giving back

Although I have been a part of hundreds of fundraisers, these are a few that mean a lot to me as I continue to support these year after year in some way, shape, or form. I encourage you to visit their sites and support as well!

I helped create a board and assist with sponsorship, PR, and marketing for the March to the Arch (www.marchtothearch.com). This is a 21 mile memorial walk, started by a friend, with the intention of remembering those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001, only because they were American citizens. The walk not only serves as a tribute to these people and those who continue to sacrifice for our country, but we collect money for the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, the USO, and starting in 2018, an organization in St. Louis called The Backstoppers. Every year on 9/11, my friend Bo Drochelman leads hundreds (roughly a thousand in 2013) of people as we walk twenty-one miles from the suburbs in West St. Louis County to downtown St. Louis...finally arriving under the "world famous" Gateway Arch. Watch the 10 year anniversary video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEcOwPoa-JE

I am a proud supporter of animal shelters and rescuing and or adopting animals. I had the opportunity to develop a relationship with David and Kelly Backes, providing multiple ways to support their animal rescue organizations in the St. Louis area. I have supported their animal rescue programs by driving awareness with two of my own golf tournaments, one hospitality golf tournament in 2011, connecting them with wellness center to create an event, as well as they have used our lounges to host parties for Athletes for Animals. To donate money, attend an event, or learn more about helping ATA: http://athletesforanimals.org/

Starting in 2008, I have helped coordinate ten nightclub events raising thousands of dollars and collecting thousands of toys supporting Toys For Tots. http://www.toysfortots.org/

In 2009, I developed an idea for a long term (4-12 weeks annually) nightclub charity event that has led to the collection of roughly 10,000+/- coats for those less fortunate. The event directly supports Kurt Warner's local St. Louis charity Warner's Warm Up.
http://www.kurtwarner.org/warmup.html

For three years, I provided consultation and a space for an event called Gabriel's Black and Gold Ball. This is for a friend who has developed a successful "black tie" fundraiser raising money and awareness for Autism and Autism Speaks. http://www.gabrielshornblowers.com/

I have hosted hundreds more, but these are probably some of the bigger ones to highlight.

St. Louis Blues Captain and 2014 Team USA Olympic hockey player David Backes, his wife Kelly, their team from Five Acres Animal Shelter, and some amazing animals trying to find a home.

(TOP) Steve and his good friend Ladue policeman Rick Ramirez
(BOTTOM) Steve Guidry taking a photo with Town & Country firemen during the 2017 MTTA

Pepper Lounge comes through with donation to Warners' Warm Up Program

4:33 PM, Nov 25, 2009 http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/190509/3/www.kurtwarner.org

KSDK -- A local coat drive got a major boost Wednesday.

The Pepper Lounge collected nearly 3,500 coats during the last eight weeks. The owners of the lounge said it took about two months and the cooperation of a lot of area businesses to bring the final tally.

The coats will all go to the Warners' Warm Up Program.

If you'd like to donate to the Warners' Warm Up Program, it runs to November 29.

Click the video player on the right side of the screen to see an interview with Buddy Coy, co-owner of the Pepper Lounge, discuss the coat drive.

Let the bidding begin! Image above from the silent auction for Gabriel's Black and Gold Ball.