An unforgettable evening of jazz and philanthropy in St. Louis with Will Downing.
The Eta Boule Foundation (EBF), the charitable arm of the Eta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, is hosting a “Concert for a Cause” fundraiser that promises to be a captivating evening with renowned jazz artist Will Downing with soulful music and community spirit.
“This concert isn’t just about music—it’s a celebration of community and generosity,” says Vito Bracy, Chairman of the fraternity’s Special Events Planning and Execution Committee. “Ironically, I’ve been trying to get them for three years. His staff was so gracious enough to reach out to us and say, ‘Here’s what we can do.’ Let’s make it happen.’ I thought that was pretty honorable. A lot of artists don’t do that.”
The concert is set for Saturday, May 17 at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are tickets are on sale through MetroTix. VIP seating is $151; Balcony seating is $76.
The opening act for the Will Downing concert will be Comedian Darius Bradford who has been boldly representing St. Louis on the comedy standup scene locally and nationally for over 25 years. He’s made a name for himself opening for Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and others.
Carol Daniel, the former news anchor on KMOX Radio, as well as several years as the host of Great Day St. Louis on KMOV/Channel 4, and podcast producer on St. Louis’ Nine PBS public TV station, will be the Mistress of Ceremony. The infamous DJ Quinn of 96.3 FM R&B will light up the after-party music.
The term Eta Boule is a derivation of the Greek designation “The Boulé,” which means “the Council” or “a council of noblemen”.
“Eta Boulé” refers to a chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi professional fraternity, made up of more than 70 members who are outstanding men of achievement in the St. Louis region, hence the “council of noblemen.”
The fraternity’s mission is to inspire and support young black male achievement in the St. Louis region, by supporting and executing initiatives and programs that benefit young black males, their families, and the community.
Through the Eta Boulé Foundation (EBF), its non-profit arm assists in raising funds to help support its community outreach activities, members help support EBF by volunteering and by providing annual leadership donations ranging from $1,000-$10,000.
Eta Boule has been busy sowing tangible seeds where it is needed in the St. Louis area. During the pandemic, the organization gave more than $100,000 to the Urban League of St. Louis for food.
“We did that within a week to make sure that the Urban League was funded sufficiently during the pandemic,” Bracy explains. “I’m pretty sure that we were the only fraternity in this region ever to do something like that, with that substantial sum of money.”
The Eta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity was incorporated in 1912 as a local member of the national Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Since that time, it has consistently supported community improvement efforts in the St. Louis region. In 2016, it established the Eta Boulé Foundation (EBF), as its non-profit arm, was established to assist in raising funds to help support its community outreach activities. Eta Boulé Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit incorporated in the state of Missouri.
Other community outreaches and programs by the men of Eta Boule include:
MENTORING
Since 2009 the Fraternity has mentored 300 Jennings Middle School students, through its lecturer series and Fraternity members have provided one one-on-one mentoring to 40 college and middle school male students.
Worked with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Missouri regarding mentorship training and screening.
EBF has provided financial support to the Fathers Support Center to help fathers establish better relationships with their children. Having a caring and loving adult(s) in a young person’s life is key to their healthy growth and development.
LIFE COACH / WORKFORCE READINESS
The program is designed to work directly with middle school students as well as young men 18-29 years old. It meets them where they are and helps guide, counsel, and encourage them through personal or career challenges. Coaches listen, provide ideas, tap into interests, and empower individuals to make constructive choices regarding their education, careers, and personal development goals.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Since 2017 EBF has funded 80 college scholarships, supporting students at a variety of institutions. EBF established the Dr. Henry Givens Scholarship program supporting male students at Harris Stowe State University and Lincoln University. Dr. Givens was a member of the Fraternity and served as President of both Universities, during his outstanding career in higher education. Having resources to attend college or a trade/ technical school is critical in helping young people succeed.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Providing access to quality health care and encouraging a healthy lifestyle is critical in the community. EBF works with organizations to help disseminate information on prostate cancer, diabetes, hypertension, pancreatic cancer, and many other diseases and illnesses that impact our community. The foundation has supported organizations like Integrated Health Network and provided $100,000 for COVID-19 family assistance in 2020.
EBF has presented numerous volunteer, community service, and visionary honors to valued and deserving community leaders in the St. Louis area. Click here to see honorees.
So why does Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and its foundation do what it does?
“What drives us is we want to make sure that young men and women that look like us have the opportunities that were afforded to us that we can lift them up,” Bracy says. “Financially, spiritually, leadership-wise, we want to make sure that we can lend our gifts to the community.
“If we can help those young people to be better than us – that’s paying it forward from an older generation to the newer generation.”
Date: May 17, 2025
Doors: 6pm
Venue: Sheldon
On Sale: Buy Tickets Now
Tickets: $151 VIP | $76 Balcony
#WillDowningLive #StLouisJazz #ConcertForACause
