Starkloff Disability Institute hosted a Young Friends Happy Hour at the Pat Connolly Tavern in Dogtown on November 14. Better than 30 guests turned out for an evening of scrumptious appetizers, frosty beverages and fantastic company.

Pat Connolly’s served as a welcoming venue, generously donating 20 percent of all sales between the hours of 5 and 10 pm to SDI.

Young Friends strives to spark awareness and involvement among the next generation of SDI supporters and allies. Exclusive events like the Young Friends Happy Hour offer the chance for professionals from across St. Louis to learn about our mission, meet members of our staff and find out how they can get involved, all in a laid-back social setting.

The enthusiastic crowd that gathered at Pat Connolly’s is indicative of the momentum that is steadily building behind SDI’s programs and overall mission.

Maurya Cockrell, one of several Happy Hour guests from Centene, expressed eagerness for future get-togethers with the Young Friends. “I thought the event was fun and extremely well executed! I enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with Starkloff staff and supporters,” she exclaims. “The food was good and the networking was even better. My friends and team cannot wait for the next event. Kudos to the committee!”

Katie Fields, SDI’s College Outreach Coordinator and Young Friends Education Committee Chair, believed the happy hour was a success on all fronts.

“It was an evening filled with many laughs, fantastic networking and a desire to make the community more inclusive,” Katie remarks. “We are thankful to the Pat Connolly Tavern for partnering with us.”