Are you as excited as we are that fall is just around the corner? Even though it may not quite feel like fall yet, we’re looking ahead to an exciting season at Foster Together—and taking a moment to reflect on the incredible growth we’ve experienced this year.

Next month, we’ll celebrate a major milestone with our first-ever gala, the culmination of countless hours of planning, sacrifice, and vision. We can’t wait to gather to celebrate where we've been and we’re especially excited about what this event will make possible for the children and families we serve in the years ahead.

This year has already been a record-breaking one for our Safe Seats and Safe Slumber programs, which provide free car seats, beds, and bedding to children entering foster care. These programs do more than meet an immediate need—they provide safety and help make it possible for families to say “yes” when a child needs a safe place to land. So far this year, we’ve invested more than $55,000 in these two programs alone. Events like our gala help ensure we can continue providing these essential resources for years to come.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! On November 7, we’ll host our 2nd annual Cornhole Tourney—an incredibly fun way to get involved with Foster Together. Teams of two will compete for a $250 grand prize, or you can come cheer them on, and enjoy the festivities. Either way, it’s guaranteed fun for a great cause!

Whether we’re dressing up or letting loose, the success of these events is a testament to the incredible community that has developed to support children in foster care. We are endlessly grateful for the sponsors, donors, volunteers, corporations, organizations, and individuals who give their time, talent, and treasure to make sure St. Louis-area children know they are seen, supported, and loved.

Blessings,

Laura Storm
Executive Director, Co-Founder

About a year ago, Colleen LaVelle found herself chatting with Foster Together Board Member Bob Stephens at a work conference in Tampa. As Bob shared more about Foster Together and his personal connection to its mission, Colleen knew she wanted to get involved.

Having considered fostering or adoption for some time, Colleen saw volunteering with Foster Together as a meaningful way to learn more while giving back.

She shared, “I love my large family and am lucky enough to have an abundance to be thankful for in my life, so why not share it if I can?” 

That spirit of generosity has been especially evident in Colleen’s work on the Soaring Together gala committee. As the committee member overseeing both the live and silent auctions, she has played a tremendous role in securing the incredible array of items that will be featured at our inaugural event.

With the help of fellow committee members and generous community supporters, Colleen hopes the gala will not only be a memorable evening, but also help pave the way for many more galas—and allow Foster Together to reach even more children in need.

Outside of work and volunteering, Colleen enjoys spending time with her two dogs, two horses and cat. She’s also a member of the Bridlepsur Hunt Club, where she enjoys the unique thrill of traditional fox hunting—with hounds, horses and plenty of time in the woods, but without harming any animals.

We’re so grateful for the time, energy and heart Colleen has poured into Soaring Together. Her hard work behind the scenes is helping make this first gala a big success—and helping Foster Together create a brighter future for children impacted by foster care.

Saturday, November 7, 5 pm Doors, 5:30 pm Bags Fly | Cornhole Central STL
36 Gannon Sq. Pevely, MO 63070

Foster Together's 2nd Annual Cornhole Tourney is BACK! Last year's event was a hole lot of fun, not to mention a massive success thanks to all the community support and our amazing Young Professionals Board. You can help us match that incredible energy again!

Register your team of 2 for $50 and compete for the $250 grand prize! Everyone is invited to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, or purchase all your fav food and alcoholic beverages there - a portion of which will go to Foster Together. We'll also have fun games and raffle prizes on the side - so there's never a dull moment!

If you'd like to bring awareness to your business while also having the satisfaction of supporting local children in foster care, you can sponsor the tournament! Select your preferred sponsorship level by clicking the button below.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 4-6 pm | Free, Registration Required
Woodard Headquarters: 9490 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126

Calling all young profressionals! If you're interested in networking with other local young professionals and learning more about Foster Together, you're invited to our free Networking Happy Hour at Woodard Headquarters. 

We'll provide drinks and snacks, you bring the sparkling conversation! If you'd also like to bring a donation to Foster Together, we'll be collecting some of our biggest current needs:

😴Pajamas for Children 4T & Up

🧸Toddler Toys

🧱Legos

💲Monetary Donation

The event is free to attend, but you must register by Friday, September 25.

Foster Together is excited to host its Inaugural Gala, SOARING TOGETHER on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Missouri History Museum.

We have a packed house of 170+ attendees coming to enjoy cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, special speakers from Foster Together and the community, and more. We're looking forward to a fantastic start to what's sure to be an annual tradition that fuels Foster Together to higher heights in the future.

Even if you're not in attendance at the event you can still be a part! Our Silent Auction opens later this month, so you can bid online for those incredible items.
Be on the lookout for an announcement when it opens! 

It's hard to believe, but we're looking towards the end of 2026 already! Our End Of Year Giving is a huge part of what propels us forward into the next year and we're hoping you or your company might be able to make this year even bigger! If you'd be interested in doing an end of year matching donation, we'd love to talk! We've seen matching grants have such a massive impact on our year-end giving, so you can enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you'll double your impact through your matching donation. Click the button below if you'd like to learn more!