One of Black St. Louis’ most anticipated events is less than a week away. The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala takes place on Saturday, November 1 at America’s Center. In addition to the celebration of educators and scholars, one of the most anticipated moments is the after party. It has a longstanding tradition of having some of St. Louis’ finest dressed to kill in their best black-tie attire tearing up the dance floor. For 2025, the party will be produced by event curator Morgan Casey and her growing brand Date Ideas and Things To Do.
Her “Salute to Excellence After Party: New School vs. Old School,” will be a vibrant, classy celebration taking place immediately after the awards program – and is set to bring the city out in style.
Casey isn’t new to the scene. She’s been producing unforgettable events in St. Louis for over a decade. She began in 2013 with a sold-out speed dating event. Her platform has since grown into a thriving business that markets local spots, hosts unique events, and keeps the city buzzing. From concerts to parties, Casey’s mission has always been the same: sell out the house and make every guest feel the energy.
“Now that I’m older and I think back to my childhood, I’ve always been doing events,” Casey said. “It’s always been in me, and now I’ve been able to make it a full-time career.”
Even as a kid, Morgan had the instinct of a producer. Her grandmother’s house—among the largest in the neighborhood—served as one of her first venues. She would turn the basement into a haunted house and hire neighborhood kids as actors. Those moments sparked a passion that still fuels her work today.
Casey’s love for St. Louis and its culture shines through everything she does. Her company, Date Ideas and Things To Do, is known for promoting local businesses. Sometimes she is so effective that the businesses ask her to take the posts down due to the overwhelming response.
After recently hosting her first out-of-town event in New Orleans, Casey is taking things to the next level by collaborating with the St. Louis American Foundation to present the Salute after party. This collaboration, she says, marks a major milestone in her career.
“This puts me in front of a bigger audience and takes my business to new heights,” Casey said. “I’m running back a concept I did in March, just at a more elevated level. It’s old school versus new school. We’ve got DJ Kut repping the old school, and DJ Homicide on the new school side.”
But don’t expect a typical DJ battle. This one is all about the culture and the music. The DJs will go head-to-head over multiple rounds, not to prove who’s better, but to highlight the powerful evolution of music across generations.
“New school and old school are completely different things now,” Morgan explains. “This event celebrates that.”
The Salute after party is more than just music—it’s a full-on celebration. Casey emphasizes that classy vibes are a must! After honoring the awardees and scholars at the ceremony, guests will have a chance to express their joy, dance freely, and celebrate all night long.
St. Louis, get ready to show up and show out!
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 6 p.m. (general reception at 5 p.m.) at America’s Center. The New School vs. Old School After party will immediately follow the ceremony. For more information, call 314.533.8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
