SSM Health Foundation to host Bright Night Gala Oct. 17 in St. Louis

SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis will hold its annual Bright Night Gala on Oct. 17 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, to raise money for patient care programs, new technology and caregiver support at seven local hospitals. The event aims to build on 2025’s more than $633,000 raised for the region’s most immediate health care needs.

Why it matters: - The gala is a key fundraising event for seven SSM Health hospitals in the greater St. Louis region. - Money raised will support patient-centered programs, new technologies, community health efforts and caregiver support. - The event is designed to help meet the region’s greatest and most immediate health care needs.

What happened: - SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis will host Bright Night on Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. - The annual event uses a Hollywood Golden Age theme with black-tie dress, a red carpet and an auction-focused program. - The evening will include a 6 p.m. cocktail reception, a 7:15 p.m. dinner, an 8 p.m. program and live auction, and a 9:15 p.m. after-party. - Alberici Constructors, Inc. and Daugherty Foundation are the presenting sponsors. - The gala is supported entirely through sponsorship rather than ticket sales.

The details: - Bright Night will benefit SSM Health’s seven local hospitals: SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis; SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital; SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton; SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint Louis; SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - St. Charles; SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Wentzville; and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis. - The 2025 gala raised more than $633,000. - The 2026 event will feature inspirational patient stories, community fellowship and a live auction. - Fox 2 News On-Air Host Chelsea Haynes will emcee. - The Foundation was founded in 2018 to unify philanthropic efforts across its hospital network.

Between the lines: - The event frames philanthropy as a communitywide effort, not just a donor dinner. - Corporate sponsors, community leaders and individual supporters are being positioned as central to the fundraising model. - The focus on direct hospital needs suggests the gala is meant to fund practical, visible improvements rather than broad operating support.

What's next: - Media members can attend and cover the event. - RSVPs and interview requests go to Kerry Andersen at kerry@1905newmedia.com or (337) 292-0725. - More information about gala sponsorship or gifts is available at the gala donation page. - The Foundation will use Bright Night to build on the momentum of last year’s fundraising total.

The bottom line: - Bright Night is SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis’ biggest public fundraising push this fall, with proceeds aimed directly at local hospital needs.