Paving the Way is Trailnet's annual fundraising event, formerly known as the Movers and Shakers Gala.

Paving the Way is a soiree celebrating and supporting safer streets for ALL!

Every year, hundreds of influential philanthropists, corporate leaders, and passionate advocates gather to learn about the progress we have made together, envision the future, and raise critical funds for Trailnet's mission.

This year, the event will build on years of success, adding the inaugural Members, Advocates and Partners (MAP) Awards. Trailnet will present the MAP Awards to the people and organizations who are paving the way for better biking, walking and public transit in St. Louis. 

This event is designed to spark connections. Add biking or walking gear to your cocktail/business casual attire. Wheel, bike, walk, bus or drive there. Graze through eclectic food stations and enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks or a signature mocktail. Mix and mingle with community, business and philanthropic leaders.

Together, we are paving the way for Streets for All.

What to expect

Schedule

• 6:00 p.m. doors open, bar opens, hors d'oeuvres served
• 7:30 p.m. Welcome by Sarah Fenske and an update from Trailnet CEO Cindy Mense. Bar service pause from 7:30 - 7:45.
• 7:45 p.m. Presentation of the 2023 MAP (Members, Advocates, & Partners) Awards. Bar will re-open.
• 8:00 p.m. Drawing for e-bike raffle with Pedego St. Louis. Silent Auction closes.
• 8:30 p.m. Silent Auction Check-Out opens
• 9:00 p.m. event ends

Getting there

In Trailnet fashion, we hope you will consider walking, biking or taking public transportation if possible. The #8 bus will drop you right at the front door. We will also have bike racks available to park your bike. Just be sure to bring a bike lock. If you're coming from a little further away, take your bike on MetroLink to the Cortex Station. Then, enjoy a 2 mile ride to Wild Carrot.  

All parking should be on 39th Street OR in the St. Mary Margaret of Scotland parking lot. 39th is the street along the East side of the building. It is nonresidential and non-metered in both directions, so lots of open parking! Please do not park on Shaw Blvd. For the parking lot, guests will enter from Shaw Blvd to the left of the school (the school is right on the corner of Lawrence and Shaw). We will have a volunteer there to greet guests, so it will be easier for you to locate. MAP

Seating, Food & Refreshments

You will not have an assigned seat or table. This event is cocktail style, with a mix of community tables, cocktail tables, bistro tables, and lounge furniture. We invite our guests to network, socialize, and connect with one another while grazing through yummy, eclectic food stations. We will be sure to have gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan options for you.  

Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks or our signature mocktail while you mix and mingle. A cash bar will be available for spirits or cocktails.

Activities

From the moment you enter, you will encounter opportunities to engage with our mission.

Experience Trailnet's Traffic Calming Lending Library. Pick up your membership t-shirt or get some new Trailnet swag. Peruse and bid on a curated selection of silent auction items. Take selfies with a unique backdrop. Mix and mingle with our Board of Directors and sponsors who support our work. Enter a raffle for your own Pedego Avenue E-Bike. And of course, meet and honor the individuals and organizations who are paving the way in our inaugural Members, Advocates & Partners Awards ceremony!

Attire

Our dress code is a little more fun, too. Regular cocktail or business attire is welcome, but if you are feeling creative, we invite you to incorporate biking or pedestrian fashion into your outfit. Consider wearing your favorite bike jersey under your sport coat or adding a high visibility triangle to your dress. Break out your bike earrings or tie. Feel free to express yourself!

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair accessible. There is a loft above the space that is only accessible by stairs. That space will be available for guests but will not have anything special or different than is available in the main event space. To request disability accommodations, please email corinne@trailnet.org or indicate your request in the form when purchasing your ticket.