1 of 4
2 of 4
3 of 4
4 of 4
DINING IN THE DARK
During Wednesday night's auction/dinner at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Hotel to benefit the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Rams general manager Billy Devaney (pictured at left with Rams senior director of communications Ted Crews) received the nonprofit's "Visionary Award." Earlier, Devaney spoke of the team's retired chief John Shaw, saying, "Shaw is helping [owner Stan] Kroenke to work out the lease on the dome." Then, Devaney graciously took advantage of photo ops, while his pal, Cardinals veep and general manager John Mozeliak with his wife, Julie (pictured at right), predicted of team manager Tony La Russa, "Hopefully, he'll be back Monday." (For those who came in late, La Russa has been on the DL with a viral infection.)
The fetching duo of Katharine and Crane Durham (pictured at left) were among the generous bidders on such items as bats signed by Yadier Molina and Matt Holliday, as well as a T-shirt autographed by Sam Bradford. A politically conservative radio talk show host who presents commentary on American Family Radio's Nothing But Truth, Crane said, "President Obama got a bump in the ratings, but he won't sustain it because of the present state of the economy and his foreign and domestic policies. Besides, America still rejects his healthcare plan." As for his choice to succeed Obama? "I'm impressed with Herman Cain," he said, referring to the former chairman and CEO of Godfather's Pizza.
Another "Visionary Award" was presented to Stephen and Angela Strum (pictured at right), whose 11-year-old son, Jacob, suffers from retinitis pigmentosa. The Strums have been active with the foundation, which funds research in retinal degenerative diseases. "There are more than 10 million in the U.S. suffering from macular degeneration," explained Bill Schmidt, the St. Louis chapter's CEO. "With six offices in the U.S., we have raised more than $425 million for research over 40 years." Dinner co-chairs were Jill and Bob Morris, with assists from honorary chairs Dennis and Judy Jones. The evening was aptly themed "Dining in the Dark."
WITH THE FOODIES
With the looming shuttering of Provisions Gourmet Market on Olive Boulevard in Creve Coeur, a number of prospective owners have taken look-sees at the property, including a spin-off of the Ingredients Cafe chain. If it doesn't acquire Provisions, says an insider, it could build on an adjacent lot. A tipster tells the columnist that catering exec Steve Becker is also interested. (Becker could not be reached for comment at press time). Meanwhile, after an 8-year run on Olive, Provisions' exec chef Scott Phillips will be heading for the kitchens at Debonaire Banquet Center & Catering on North Lindbergh Boulevard.
MIKE WOLFF'S HOMEWORK
Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff has a full plate before him. He's currently boning up for the courses that he'll be teaching at Saint Louis University School of Law beginning this fall. "I'll be teaching civil procedures, state constitutional law, and ethics as director of the new Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Law and Advocacy," he says. Asked if a farewell party is in store by colleagues on the bench, he confided, "I'll just slink off into the sunset."
THE DOCTOR SAYS IT ALL
Famed dermatologist, Dr. Oliver McKee, Jr., paused during lunch on Wednesday long enough to lament over the economy and the financial difficulties facing some medics. "Our profession is no longer recession-proof."
