On Nov. 20 comes an opportunity to join Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Terry Bradshaw and supporters of the St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer in a special philanthropic evening to raise funds, build awareness about cancer treatments and spur cancer prevention.
The St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer is considered to be the only local organization that brings the entire cancer community together through being a valuable resource for any person who is, or knows someone who is, dealing with this disease.
STLMGAC Executive Director Anita Kraus says this 54th Annual Men's Dinner will be held in Clayton at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Individual event tickets are $425 each. "We're so honored Terry will be our keynote speaker this year, as a two-time cancer survivor."
Terry has battled two forms of cancer, both of which were treated successfully, and he's now deemed cancer-free. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer during November 2021 and underwent treatment at Yale University Medical Center. He was later diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, in his neck during March 2022, which was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Additionally at this November fundraiser attended by men, a representative of HavenHouse St. Louis will share details about being a hospital guest house that provides the comfort of home and a community of support to patients and their families traveling to receive medical care in St. Louis.
Since 1969, STLMGAC has directed millions of dollars to 40-plus charities, ensuring that donations support specific programs that make tangible impacts in cancer research, prevention and treatments. "The organization began as a simple gathering of individuals with a common purpose and grew into an organized effort to raise funds and direct them where they were needed most," Anita adds.
In 1984, STLMGAC became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring funds raised each year directly support organizations within the St. Louis community.
"What makes our nonprofit unique is we don’t focus on just one area. We support nonprofits doing life-changing work in three vital areas: cancer research, prevention and care for patients and their families," explains Anita.
STLMGAC beneficiaries include organizations that provide critical support to individuals facing a cancer diagnosis, assist their families, and advance scientific research dedicated to finding a cure. These organizations include the American Cancer Society, Missouri Baptist Cancer Center, Camp Rainbow, BJC Healthcare, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, The Cancer Support Community of STL, Mercy Health Foundation, Heartland Cancer Treatment Research (Missouri Baptist), DeGreef House (Mercy Health Foundation South), Hamsa Wellness Community, Camp Kesem, Kids Rock Radio - Maryville University, Gateway to Hope, Haven House, Ronald McDonald House Charities of STL, Joshua's Great Things, The Bennet Project, The Empowerment Network, Lung Cancer Connection, JC Memorial Foundation, Reel Recovery, Faith Through Fire, The Breakfast Club, Food Outreach, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, SSM Health Foundation, St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Pink Ribbon Good, Valeda's Hope, Washington University Urology, St. Louis University Care Center, Gateway Region YMCA, Friends of Kids with Cancer, and Annie's Hope - The Center for Grieving Kids.
Anita says there are several ways for individuals to assist with the organization's initiatives. "We welcome sponsors, donors, tribute memorials and individual methods such as donating product or special event-related proceeds."
She adds that another way to support the causes is to attend the group's annual Women's Event or Annual Luncheon, which will be next held on April 29, 2026.
This past August, STLMGAC partnered with The Big 550 KTRS to hold a successful radiothon, during which exciting auction items were featured throughout one day. It raised $34,000.
The group also raised $10,000 in this year's sold-out 3rd Annual Pickleball “Fun-Raiser” for men and women held at Padel + Pickle located in Olivette.
Over the years, the mission has remained to help as many people as possible by supporting a wide range of programs, from cutting-edge science to day-to-day care right here in Missouri and the St. Louis community, says Anita, who assures those objectives are close to her heart. "It’s a grassroots story, really, a few people who cared deeply, grew into a community that cares even more."
"Every dollar we grant helps make a real difference," she reminds. "Whether it’s funding advanced science to discover a cure or understand cancer genetics, supporting programs that help prevent cancer before it starts, or easing the daily burden of living with cancer through practical and emotional support. That includes helping the family members and caregivers who are also deeply affected by a diagnosis."
Anita says everyone involved in STLMGAC is proud to be part of a network of organizations across St. Louis and Missouri working toward a common goal: to bring hope, comfort and answers to those touched by cancer, and to one day help bring an end to cancer altogether.
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