CF Foundation Volunteers “Reach for a Star” at Missouri Gala

December 9, 2010

More than 300 guests dined and danced at the Express Scripts Reach for a Star Gala in St. Louis, Mo., this November.

Attendees of the spectacular black-tie affair enjoyed a performance by a Washington University a cappella group, a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and a one-of-a kind raffle, while raising $183,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Gateway Chapter.

“Your participation and donations tonight are the keys to the ongoing success of the CF Foundation,” said Gary Wimberly, senior vice president and chief information officer of Express Scripts, the event’s title sponsor for 10 consecutive years. “I truly appreciate your attendance and generosity.”

Virginia McDowell, president and chief operating officer of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., was presented with this year’s Honorary Chair Award.

This year’s Honorary Chair Award was presented to Virginia McDowell, president and chief operating officer of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., for her steadfast support of the St. Louis community and her tireless work to help make CF stand for “Cure Found.”

Virginia shared with the crowd how she first was touched by cystic fibrosis through her work in public relations when she met a New York family with a son who has CF. “I would like to thank each of you — for being here, for caring, and for helping to find and fund a cure,” she said.

Bid for a Cure

To kick off the silent and live auctions, Jill Roberts, an adult with CF who has received a lung transplant, shared her story with the crowd. To raise nearly $45,000, guests bid on exciting items including a week vacation package, two puppies, diamond earrings, and a one-of-a-kind signed painting by Madison Luechtefeld, 6, winner of the Gateway Chapter’s first annual art competition.