Saturday, October 10, 2026

The Lotus Gala: Lighting Up Our Legacy

Celebrating 50 Years of Safe Connections

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 50 years of hope, healing, and life-changing support for survivors across the St. Louis region.

For five decades, Safe Connections has stood beside individuals and families escaping abuse — offering safety, compassion, counseling, and the chance to begin again. What began in 1976 as a single phone answered by caring volunteers has grown into the region’s oldest and most trusted organization dedicated to preventing and ending relationship violence. Today, that same crisis helpline still answers calls 24 hours a day, connecting survivors to safety, support, and hope when they need it most.

Throughout the evening, guests will hear powerful stories of resilience and transformation, including remarks from a former client who is now thriving because someone answered the call for help. We will also honor the extraordinary dedication of our Crisis Helpline Volunteers and present a special award for outstanding volunteerism to Kim Eberlein.

The celebration begins with a cocktail hour and wine and bourbon pull, followed by a seated dinner, an exciting live auction, and an inspiring paddle raise benefiting survivors throughout our community.

Together, we will celebrate how far we’ve come — and help ensure that no survivor has to face abuse alone for the next 50 years.


Community Impact Partners

  • Bunge
  • Ekon Benefits
  • Purina Purple Leash Project
  • UB Greensfelder

Media Partners

  • KSDK News Channel 5
  • St. Louis Public Radio
  • Community Radio STL

Celebrity Emcee: KSDK News Channel 5’s Mercedes MacKay


Steering Committee

Co-chairs: Lauren Collins and Katie Flaschar

Ilene Bloom-Ellis  |  Dannae Delano  |  Breana Garbiel  |  Rachel Glass  |  Matt Hoffman  |  Dawn Johnson  |  Brady McAninch  |  Tracy McCreery  |  Roz Sherman Voellinger


50th Friends

  • Build-a-Bear
  • GrowGlowCo
  • Northwest Coffee
  • The Novel Neighbor
  • Novella
  • Sugarwitch

NOTE: Save the date for this special evening of commemoration. Tickets are not yet available.

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The Lotus Gala: Lighting Up Our Legacy

The Lotus Gala: Lighting Up Our Legacy

  • Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • The Frontenac Hilton, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd 63131

Last Updated: May 20, 2026