2023 Toast to Fathers Recap

Because of your support, our 2023 A Toast to Fathers gala dinner – celebrating 25 years – was an overwhelming success! Our goal for the evening was $250,000 and we exceeded that with nearly $300,000 raised! Board Member Jennifer Belmont Jennings raised an incredible $50K during Fund A Need! The outpouring of support from the St. Louis community is simply inspiring.

The 300 guests in the Starlight Room at the Chase Park Plaza enjoyed a powerful program, highlighting Father of the Year, Chamar Harris, an FFSC graduate who was honored for excellence in fatherhood, healing the relationship with the mother of his children, so his kids would have the benefit of two parents in their lives.

The Second Chance Award was given to father and FFSC graduate Christopher Draper, who transitioned from incarceration to a productive, employed and responsible parent for his children.

This year’s Doris Stoehner Founding President’s Award goes to Board Member and FFSC champion, Katherine Miller, senior vice president and division manager for US Bank. In recognition of its generous on-going, generous support of our programs, the Lutheran Foundation and its CEO Ann Vazquez received the Halbert Sullivan Legacy Award. Special thanks to KMOV-4 News Anchor, David Amelotti who served as MC and kept the program lively and engaging. 

Thank you again for all you do for St. Louis and Fathers & Families Support Center. Because of your support, FFSC will carry on Halbert Sullivan’s legacy, adding to 20,000 fathers connecting with 50,000 sons and daughters. Together, we’re making a difference for children, families and our communities.