——   ABOUT VP SAINT LOUIS 

Where legacy meets leadership.

Est. 1878

ST. LOUIS’ PREMIER CIVIC AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

We bring together visionaries and community-minded professionals to take action, drive impact, and strengthen the region. Our members don’t just show up. They lead initiatives, build lasting partnerships, and actively shape the civic, cultural, and social future of St. Louis.

—— WHO WE ARE

Building a better St. Louis - together.

At VP Saint Louis, we believe the future of our city is built through community, service, and civic pride.

VP Saint Louis brings impactful leaders together in service of our region. Through volunteerism, community partnerships, and signature public events, we work to foster pride, strengthen neighborhoods, and support initiatives that move St. Louis forward.

We believe St. Louis is strongest when every person from every background has a stake in its success and a place in its future. That belief shapes everything we do: from the partners we work with, to the causes we support, to the doors we open for the next generation of civic and social leaders.

Our members contribute their time, expertise, and support to signature regional events that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the St. Louis region each year.

Through the VP Community Impact Foundation, we channel energy into lasting impact funding, volunteer service hours, and support that reach thousands of families across St. Louis.

We are VP Saint Louis and we are making St. Louis a better place to live - for all.

Red quotation marks on a white background.

Our identity is not defined by where we started, but by the impact we make today. VP Saint Louis is focused on service, community, and creating a future where all St. Louisans can take pride in the city they call home.

Michael Ruwitch

COO, VP SAINT LOUIS

—— MEMBERSHIP

Elevating St. Louis, together

From signature events to hands-on philanthropic work, VP Saint Louis turns tradition and camaraderie into real impact. We unite people who get things done, connecting leaders who launch initiatives, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change across the city.

At VP Saint Louis, membership is not passive. It is a call to lead, to serve, and to build something that lasts. This is where our members step up and help shape the future of St. Louis while having fun along the way.

—— MEMBERSHIP

From Concept to Celebration –
We’re behind it all.

When St. Louis celebrates, VP Saint Louis is often behind the scenes making it happen. We produce America’s Birthday Parade from concept to finish line, designing and building the floats, props and scenic elements that transform the streets of St. Louis into an unforgettable celebration.

We also participate in some of St. Louis’ signature parades and community celebrations, including Mardi Gras, PrideFest and St. Patrick’s Day, helping bring these traditions to life across the city.

Need a float, prop or costume for your next event? VP Saint Louis rents floats, props and costumes from our full costume shop to organizations, businesses, schools and more. Whether you’re planning a parade, festival, fundraiser or creative event, contact us to see how we can help bring your idea to life.

For nearly 150 years, the VP Ball has been one of St. Louis's most storied traditions. Like the city itself, it has grown and changed over that time, and today it reflects an organization committed to welcoming leaders from every corner of our community. The Ball celebrates the young women who give their time and talents to making St. Louis better, through volunteering, mentoring, and service. With storybook pageantry and a sense of wonder straight out of a fairy tale, it is an evening for members and their guests, rooted in a belief everyone can share: when we invest in the next generation, all of St. Louis shines brighter.

—— MEMBERSHIP FAQ

Questions about joining?

Curious how membership works? Start here. Then, reach out and we’ll connect you with a current member.

Get in touch

  • Membership in VP Saint Louis is by invitation only. Invitations are extended to men who share our commitment to service, tradition, and leadership within the St. Louis community. Prospective members are encouraged to connect with current members to learn more about the organization, its programs, and its mission.

  • Yes. While membership requires an invitation, we welcome inquiries from individuals interested in learning more. If you’d like to be connected with a current member who can provide insight into our organization, please fill out the contact form below, and we will facilitate an introduction.

  • Our members are leaders in their professional and personal lives who demonstrate a dedication to serving the St. Louis community. They are individuals who value tradition, support the mission of VP Saint Louis and the Community Impact Foundation, and are eager to contribute their time, expertise, and energy to advance our programs.

  • VP Saint Louis is committed to treating all individuals fairly and with respect. Membership and participation in our programs are based on a person’s alignment with our mission, values, and commitment to service — not on personal characteristics such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

    We believe that a strong community is built on shared purpose and mutual respect, and we expect all members to uphold these principles in every interaction, event, and initiative.

  • If you are interested in learning more about membership, please complete the ‘contact us’ form, and we will connect you with a current member who can answer your questions and provide insight into our organization.