Connections to Success Honors Participants and Supporters in Annual “Tribute to Success” Event

Connections to Success, a non-profit organization with locations in St. Louis, St. Charles, and Kansas City, celebrated its 14th annual “Tribute to Success” luncheon last Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton, MO. 

This year’s event, emceed by Kesha Kent, included inspirational speakers and performances from Dr. Marty K. Casey and Adrianne M. Felton-King. Casey, a St. Louis native, is the founder of Show Me Arts Academy, a non-profit organization that provides multicultural artistic development, leading to a lifelong appreciation for the arts while simultaneously healing collective trauma with children, families, and communities. 

Highlights of the event included musical performances, a stirring keynote speech, the announcement of award recipients, and testimonies of participants who have overcome obstacles to achieve economic independence with the support of Connections to Success. One such individual was 2025 Tribute recipient, Altonio Graves. Graves returned home after 20 years in prison with a resolve to change and be a stronger role model for his son. After connecting with the organization, he was able to secure a job and create a long-term career plan. “I have developed a great relationship with the staff of Connections to Success, and I thank them for their love, kindness, care and support,” Graves said. “I will continue to stay strongly connected.”  

Connections to Success also honored individual recipients of their annual awards. The Lambert Legacy Award was given to Paul Hott for his wide-ranging service with the organization over the past 13 years: as a board member and later board president; a mentor for the leadership team; a career coach for the staff, and generous donor – not just financially, but in giving his wisdom and experience. Connections to Success participant Dr. Alicia Davis was the recipient of the Dennis and Judy Jones Lifetime Achievement Award. Davis shared how the Professional Women’s Group at Connections to Success helped lift her up during a difficult period in her life. 

“I was really searching for something that would not just revitalize my hopes but light a spark. It took a lot of triumphs and failures,” said Davis, who was surrounded by her family. “Connections to Success truly is a lifesaver. It is not just a connection for work, not just a connection for personal and professional development, it is a connection to saving lives.” 

This year’s luncheon raised over $140,000 and also included a jewelry raffle, a wine pull, and a silent auction that included eight different luxury vacations. All individual donors who made contributions towards “Tribute to Success” were entered into a drawing for two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines, the official airlines of Connections to Success. 

“Our Tribute to Success event is the highlight of our year,” said Brandi Jahnke, CEO of Connections to Success. “It’s such a great opportunity for people in the community to really see the results that are a direct result of their support. Our participants have incredible stories to tell about how they have overcome adversity. They are the ones who truly do the work – we’re just here to walk with them on that path.” 

Tribute to Success has become a fitting annual salute to the work of the organization and its participants. Past keynote speakers have included Build-a-Bear Founder, Maxine Clark, and Dress for Success Founder, Nancy Lublin.  

About Connections to Success: 

Founded in 1998, Connections to Success is a nonprofit organization based in Missouri, with locations in St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City. Connections to Success offers comprehensive support to families working toward economic stability and growth by providing practical resources, career preparation, and a strong foundation for lasting success. The organization provides a comprehensive network of services and referrals to help people achieve economic independence after facing challenges such as generational poverty, incarceration, and violence. The Connections to Success model integrates training opportunities, life transformation coaching, support services, and job development to set participants up for long-term success. This evidence-based model delivers a measurable ROI, resulting in sustainable change that positively impacts all areas of a person’s life while also having a positive influence on the community. 

Since its original start in 1998, the organization has served over 25,000 individuals throughout Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.