A Heartfelt Thank You for Making Our 15th Annual Fashion Showcase Unforgettable!

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, was abuzz with excitement as we celebrated the 15th Annual Lift For Life Academy Fashion Showcase and Luncheon. This year marked a significant milestone: 25 years of empowering and educating our city's youth. 

From students walking the runway in their own designs, to students playing chess or showing off their talents at coding and music, to students whose art, photography and woodworking projects were featured in our sale, the guests in attendance got a glimpse into the amazing educational experience that Lift For Life Academy provides these scholars.

 We were thrilled to honor Bonny Filandrinos, the Lee H. Cruse Charitable Trust & Steve Wilhelm, and Tim & Julie Stern during the event for their steadfast commitment to Lift For Life Academy. 

What started as 60 sixth-graders in a single small building has flourished to include elementary and high school students, and has grown to a campus of 10+ buildings, offering a wide variety of unique classes, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

The Academy now enrolls 840 students who are thriving here every day, and the funds raised at our event will make a difference to the educational journey of each child enrolled at LFLA. Together, we celebrate the achievement and opportunity that we offer at Lift For Life Academy. With the dedication and generosity of our supporters, we are shaping a brighter future for our youth. 

We would like to say a special “thank you” to The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis for providing a stunning venue; our esteemed emcee, Rene Knott; and our event’s dedicated chairs, Audra & Beau Herndon, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our journey. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful sponsors and committee members who were key in making this event a success.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Together, we will continue on this journey to Educate, Empower, and Uplift every scholar who walks through our doors.

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