LENORE PEPPER, icon of wisdom, generosity and business success, has been honored many times for her good deeds over the years.  But even close friends may not be aware of the reason for her latest award as a Hatebreaker Hero.

Hatebreakers, founded by Susan Balk, spotlights individuals who have experienced violence ranging from bullying to genocide to the Holocaust as either victims, witnesses or perhaps perpetrators who have found the moral courage to become leaders and healers rather than haters.

Hatebreakers provides tools to individuals and organizations to interrupt the otherwise predictable cycle of “hate breeds hate.” Each year, the organization honors role models who have “hit the brakes on hate.”

When Pepper was 6 years old, a family in her neighborhood brutally beat her, calling her anti-Semitic names. How did she manage to survive such hate? 

“I decided to kill it with kindness,” she says. “Anything I can do to help make things better, I want to do. Anything.”

The other Hatebreaker honorees are: Morgan Keenan, a gay man abandoned by his family who has become a leader helping LGBT teenagers combat bullying; Willie Dyson, adopted by a white couple after being left in a dumpster as an infant, who now literally sings to build social support for interracial adoption; and Lizzie Sider, 15, a rising country music star who travels to schools, singing to bring comfort to kids who have been bullied like she was. 

Lizzie also will perform at the Hatebreakers Heroes Awards event, which will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at the Frontenac Hilton. For reservations at $35 per person, call Arlen Chaleff, 314-994-7784 or email her at [email protected].  

I’m a big fan of cabaret-style shows and musical revues, especially ones that benefit great organizations such as the St. Louis County Older Resident Programs (CORP). CORP provides services and programs to support independence and quality of life for older adults. 

Currently, rehearsals are underway for Broadway Fantasies’ “Thanks for the Memory — Our 25th Anniversary Celebration,” with proceeds from the shows going to CORP. Since its establishment in 1992 as a non-profit corporation, Broadway Fantasies has raised more than $100,000 for local charities.

A partial list of the cast, who entertain for their love of music and charity, includes Howard Balzer, Lee Barris, Marvin Cohen, Vicki Fenster, Karin Krakover, Carol Moldafsky, Ed Musen, Donna Rothenberg, David Segal, Karen Schechter, Marcene Tochman and Ginny Weiss.  “A good majority of our cast members are Jewish and understand the priority we place in our community in helping the elderly,” explains Lee Barris, executive director and cast member of Broadway Fantasies.   “What could be better than being entertained by a talented, dedicated local group, while helping a great cause?”

The upcoming performances will feature the best songs and dances performed over the past 25 years.Performances are 7 p.m. May 31 and June 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 1 and 8 at John F. Kenney High School, 500 Woods Mill Road in Manchester. To purchase tickets at $17, email [email protected] or call 314-615-4041 Monday through Friday.  For more information, visit broadwayfantasies.com. 

‘LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER’ is a series of live readings in celebration of Mother’s Day, performed in 32 cities including St. Louis. The local installment is co-produced and directed by Ellie Grossman, a self- described “author, speaker and almost empty-nester.” 

“We all have a story to tell, and LTYM gives moms a voice to share their experience with a live audience,” Grossman says in a news release. Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Congregation Shaare Emeth is among 15 talented local writers who will give their takes on motherhood. The 90-minute event includes food, live music and door prizes. 

Diane Kline, St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist and author of “QuirkOut: Crazy Things Women do to Stay Sane,” will emcee the event. 

Listen To Your Mother St. Louis will donate a percentage of ticket sales, at $15 each, to the local nonprofit organization Girls in the Know, which educates and empowers moms and their daughters. The show will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at St. Luke’s Hospital, 232 S. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, with a cast that  represents a widespread, diverse St. Louis community.

For tickets and more information, go to listentoyourmothershow.com/stlouis.