There is the well-known story about a young person along a beach, tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean one by one. When told they couldn't possibly make a difference for all of them, they picked up another, threw it into the waves, and replied: "I made a difference to that one."
This spirit of individual impact is the heartbeat of the Special Education Foundation and the 3rd Annual Starfish Awards, which will take place at one of St. Louis’s most stunning new venues: The Reverie in Chesterfield on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
A Venue as Inspiring as Our Honorees
Located within the vibrant entertainment area, The District in Chesterfield, The Reverie offers a sophisticated, contemporary atmosphere that perfectly reflects the excellence of our award recipients. Managed by the renowned Butler’s Pantry, the space is designed to be a "primed canvas"—a sleek, modern backdrop that allows the stories of our students and educators to take center stage.
We chose The Reverie not just for its beauty, but for its commitment to a premier guest experience.
Here is what attendees can look forward to:
- Contemporary Elegance: From the moment you enter the pre-function foyer, you’ll be met with marble bars, gold accents, and plush velvet seating. It’s an environment that truly honors the importance of the Starfish Awards.
- A Seamless Experience: The main dining room features innovative pivoting doors that create an open, airy flow. Whether we are moving from the cocktail hour to the formal ceremony, the space feels connected and inclusive.
- World-Class Catering: A celebration is only as good as the food! With Butler’s Pantry at the helm, guests will enjoy a 5-star culinary experience designed specifically for our evening.
- Accessibility for All: In keeping with SEF’s mission, The Reverie is fully ADA accessible, ensuring that every guest can navigate the space comfortably and with dignity.
Celebrating the "Difference Makers"
The Starfish Awards recognize those extraordinary individuals—teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and community members—who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities. By hosting this event at a venue as prestigious as The Reverie, we aim to elevate these stories and show our honorees just how much their dedication is valued.
Learn about our Starfish Community Awardees
As we gather under the warm glow of The Reverie’s modern chandeliers, we aren't just attending an event; we are coming together to ensure that the Special Education Foundation can continue to "make a difference to that one" for years to come.
The 3rd Annual Starfish Awards Details at a Glance
- Date & Time:Thursday, June 11, 2026, beginning at 6:00 pm
- Location: The Reverie, 17089 North Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO
- Parking: Complimentary self-parking is available for all guests with a free valet parking option
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated, inclusive, and celebratory.
- Ticket & Sponsorship Information: www.StarfishAwards.org

