As relief efforts continue across the region in the wake of the May 16 tornadoes that devastated parts St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the Metro East, many members of the community are looking for ways to help.
To that end, plans are underway for a variety of benefit auctions, raffles, and events. Contribute to relief efforts by bidding on work by local artists, have some fun while funding mutual aid, or bring essential donation items to a dance party. No matter your preferences, there’s a way to lend a hand to community members in need.
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This list will continue to be updated as more events are announced. Want to share an upcoming benefit event or project? Contact Christine Jackson at [email protected].
Ongoing
Paint It Forward art auction: This benefit organized by local artists Kat Kissick and Stephanie Marie Dierdre is calling for art donations through May 23 at noon. Pieces will be auctioned off online, with all proceeds going to Action St. Louis. Interested in donating? Fill out this online form.
STL Tornado Relief Raffle: MindFlowers and The Rusty Bolt have partnered on an online raffle to support tornado relief. According to organizers, beneficiaries will be sent out before the raffle is live for community insight. Submissions for art, good, and service donations will be accepted through June 6, and both local and non-local donations are being accepted. The raffle is set to go live online on June 10 and continue through June 30.
Alamo Drafthouse Tornado Relief Donations: Through June 30, all ticket sales will have the option of adding a $1, $3, or $5 donation to United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Music at the Intersection: MATI has committed to donating $10 from every pass sold to 4 The Ville. The fest will also focus its community ticket program on residents impacted by the May 16 storms.
Evolution Festival: Proceeds from the fall music festival’s Chair Pass sales, which allow attendees to bring lawn chairs onto the fest grounds, will be donated to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
June 8
Rebuilding in Harmony – A Tornado Relief Concert: Edward Dolbashian will direct this string performance from the members of the St. Louis Chambers Soloists at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood. (100 E. Adams) Admission is free, and all donations collected will go to the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
78th Annual Tony Awards Watch Party: The Muny is turning its Tony Awards celebration into a way to help those impacted by the May 16 storms. Head to Ballpark Village on June 8 to see the beloved institution receive the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award with a watch party hosed by Tony nominee, Muny alum, and Missouri native Taylor Louderman, along with KMOV’s Great Day St. Louis co-host Laura Hettiger. Bring a non-perishable food item or toiletry for the St. Louis Area Foodbank for free entry to the event, or make a monetary donation to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis upon entry.
June 11
Midwest Metal Punks STL Tornado Relief Benefit Show: Midwest Metal Punks has put together a lineup of punk and electro heavy hitters for this June benefit concert. The Mall, Shinra Knives, Kato, Shitstorm, God, and DJ Matty Warbucks will take the stage at Off Broadway during this all-ages show, with 100 percent of proceeds going to Action St. Louis.
June 13
Friday the 13th Flash for Tornado Relief: Cousin Paul’s Tattoo Co. (4530 Hampton) is dedicating their Friday the 13th flash event to helping out the community. The crew will take walk-ins from noon to 7 p.m., and 50-70 percent of proceeds will be donated to Action St. Louis, depending on the artist.
June 14
Graham Barham at Jefferson Barracks Amphitheater: Silent But Deadly Productions, presenters of this concert featuring Graham Barham with support from Russo & Co., will be donating profits from the event to the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks Amphitheater (533 Bagby).
United in Rhythm: Yolanda Lankford is set to host this benefit concert at the 21C Museum Hotel (1528 Locust) featuring performances from Michael B. Whitt, comedian Frank Lyles, and Dakota Pagen, as well as special honors for Latonya Anoor and special guest Lawrence Hilton Jacobs. The goal of the evening is to raise $100,000 to be spread across five local organizations directly supporting tornado relief efforts.
June 17
Build Back the Block: Head to Steve’s Hot Dogs (5242 Delmar) on June 17 for a reopening party dedicated to getting other businesses back on their feet. The Funky Butt Brass Band will be joined by members of The Urge and DJ Bill Reiter for a concert benefitting Delmar Main Street.
June 29
Benefit Concert for Tornado Relief: The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, IN UNISON Chorus, and St. Louis Symphony Chorus are partnering with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for a pay-what-you-wish performance at the Fox Theatre (527 N. Grand) to benefit tornado relief efforts. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy talented SLSO musicians in a spectacular venue for a good cause.
