One week after World Wide Technology Raceway hosted the NASCAR Illinois 300, the track was buzzing again — this time with some of St. Louis’ most influential citizens gathered in a race to give children the future they deserve.
The 7th Annual Gala En Blanc transformed the center of the track into a temporary outdoor ballroom, where nearly 600 guests came together to support the expanding Urban Sprouts Child Development Center.
Members of this year’s committee took a lap around the track before being presented on stage as the group leading the charge for Urban Sprouts — an early childhood change agent that has grown to impact entire families through its programming.
“Tonight’s raceway theme feels especially fitting because every child deserves people in their corner helping them navigate the turns, celebrating their progress and making sure they have what they need to keep moving forward. That is what Urban Sprouts does,” said Michael Kennedy Jr., CEO of KAI Enterprises.
Kennedy and his wife, Kim Kennedy, served as the evening’s committee co‑chairs.
Kim likened the guests to a racing pit crew — using their resources the same way a racer’s team works behind the scenes to keep wheels turning and engines running.
“Every ticket purchased. Every paddle raised. Every donation made tonight drives our mission forward,” she said.
Nearly 600 guests arrived dressed in all white — a striking visual that underscored a mission that extends far beyond the event.
KAI was one of the evening’s sponsors, along with presenting sponsor Compass Retirement Solutions, the Steward Family Foundation, World Wide Technology, O’Fallon Buick GMC and KAI Design Build.
“When you look around tonight, it is easy to be impressed by what has been created here. But what impresses us even more is what Urban Sprouts creates every single day,” Michael Kennedy said. “Urban Sprouts gives children the freedom to explore, ask questions, create, play and discover who they are. It gives families a community of support. And it gives educators the tools and environment they need to help children thrive.”
Guests saw this firsthand as the program continued.
What began as Ellicia Lanier’s vision to provide the type of early childhood education she wanted for her own children has grown into an oasis that supports an entire ecosystem.
“Since founding Urban Sprouts in 2009, Ellicia Lanier has led its growth to become a nationally accredited early childhood center, family‑support hub, lab school and resource for educators across our region and beyond,” said Gala En Blanc 2026 host Melanie Johnson of KSDK.
Johnson noted that more than 90% of Urban Sprouts students meet or exceed indicators of school readiness; since 2020, their food abundance work has helped provide more than 3.2 million meals to families and children in need; and their Community of Practice reaches more than 1,486 children and educators across St. Louis.
“That kind of impact starts with vision and the courage to keep moving forward,” Johnson said.
Guests responded to that vision. They raised more than $471,000 through donations, a silent auction and a raffle offering a choice between an $8,000 cash prize or a two‑year lease on a Buick Envista.
“When you give tonight, we need you to understand something,” Lanier said. “You aren’t just helping us operate a school. You’re helping us build a community around children. You’re helping a parent. You’re supporting a teacher. You’re opening a classroom. You’re creating opportunities. You’re putting another child on the starting line with everything they need to succeed. And that is why we’re here. We still have work to do. We still have families waiting. We still have children who need access to what Urban Sprouts provides.”
Guests also saw how funds raised at previous galas are already at work.
Inspired by an early childhood center in Connecticut, Urban Sprouts developed a teacher housing program. Two homes within walking distance of the University City campus are now occupied by Urban Sprouts educators.
“Before the teacher housing program at Urban Sprouts, I was in a place with my daughter and granddaughter where we were having a hard time making ends meet,” Ms. Janine said in a video about the program.
She had been living in a pricey townhome to keep her granddaughter in a strong school district — a cost that left her finances upside down nearly every month.
“With the teacher housing initiative, we are not just bringing a place to stay — but hope, economic mobility and opportunities for teachers to go from striving to thriving,” Lanier said.
The opportunity has been life‑changing for Ms. Janine and her family.
“To have blessed us with a real home… I don’t have words,” she said. “It doesn’t seem real. I’m still singing songs of praise.”
The blessing was mutual for Lanier and the Urban Sprouts community.
“We hope that by creating a village — and giving opportunities for everyone to support not just the children, but the educators — we continue to create a better future and a better world,” she said.
As the night continued, Lanier encouraged guests to enjoy themselves.
“Tonight, we’re going to have fun. We’re going to race. We’re going to dine. We’re going to dance,” she said. “But we’re also going to do what this Urban Sprouts village has always done. We’re going to show up for children.”
The 7th Annual Gala En Blanc mirrored the success of the ones before it.
“Every year I stand here amazed by this community,” Lanier said.
She told guests that what she saw in the sea of white across the racetrack was also a reminder.
“Looking at all of you, I am reminded that Urban Sprouts has never been just my dream,” Lanier said. “It belongs to all of us now.”
She expressed her gratitude by thanking them for loving the children of Urban Sprouts, for believing in their teachers— and for supporting entire families.
“Thank you for continuing to dream with us,” Lanier said. “Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow… we keep going.”