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Smith and Company is a new event venue located in the MOTO Museum in Midtown. The museum houses a private collection of unique motorcycles obtained from over 20 countries from around the globe covering almost 100 years of motorcycle history. Join us for a fun and inspiring evening that raises funds to support the Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter's programs of research, education, support and advocacy.

The Purple Ball is the Heartland Chapter's premier event and features a cocktail reception, premium open bar, delicious dinner, and dancing. Take a chance to win a bottle of fine wine or whisky and have fun at the photo booth. The event includes an online auction and an inspiring presentation and opportunity to send a girl to lupus camp.

The Purple Ball
Friday, April 5th, 2024

The MOTO Museum 
3408 Locust St,
Saint Louis, MO 63103

Cocktail Reception at 6:30 p.m.
Appetizers, Silent Auction and Wine & Whiskey Pull

Dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Program, Live & Mission Auction, & Photo Booth

Music & Dancing at 9:30 p.m.
Music by D2thaC

Cocktail Attire with a Splash of Purple & Fancy Leather

2025 Honorees

The Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter is pleased to present the 2024 inaugural Lupus Inspire Award to Austin M. Dalrymple, DO, FAAP, FACR, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Program Director, Pediatric Rheumatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

Chad Ronholm, M.D.

Chad Ronholm, M.D. is a St. Louis native who stayed in St. Louis to complete his Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.  He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and has been involved with the Lupus Foundation of America since 2019 and has served as Secretary of its Board of Directors.  He is a member of The American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and is a Fellow in the American College of Rheumatology.

Dr. Ronholm is in private practice as co-owner of Saint Louis Rheumatology in which he treats a variety of autoimmune connective tissue diseases and is principal investigator in several ongoing clinical research trials.  He also sees patients in the rural underserved population of Vandalia, IL once a week at Fayette County Hospital.  Dr. Ronholm has been a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2022.

In his personal life, he is married to his beautiful wife, Leanna, and has 3 amazing and vibrant kids that keep him busy.  They enjoy traveling and sporting events and of course, all things Cardinal baseball.

Tony Centracchio