The Insider: 1.9.19

Washington University  undergrads will benefit from hands-on lab experience thanks to a a new Amgen Foundation Grant that provides financial support for biomedical and biotech research. To date, the foundation has contributed nearly $150 million to universities around the world through its Amgen Scholars Program; at Wash U, the program is headed by Dr. Robyn Klein and Joseph Jez, Ph.D.

Hats off to the St. Louis Symphony’s In Unison Chorus, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary! The group is dedicated to performing and preserving African and African-American music. Since its inception, the chorus has given more than 100 concerts, been featured on TV and performed at Carnegie Hall. It has included nearly 500 singers from the St. Louis region.

The nonprofit World Pediatric Project, profiled in our Dec. 19 issue, is set to support kids in need of life-saving surgery at its Jan. 25 Treasures in Paradise Gala at Old Warson Country Club. The organization serves children in 13 eastern Caribbean and Central American nations. Pictured with WPP patients are event co-chairs Debra Niemann, Kim Cella, Tom McMillin, Julie Ledbetter and Rusty Keeley.

Jeff Burton, longtime morning show host at 105.7 The Point, has released his first children’s book,The Watering Hole, illustrated by local artist Brooke Renfro. It’s about animals who learn to work together to solve problems. Burton and Renfro appeared at a recent book signing at Espresso Yourself Coffee & Cafe.
Available at outhewindowbooks.com.

the main events

The Missouri State University Chorale is set to fill the New Cathedral with beautiful music at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 as part of the Cathedral Concerts program. The group is made up of 48 student voices.

St. Louis native and six-time Mount Everest climber Luis Benitez will be the keynote speaker at the Gateway Outdoor Summit, Jan. 11 at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The event celebrates outdoor recreation and culture.

Gateway to the Great Outdoors will hold its first GGO Interactive Game Night Jan. 26 at New City School. The evening features a host of crazy, fun games and raises money to help kids from underserved communities experience outdoor education.