See and Be Seen: Safe Connections’ Lotus Ball

Event co-chair Benjamin Shafer and Safe Connections CEO Cynthia Danley present *Gazelle* founder and publisher Cillah Hall (center) with the Corporate Community Impact Award during the Safe Connections Lotus Ball at The Chase Park Plaza. *photo by Bryan Schraier*

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Guests and supporters of Safe Connections, one of the St. Louis area’s largest and longest-serving organizations committed to preventing and ending domestic and sexual violence, enjoyed an evening of fellowship, inspiration and empowerment at this weekend’s Lotus Ball.

The event, held at The Chase Park Plaze, is Safe Connections’ largest fundraiser of the year and benefits its award-winning therapy, crisis care and youth prevention education programs. Risé Black served as event chair, with Benjamin Shafer as co-chair.

The evening began with a cocktail hour, followed by an elegant dinner and program and concluded with guests on the dance floor.

Safe Connections CEO Cynthia Danley welcomed guests and presided over the evening’s award program, which included a moving survivor story from Bryant Antoine. KSDK reporter Justina Coronel was presented with the Impact Award for her advocacy and volunteer work. Gazelle and founder/publisher Cillah Hall received the Corporate Community Impact Award for supporting the work of Safe Connections over the years.

Gazelle served as a proud media sponsor of the 2023 Lotus Ball.

photos by Bryan Schraier