Bravo to hometowner Danny Meyer (pictured above), famed NYC restaurateur, on his latest accolade: the 2017 Julia Child Award! The award comes with a $50,000 grant, which Meyer has directed to the hunger-relief nonprofit Share Our Strength. The first non-chef to earn the honor, Meyer was recognized for his innovative business practices and longtime devotion to food security for the needy. He will be fêted at a gala Oct. 26.

The new outpatient services building at St. Luke’s Hospital has been named in honor of the Desloge family, specifically Mr. and Mrs. Theodore P. Desloge Jr. The $40 million, five-story structure was completed in December 2016. The couple provided the lead gift for the hospital’s Advancing Excellence with Exceptional Care Campaign.

Happy BIG Birthday to Ruth Steward, who turned 109 July 15 and is believed to be the oldest living native St. Louisan! Stewart, who is a resident of Friendship Village Chesterfield, graduated from Beaumont High School in 1926 (the school closed in 2014). An accomplished pianist, she has performed at Kiel Opera House (now Peabody Opera House) and the Fox Theatre and still plays piano daily!

Husch Blackwell partner Jeff Jensen has been named to serve as U.S. Attorney in St. Louis, pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He was among three candidates considered for the prestigious appointment. Congratulations!

Sixteen St. Louis women participated in the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, an immersion experience in Israel. The program is designed to inspire women to connect with their Jewish heritage and bring that sense of connectedness home to their families and communities. The local participants are: Ella Pernik, Laurie Burstein, Susan Cohen, Miriam David, Lee Friedman, Meredith Goette, Lisa Greenspon, Marla Grossman, Lori Kabrun Berry, Debra Klevens, Julie Lander, Tegan Litt, Robin Moll, Randi Schenberg, Susan Schienberg and Georgee Waldman.