ST. LOUIS, MO (October 23, 2025) – Grand Center Inc. will honor Fox Associates Julie Baudendistel, Lisa Baudendistel-Suntrup, and Mary Strauss at its annual gala, “Illuminating the District: A Grand Celebration,” on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at The Fabulous Fox. The evening will feature the presentation of the Spirit of the Community Award to Fox Associates and Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Strauss.
The gala, presented by the Steward Family Foundation and hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Carol Daniel, celebrates the transformative impact these visionary leaders have had on the Grand Center Arts District and the broader St. Louis region over more than four decades.
“Mary Strauss and the Fox Partners have been instrumental in shaping St. Louis into the vibrant cultural destination it is today,” said Peg Weathers, President and CEO of Grand Center Inc. “Their dedication to restoring and maintaining The Fabulous Fox has anchored our arts district for more than 40 years, creating countless memories for millions of visitors while influencing the economic vitality of our entire region.”
In 1981, Fox Associates LLC was formed to undertake the ambitious restoration of the Fabulous Fox, rescuing it from near abandonment after its closing in 1978, and returning it to its original 1929 glory.
The theater reopened on September 7, 1982, after an impressive one-year restoration. Since then, under the continued stewardship of Fox Associates, the theater has undergone continuous improvements and renovations, transforming it from a shuttered movie palace into one of America’s premier live performance venues. Their leadership has brought world-class Broadway productions to St. Louis, including Tony Award-winning shows, and has made the Fox a cornerstone of the Grand Center Arts District.
The evening’s theme, “Illuminating the District,” aligns with Grand Center Inc.’s ongoing initiative to enhance lighting throughout the arts district. The organization is currently implementing a multi-million dollar lighting project to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience in the district, which attracts more than 2 million visitors annually to its 60+ arts and cultural organizations.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The gala will feature performances by:
Antonio Foster Quartet
Kindred Soul, contemporary jazz ensemble
Madison High School Trojans Drumline
Safiya Austin-El, acclaimed St. Louis teen vocalist
Saint Louis Dance Theatre
The evening begins at 6:00 PM with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by the awards program at 7:00 PM, and concludes with an elegant gourmet reception from 8:15-9:30 PM.
Gala chairs for the event are Miran Halen, Laura and Jim Lally, and Carol and Tom Voss, longtime supporters of the arts in St. Louis.
TICKET INFORMATION
For information about tickets and sponsorships, visit grandcenterinc.org/grandgala25
ABOUT THE HONOREES
Mary Strauss has been a driving force in St. Louis arts and culture for more than four decades. Along with her late husband Leon Strauss, she led the purchase and restoration of The Fabulous Fox after it closed in 1978. As director of restoration, Strauss oversaw the theater’s remarkable transformation, which reopened on September 7, 1982, after just one year of intensive renovation. Her vision ensured that the theater’s original 1929 architectural splendor was preserved while incorporating modern amenities and technology. Through continuous improvements over more than 40 years, including major projects in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2011, The Fabulous Fox has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors annually.
Fox Associates (made up of Julie Baudenistel, Lisa Baudendistel-Suntrup, and Mary Strauss) have continued the legacy of excellence at The Fabulous Fox, overseeing major renovations including a $2 million project in 2011 that included a state-of-the-art air conditioning system and advanced LED lighting upgrades. Since then, they have continued to invest in maintaining and enhancing the theater with regular improvements and updates. Under their leadership, Fox Associates won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical for their production of “Fun Home.”
ABOUT GRAND CENTER INC
For over 40 years, Grand Center Inc. has helped guide Grand Center Arts District’s evolution into a hub for the arts and culture in St. Louis. GCI works tirelessly to support the growth of local businesses, highlight the diversity of the community and lead beautification efforts for residents and visitors to enjoy. The district is home to more than 60 arts and cultural organizations, 16 theaters, 17 museums/galleries, and 10 music venues. With more than 1,500 cultural events each year—from Broadway musicals to symphony concerts, contemporary art to cabaret shows, films to festivals, and much more; this world-class arts and entertainment district has something for everyone. The district is experiencing unprecedented growth with over $200 million in current investment: the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s new $145 million Jack C. Taylor Music Center, The Sheldon’s $11 million modernization, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s revitalization of historic spaces through The Sovereign and The Key – Burger Bar & Boogie, and The Mel apartment/retail complex opening in mid-2026. Visit www.grandcenter.org for more information.
Contact: Maria Gomez
Marketing Consultant
Email: [email protected]