The St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs and executives joined 2024 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement honoree Jackie Joyner-Kersee and friends at the “Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation’s 12th annual Sequins, Suits and Sneakers Gala” on Friday October 25, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
It was an ebullient affair, hosted by KSDK News Anchor Rene Knott and interlaced with an opening prayer and performances led by Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation youth, who were backed up by JJK educators and administrators. Special guests included 4X Olympic Gold medalist Sydney McLauglin-Levrone and legendary coach Bob Kersee.
Proceeds from the event, including a live auction, benefitted the JJK Foundation, which serves youth in East St. Louis through the JJK Center, the JJK Academy and numerous academic and athletic programs which provide them the opportunity to “Win in Life.” For more information, go to JJKFoundation.org.