking for sponsorships now,” says Butler, explaining the levels that fall between $20,000 (for presenting sponsor) and $1,500 (the Bronze level). “We have a Silver sponsorship ($2,500) and we’re working on a Platinum one ($10,000).” It’s the first time the event will be held at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, which has more room for guests. “We’re shooting for 450, but the space can hold 600,” Butler says. It’s also a first for the $50 ‘Wine Pull,’ which guarantees a nice bottle of vino for every raffle ticket purchase.
As in past years, a live auction will include a selection of resort trips, and the ‘Funda-Need’ portion of the evening will offer participants a chance to pledge donations toward essential Mary Ryder services. “Our residents often require therapies and prescriptions not always covered by insurance,” Butler explains. “Fund-a-Need is a way for the public to help us with those kinds of costs.” He adds that events like the jubilee also support the “wonderful quality-of-life programming” Mary Ryder offers its seniors, such as musical performances, game nights, yoga and crafting.
Another goal this year, say both Butler and Pierce, is to raise awareness about the Mary Ryder legacy and invite people to step in and do their part to ensure its future. “We are celebrating all that is wonderful here,” Butler says. “And we are excited to invite people along.”
The Mary Ryder Home Jubilee 2017 takes place May 6. KMOX’s Carol Daniel is mistress of ceremonies. The Mary Ryder resident choir will perform, as will the Boeing Jazz Band.
Mary Ryder Home Jubilee 2017 takes place May 6 at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles. Pictured on the cover: MRH board chair Craig Kaintz, mistress of ceremonies Carol Daniel, Jubilee chair Kelly Dolan, MRH resident Idella Williams and MRH executive director Tim Butler. For information and tickets, call 314.531.2981 ext. 235 or visit maryryderhome.org.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Mary Ryder Home residents Anna Palmer and Joanie Eckert
