Thanks to our incredibly generous community, the Third Annual Minds in Bloom Auction & Dinner broke both attendance and fundraising records for the event!

The event, held on Saturday, April 18, at Clayton Plaza Hotel, raised more than $300,000 in total, with $181,324 specifically going to our Fund the Future Scholarship Fund to help make Miriam more affordable for families who need us. 

Eddie, a Miriam junior who received a scholarship, spoke at the event. “Being here has changed how I see myself,” he told the crowd. “I don’t feel like I’m the problem anymore. I feel like I just needed the right environment. Now, I feel more confident about my future - like college is something I can really do. So to everyone here tonight - thank you.”

Erin Chien, whose son graduated from Miriam High School in 2025, also addressed the guests to share her son’s journey and thank the Miriam community. “I think my favorite thing about Miriam is how invested each teacher, staff member and administrator is in my son. I believe that Andrew's favorite thing about Miriam is that there's never been a single moment when he's had to be anything but himself. Everyone accepts and loves exactly who he is.”

Minds in Bloom, Miriam’s primary fundraising event, included a live auction and the Fund the Future paddle raise, as well as recognition of key supporters. Bill and Susie Hizar served as honorary chairs for the night, and Judi Scissors and Stephanie DePlanty led a volunteer committee to ensure the event’s success.

Fannie Landau Award for Volunteerism - Steve and Karla Rosenblum

The Fannie Landau Award for Volunteerism recognizes a special individual or family that demonstrates incredible passion in helping to coordinate fundraising events, and motivating donors and/or other volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of Miriam School and Learning Center.

Steve and Karla Rosenblum have been quiet forces of compassion, leadership, and service at Miriam for more than two decades. Steve played an instrumental role in establishing Miriam Learning Center, and continues to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors. Karla has been a dedicated partner on the Minds in Bloom committee. 

Steve spent his career in the restaurant industry, where he became known for his generosity mentoring youth, opening doors for individuals with disabilities, and supporting those in need. For more than 30 years, Karla owned and operated a popular tour business, sharing the history and heart of St. Louis.

Legacy of Giving Award - Steele Family

Miriam recognized the Steele Family with the Legacy of Giving Award, which honors those whose enduring generosity has shaped Miriam School and Learning Center for generations. 

For more than four decades, the Steele family has shaped the heart and future of Miriam School and Learning Center. Their legacy began with Nancy and Donald Steele, whose deep belief in educational opportunity and community service became the foundation for generations of impact. Nancy’s lifelong dedication to children and education led her to champion Miriam as a volunteer, board member and donor. Donald contributed his financial expertise as a member of the Miriam Board, Investment Committee, and Finance Committee, helping strengthen the organization’s long-term stewardship.

Their children carried that commitment forward. Today, that legacy continues with Cathy Steele, who joined the Miriam Board in 2022. The Steeles have remained focused on supporting the welfare and education of children. Their generosity and dedication have strengthened Miriam’s long-term sustainability to ensure that future students will continue to thrive.

Lifetime Achievement Award - George Diederich

The Miriam Lifetime Achievement Award was established to honor those individuals who have made a positive impact on Miriam through their service over the course of 20-plus years. These individuals have demonstrated their commitment to and passion for the mission of Miriam in an ongoing capacity, and will forever be remembered as part of the Miriam legacy.

George Diederich is a proud alumnus of Miriam School, having attended from 1972-1974 after being diagnosed with a learning disability and mild cerebral palsy. He remembers Miriam as an incredibly inviting environment, and recalls how the director at the time, Eleanor Kenny, along with the teachers, worked closely with both students and parents to help them navigate the unique challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities.

Today, George credits Miriam with laying the educational foundation that gave him the tools to navigate his challenges, a start for which he remains forever grateful. In gratitude for the impact Miriam had on his life, George has remained a loyal supporter of the school - funding vans for the experiential learning program, establishing a scholarship in honor of his mother, and continuing to show up for the Miriam community.

About Miriam School and Learning Center:

Miriam School and Learning Center is a beacon for families seeking specialized education for their children. With a commitment to individualized curriculum, small class sizes, and integrated support, Miriam empowers students to reach their full potential and achieve academic and personal success.

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