COTTLEVILLE, Mo. – It was a perfect summer night to rally around resilience in Cottleville, Missouri.

Tornado recovery efforts took center stage at an outdoor fundraiser where music, Missouri pride and meaningful action all came together.

“One hundred percent of the $10 ticket sales go to them. Also, we’re doing a portion of proceeds from drinks at the bar like the city-wide lite pilsener, Una Vida Tequila and Hi-Post vodka. And all of the silent auction items too,” said Melanie Tanz, Public School House manager.

From a signed baseball by Cardinals Legends to Blues suite tickets and St. Louis City swag, attendees have been bidding big in the silent auction to support tornado victims impacted by the May 16 storm.

“It’s been very fun so far. There’s a band playing not too long ago. They’re on a break. We ate some Sugarfire, went shopping over there and we’re just going to sit on the lawn. We’re hanging out and brought a couple of friends,” attendee Loren Goudreau said.

The St. Louis area foodbank is the main beneficiary—with help from partners like the Marcy’s project, focused on getting hygiene essentials to families in crisis.

“It’s cool to see them get everybody together like this and also see all the bands and people that are participating. It’s really cool to see everyone come together because that’s how it is in Saint Louis,” attendee Abby Chatman said.

Abby says this kind of unity is what makes St. Louis special—and even though she wasn’t directly impacted, tonight gave her a deeper sense of purpose.

If you missed today’s event, there’s still time to help. 

Head to Ballpark Village this Sunday at 5 p.m. for the free Tony Awards watch party hosted by St. Louis native Andy Cohen. Bring canned goods or hygiene items to donate to the food bank, as every item makes a difference.