The 107th Annual Dinner presented by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Tuesday night will go down in history.
The hundreds of guests who made their ascent up the escalators and took their seats in the largest ballroom at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel didn’t know it at the time, but they would have the distinction of history makers by the end of the night thanks to a fundraising effort that raised seven figures in one night.
Because he contracted COVID-19, President and CEO Michael McMillan missed his first Urban League Annual Dinner in 37 years.
A video of prepared remarks reminded the audience that he was there in spirit and shared that 2024 was the most exciting and productive year that the organization has ever had.
“We had seven groundbreaking and grand openings, including our most historic one – the Centene Connected Community Center, which is the largest gift to any Urban League in the history of the Urban League movement,” McMillan said.
“We served more people with more resources with our largest budget, had our five-star rating confirmed once again, for the 20th year in a row. We are the first and only Urban League in America to have such an achievement. We will continue to do more with the resources that you have given us to empower the community and change lives.”
McMillan told guests that while 2024 was the greatest year to date for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 2025 is gearing up to be one of the most challenging years that the Urban League movement has experienced.
He didn’t state why, but implied that his prediction comes from the sweeping cuts to federal funding under the current presidential administration.
He thanked those who were honored at the 107th Annual Dinner – Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Anthony “Tony” Thompson, founder of Kwame Building Group and Corporate Citizen award recipient Emerson
Master of ceremonies and 5 On Your Side anchor Rene Knott then invited Save Our Sisters Director Carol Daniel to the podium, who let the audience in on a secret.
She informed the audience after announcing that $675,000 had been raised that night, digging deeper could result in a milestone for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
“If we raise another $325,000 – in one night – that is how much,” Daniel asked the crowd. “One million dollars. That would be extraordinary. That is where we all make history together.”
The audience was asked to give increments from $50,000 to $100 as Daniel gave an itemized breakdown of how their dollars would make a difference.
As the donations were tallied, Thompson and Emerson were honored for their commitment and service to the St. Louis region.
“I’m grateful and honored to receive this award,” Thompson said as he shouted out his family.
“Nobody gets here by themselves. Michael McMillan has been a great friend and supporter of the Kwame Building Group, which is why I have no problem giving back.”
Corporate Citizen of the Year Award. Among many other forms of support, Emerson partnered with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to launch the Save Our Sons program in response to the Ferguson unrest a decade ago.
“At Emerson, we believe our goal is more than just business,” said Emerson Executive Vice President and CFO Mike Baughman. “it’s about being a true partner – with presence and purpose.”
After Baughman accepted the award Knott returned to the podium to deliver closing remarks.
Urban League Vice President of Communications Lee Haynes approached Knott with a small piece of paper with a number: $225,115 dollars.
“We missed the mark a little bit, but if you feel something in your bones on the way out, please write one more check,” Knott said.
Bishop Michael F. Jones, senior pastor of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, was ready to bless the audience with a parting prayer. Before he could stand up, Haynes came walking with intention from the back.
“We have a new number,” she said.
The moment could be likened to an 11th hour political upset or a game-winning buzzer beater, Lee Haynes approached the head table. She was speaking into an earpiece.
Haynes said the $409, 715 mark had been reached.
“We have eclipsed $1 million dollars,” Knott said. “St. Louis, you brought it in strong.”
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