In the world of gala fundraisers, grandeur and elegance often coalesce to create unforgettable moments. Our Nov. 3 Puttin’ on the Ritz gala wowed attendees with its splendor, creating an extraordinary evening filled with heartwarming tales and hopeful tomorrows.

But the true heart of the event was not only in its extravagance but in its altruistic mission. The gala was dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship children, often some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Through various fundraising activities, including silent and live auctions and generous donations, the gala raised a record-setting $103,000. These funds will provide these children with much-needed support, resources, and care, offering them a brighter future and a chance at a stable, loving home.

The Puttin’ on the Ritz Gala was not just a night of opulence and entertainment; it was a night of compassion and hope, where the community demonstrated its commitment to providing better opportunities and brighter futures for those who need it most. In the years to come, the impact of this remarkable evening will be felt in the lives of countless children, serving as a beacon of light in their journey toward happier and more stable lives.

At the Nov. 3 gala, Founder/CEO DeAnna Alonso announced “A Family for Me,” CMFCAA’s new initiative to secure permanent homes for Missouri’s adoptable children. This program features a monthly 2-minute TV segment on KMIZ-TV 17, spotlighting a child from the Missouri Heart Gallery.

For years, Alonso has dreamed about creating such a program at CMFCAA. It was shot at Pumpkins Galore in Wright City, featuring Denzel, who said he wants a family that “really cares. A family that wants to invest in me, and I want a family that actually truly loves me.”

He said he would one day like to go to...  Read more.