You can play a role in saving the lives of children right here in St. Louis just by chowing down on a cheeseburger. Or pizza, tacos or spaghetti.
On Tuesday, Sept. 21, grab your family, close down your kitchen for the night, and head to your favorite restaurant to take part in the fourth annual Dining 4 Kids event benefitting St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Throughout the day, dine at any one of the 65 participating restaurants, and 20 percent or more of your tab will go to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, helping the organization provide programs and services to little ones throughout the year.
“Since 2007, funds raised through the Dining 4 Kids event have helped support many important programs and services for the children we serve, including camps for kids with special needs; music therapy; medical equipment; and health outreach to kids in the community," said Erin Taake, project coordinator of special events for the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation via e-mail. "We are so grateful to our sponsors, partner restaurants and everyone who dines out to make the event a success.”
To find a participating restaurant, visit www.dining4kids.com. While there, be sure to find out how you can invite your friends to join in and enjoy great food for a great cause. And for one night, to feel completely guilt-free when ordering that second dessert.
By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting
Metro East mom Nicole Plegge has written for STL Parent for more than 12 years. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.
More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.
Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights, a Kids Winter Wonderland, a nightly parade featuring the World-Famous Clydesdales, and lots of family-friendly activities.
Celebrate the magic of the holidays the entire month of December at the Holiday Magic experience at The Magic House! Holiday Magic features festive decorations throughout the museum, Winter Wonderscape, a Snowball Showdown, Story Time with Mrs. Claus & Santa, a special Toddler Time experience and more.