Social and Charity Events: Love, Art and Medicine

Editor's Note: Welcome to the first installment of the "Social Whirl." We plan to keep you posted about events on the social scene and feature photographs and information from selected events. We will include events that are coming up soon as well as those that are scheduled for later in the year.

Metro St. Louis loves to socialize. It's even better to have fun when the cause is worth supporting. In fact, St. Louis regularly ranks among the top U.S. cities for charitable giving.

Each week Patch will highlight social and charity events to help you decide which one or ones you will attend and/or support. 

The Charity Event: Mardi Gras Masquerade.

Save the date: February 18, 2012 at 7 p.m.

The Beneficiary: Charity care at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, providing medical care to uninsured and underserved patients.

Get the Scoop: Mardi Gras Masquerade, now in its eighth year, is an annual event. Enjoy a night of dining, dancing and one-of-a-kind performance while you make a difference in the lives of those in need of medical treatment. 

Attire: This is a balck tie event. Formal dress is required.

The Location: Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kings Highway, St. Louis, MO

Cost: Individual tickets, $500 each; Tables with seating for ten, $5,000 each

For more information: Contact Sarah Spradlin 314-251-1800 or visit the event website.

The Social Event: LoveMeier

Save the date: February 11, 2012 from 5-9 p.m.

The Beneficiary: Laumeier Sculpture Park

Get the Scoop: Love and art merge for LOVEmeier, a Valentine party and fundraising event at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Wrap your arms around your sweetheart or cozy up to the bonfires to keep warm. Enjoy a Valentine keepsake, illuminated landscape and sculptures, Kakao chocolate, wine and brandy tasting, poetry, DJ, a sculpture tour and more. Sip on hot cocoa and cider and enjoy s’mores in and around the museum. Cash bar is available. The galleries celebrate art, love and Laumeier.

Attire: Casual dress, warm clothing is recommended as some of the event is outside.

The Location: Laumeier Sculpture Park 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO

Cost: Tickets are $35 for the general public and $25 for members. Children 11 and under get in free with a paid adult admission. Tickets are available at the door.

For more information: Contact Marie Oberkirsch at 314-615-5276 or visit the event website.

The Social Event: CAM Valentine’s Free Family Day

Save the date: February 11, 2012 from 1-4 p.m.

The Beneficiary: CAM visitors who come to enjoy this family friendly event.

Get the Scoop: Spend quality time with the whole family at a special Valentine’s Free Family Day at the Contemporary Art Museum. Enjoy the exhibitions and participate in fun-filled activities including artist-led workshops, face painting, storytelling and more. In celebration of St. Valentine, all are encouraged to wear red. All red-clad visitors will be entered in a drawing to win a special prize. All ages are welcome. Art activities are recommended for ages 5-12.

Attire: Casual

The Location: Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO

Cost: Free and open to the public, RSVP is not required.

For more information: Call 314-535-4600 or visit the event website.

If your organization has an upcoming social or charity event, email details to Jim Baer at james.baer@patch.com or Rhonda Weiche at rweiche@hotmail.com.

Click here to add your event photos to our neighborhood photo gallery.