MISSOURI CHILDREN’S BURN CAMP and Neiman Marcus Plaza Frontenac are planning a special fall fashion presentation Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Neiman’s upper level. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., guests will enjoy entertainment and hors d’oeuvres compliments of Bricktop’s, Giovanni’s Kitchen and McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants, and desserts by Bittersweet Artisan Truffles and Crave the Cup. The fashion show will take place at 6 p.m. The occasion for the event is a fundraiser for scholarships for children to attend the Burn Camp, which serves between about 85 children at Camp Sabra for one week of each summer.

Sheri Sherman, chairwoman of the planning committee (which reads like a Who’s Who of St. Louis women), said, “I have been to the camp and have seen firsthand the power of peer acceptance and ability to act like a child in a nurturing and supportive environment. Many of these children have been burned through neglect or abuse. The camp cannot help with the scars on the outside of these children, but they can help with the scars on the inside.” Your attendance at this event will help send a child with burn injuries to camp for free. For reservations at $50 per person, call 314-997-2757 or send your check to Burns Recovered Support Group, 11719 Administration Drive, Suite 2B, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.

BEN NORDSTROM, in my humble opinion, is the most talented actor in St. Louis. He sings, dances, clowns, acts and is generally irrepressible. I have seen him in several Stages productions, the most recent being “How to Succeed …” Great news: We will get to see Ben at his best – alone – in the New Jewish Theatre’s annual fundraiser, “Cabaret NJT.” But don’t tarry, because “Cabaret” is a one-night-only production on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. in the performing arts center of the Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive.For tickets, which include wine and dessert, call 314-442-3283.

I REMEMBER WHEN BEDE WOLFF AND WILMA MESSING were discussing the possibility of creating a couturier event for the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section. That was 50 years ago, and Couturier has come, stayed and contributed lots of funds to NCJW’s many community projects. So it is very appropriate that NCJW will celebrate Couturier’s 50th anniversary at a cocktail party Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Boulevard, where there will be complimentary valet parking. Guests are asked to bring at least one item to donate to the Resale Shop in hopes of gathering items to sell at this year’s Couturier event that happens Nov. 6-8. For reservations to the NCJW Cocktail Party, visit ncjwstl.org or call 314-993-5181.

IT USED TO BE CALLED MIRIAM LODGE – United Order of True Sisters, at least when my grandmother, mother and I were members. We were very proud of Miriam and the work it did in the community. Little did we think that our organization would develop into serving more than 700 children, ages 4 to 18, in the St. Louis region, who struggle with complex learning disabilities. The Miriam Gala, An Evening for Our Stars, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Starlight Roof at the Chase Park Plaza to benefit the Miriam Scholarship Fund.

There will be a cocktail reception and silent auction before dinner, which follows at 7:15. The after-dinner program includes a live auction with some pretty exciting items. Those who have any strength left may dance the night away to the music of Rhythm of the Night. Event proceeds will benefit the Miriam Scholarship Campaign, which annually provides $700,000 in need-based tuition assistance to Miriam School and Miriam Learning Center students and families. Cost of the evening is $175 per person ($75 is tax deductible). Send your check to Miriam the Learning Disability Experts, 501 Bacon Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63119. Dress is “suggested black tie.” Valet parking will be available. For more information, visit miriamstl.org or call 314-968-3893.

THE OPENING CONCERT of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 135th season sounds like a feast for the ears. Music Director David Robertson is back for his 10th year conducting the music of Brahms, Vaughn Williams and Nielsen. The guest artist will be Yefim Bronfman, playing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.1. Tickets for Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13, are available by calling the box office at 314-534-1700. Appropriately, both Friday and Saturday night’s guests will get a chance to walk the red carpet, be dazzled by searchlights and enjoy a champagne toast. In celebration of Robertson’s 10th season, 50 orchestra musicians will solo or be featured in solo ensembles throughout the season, a number that is unprecedented. Concertmaster David Halen is celebrating his 20th year, as is Amy Kaiser, director of the Symphony Chorus. Want to feel old? It’s the 45th season for the SLSO Youth Orchestra. Special performances are planned for each of these anniversaries. This is obviously the beginning of a great SLSO year.