Historic, Phenomenal Centennial Gala
hosted by St. Louis Urban League!
On March 24, Urban League President & CEO Michael P. McMillan hosted a phenomenally historic record-break-
ing Centennial Gala at the Marriott Grand Hotel with a crowd of more than 1,300 in attendance!
At the Gala, Michael Neidorff, Chairman and CEO of Centene Corporation presented the Urban League with a
$1 million donation. As the audience cheered, Richard Mark, President and CEO of Ameren Illinois, and Brian
Leonard, Director, Corporate Contributions and Community Initiatives for Ameren Missouri, presented another
$1 million check for the Urban League’s community outreach services and the Centennial Fund. Ann Marr, Vice
President of Global Human Resources, World Wide Technology, Inc. rounded off the evening of special presenta-
tions with a $1.25 million donation for Urban League programs and services.
Following the donation presentations, World-renowned Actress Viola Davis delivered a powerful keynote speech
about African American empowerment and the need to support organizations which help disadvantaged popula-
tions. The audience responded to her speech with a standing ovation. Following the keynote, Eric Benét rounded
off the Centennial Celebration with an extraordinary hour-long concert.
“On behalf of the over 100,000 clients we serve at the Urban League each year, I thank Centene, Ameren and
World Wide Technology for their very generous donations to our agency! I am also thankful to our Gala attendees
and everyone in this community who supports the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis!” McMillan said.