Attire: Black Tie Optional
View inspiration here: Pinterest
Parking: Free Valet Parking and Self Parking
Room Block: To reserve your room within our designated room block, please use the link below. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, August 26. Click here to purchase your room.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 26, 2026
6:00 p.m. Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres
7:00 p.m. Dinner Program & Auctions
9:00 p.m. After Party & Dancing featuring DJ Rico Steez
Location
The Chase Park Plaza
212 N Kingshighway Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
Imagine a World of What If...
This year’s gala is inspired by What If…, our vision for reimagining healthcare for children with complex medical needs. We gather to honor the strength of our kids, the dedication of their families, and the community that makes their healing possible.
Your support helps transform bold ideas into real impact. By raising essential funds for Ranken Jordan, we expand our ability to care for children with the most complex challenges and strengthen programs that continue supporting families long after they leave the hospital.
Children with complex medical needs require extraordinary care and extraordinary support. By investing in innovative programs and expanding community‑based services, we create a network of healing that surrounds families every step of the way. Together, we imagine what’s possible — and make it happen.
Tonight, we reimagine what’s possible. Together, we make it happen.
Lesley Shekelton is honored to return for a second year as Chair of the BEYOND Gala, continuing her deep commitment to the mission of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. She serves on the Ranken Jordan Foundation Board of Trustees and the Friends of Ranken Jordan Advisory Council, where she is recognized as a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate for children and families.
Lesley’s dedication to service extends throughout the St. Louis community, with leadership and volunteer involvement supporting organizations such as Missouri Baptist Hospital, Second Chance Ranch, Pink Ribbon Good, and Baking Memories 4Kids. Guided by compassion and vision, Lesley believes in asking What if…—and helping turn possibility into reality—so that families at Ranken Jordan experience not just exceptional care, but hope, dignity, and opportunity at every step of their journey.
Mike Hart is proud to serve as Co-Chair of the 2026 BEYOND Gala alongside Lesley. He serves on both the Ranken Jordan Foundation Board of Trustees and the hospital’s Board of Directors, offering strategic insight and a strong commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.
As Chief Financial Officer of American Piping Products, Mike brings disciplined financial leadership paired with a deep passion for community impact. His philanthropic involvement includes support of Haven House, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and other local nonprofit organizations. Mike has played an instrumental role in helping Ranken Jordan expand services and strengthen the vital bridge between hospital and home—advancing innovative models of care that support children and families well beyond their hospital stay.
Together, Lesley and Mike are inspired to help Ranken Jordan look BEYOND what is—and imagine what if… They are committed to expanding support, advancing innovation, and ensuring more children with complex medical needs have a bridge between acute care and home, supported by a robust network of care and community.
They are deeply grateful to the sponsors, partners, and supporters who make this work possible and look forward to an evening that offers inspiration, meaningful connection, and a powerful glimpse into the future of Ranken Jordan.
