Celebrating Fall and Philanthropy with the Leffingwell Society

Guests kept cozy at Bourbon & Bonfires, our fall celebration with the Forest Park Forever Leffingwell Society

Leffingwell Award recipient Larry Thomas (right) with Forest Park Forever President and Executive Director Lesley S. Hoffarth at Bourbon & Bonfires on October 8, 2026

Once the daytime storms passed, our fall celebration of the Leffingwell Society went on as planned on October 15.

It was a blustery but still festive autumn evening at the World’s Fair Pavilion. Guests celebrated Forest Park’s 150th anniversary and Forest Park Forever’s 40th while sampling bourbons and specialty drinks, cozying up to bonfires, mixing and mingling among Forest Park friends and enjoying seasonal small bites and live music from the Charles Glenn Group. They also heard the latest Park updates from President and Executive Director Lesley Hoffarth about tornado recovery and the nearly completed construction projects at The Glade and the Boathouse. She emphasized the importance of Leffingwell Society members’ continued support as we navigate restoration and innovation in the Park.

We also presented the Leffingwell Award—bestowed annually to a corporation, foundation or individuals who have made a significant contribution of time, talent or resources to the restoration and maintenance of Forest Park—to Forest Park Forever board member Larry Thomas in recognition of his dedication to restoring and enhancing the Park for more than 25 years.

“Forest Park has been a source of joy, connection and inspiration since I first came to St. Louis,” said Thomas. “Receiving the Leffingwell Award from Forest Park Forever is a profound honor. The Park is a gem that belongs to the entire region, so helping to sustain it for future generations is one of the highlights of my civic life.”  

We are grateful for the time and resources Larry has dedicated to Forest Park and the entire St. Louis region.

About the Leffingwell Society

Forever Park Forever Leffingwell Society members are philanthropic leaders for the Park, ensuring it remains beautiful and accessible every day of the year. Their annual membership gifts provide more than 75% of the annual funds our nonprofit raises for Forest Park on-going care. Consistent support from Leffingwell Society members ensures we can maintain the Park season after season and year after year.

Thank you to our sponsor!

We’d like to thank our generous partners at the Centene Foundation for helping us celebrate fall and our Leffingwell Society members in Forest Park.

 

Join Us in Support of Forest Park

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever employs experts in land management, ecology, conservation, park operations, community engagement, education and visitor services. We’re now using our expertise to integrate long-term tornado recovery into our annual plans and the master plan for Forest Park. There’s still so much work to be done and many ways you can help!

Membership, Fundraising, Forest Park Experience, EventsTiffany WebbLeffingwell Society, Awards