With the help of major sponsors and loyal patrons, Life Skills Foundation netted more than $122,000 at their 40th Anniversary Gala event on

October 8, 2004. The event held at the Coronado Ballroom was hosted by

KTRS’ McGraw Milhaven who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. In addition to Milhaven, the volunteer leadership for the event boasted Honorary Chairs Deidre and Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Edith Wolff, local philanthropist and

long time supporter of Life Skills. Community volunteer Anne C. Stupp

and Life Skills’ board member
Shar Wasserman were the Event
Co-Chairs. The Pujols’ were unable to attend the event in person, as they were on the road playing against the

LA Dodgers in the division series. However, they produced a video which was shown at the event, thanking everyone for their support of Life Skills Foundation.

The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by silent auction, dinner and dancing. Members of

“Off the Cuff Theatre Company” entertained the guests with a 1960’s dance revue and Bill Cockrum of Bob Cockrum Liquidations served as the auctioneer during the Live Auction

which touted an autographed

Albert Pujols Jersey and Bat.

The evening also featured a special recognition of Life Skills’ founding members. Doretta Goldenberg,

Melvin and Dolores Heller, and Avery Sidel and were each presented with a special gift of thanks for their vision, innovation, and leadership in forming Life Skills Foundation. They along with other parents of children with developmental disabilities wanted

more for their children’s futures; they wanted them to have the right to

direct their own lives and the chance

to achieve their dreams. Today, their dream is a reality. Life Skills serves

more than1,500 people with

disabilities each year to live on their own, find and keep a job and make friends and access the St. Louis Community.

Finally, Senator John Loudon

presented Wendy Buehler with a

Senate Proclamation in honor of

Life Skills 40th Anniversary of helping people with disabilities. The proclamation is just one of several

Life Skills has received during this
40th Anniversary year.  Proceeds from event will be used to fund Life Skills Foundation’s Employment Services program, which empowers people

with disabilities to achieve their vocational potential.