Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Mid-Missouri celebrated its 15th annual Festival of Trees events with the Holiday Tea on Nov. 30, 2011, and the Growing Hope Gala on Dec. 1, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. More than 425 guests attended both events. The Festival of Trees benefits LFCS with its mission to help build families through adoption assistance, foster care and crisis pregnancy counseling. (Photos by Michele Towns)

On Dec. 8, Inside Columbia staff members welcomed clients and community members to an open house at the magazine’s new office and Culinary Adventures center. Hundreds of Columbians got their first look at the innovative space and enjoyed food prepared by Culinary Adventures Chefs Brook Harlan and Sara Fougere. (Photos by Carolyn Preul)

The Mizzou Alumni Association celebrated the recognition of 14 faculty and alumni with the Faculty-Alumni Awards on Nov. 11, 2011, at the Donald W. Reynolds Alumni Center. This 40-plus year tradition recognized local residents Betty Houchin Winfield, Joe Hobbs, Jean Ispa, Richard Oliver, Rosemary Porter, James Spain, James Sterling and Steven Watts among this year’s honorees. (Photos by Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com)

More than 135 people attended Columbia College's 2011 President's Society dinner on Oct. 6 on the Columbia College campus. Founded in 1851 in Columbia, the college has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 160 years. (Photos by L.G. Patterson)

Concannon Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa hosted its first annual BOO-tox party in style on Oct. 27 at its office at 3115 Falling Leaf Court. The sold-out event featured Botox and Juvederm treatments and spa services, and the staff decked out in their best Halloween costumes. Guests enjoyed music, conversation and festive decor while enjoying food and drink provided by Columbia Catering Co. (Photos by Kara Kinkeade)