Special to the American
On one of the hottest days of the season, over 80 vendors gathered to offer housing and financial information, health services, educational resources, utility assistance, and job recruitment for a record crowd of over 5,000 people. Free transportation, school supplies, book bags, personal products, food, ice cream, gifts, attendance prizes, and other items were given to the attendees of the 8th Annual St. Louis Community Empowerment Festival, Saturday, held recently at Chambers Park.
The event was presented by the Vashon/JeffVanderLou Initiative, under the Leadership of Michael McMillan, chairman of the Board of Directors, and Alderwoman Marlene Davis, honorary chairman of the festival.
Children enjoyed Cindy’s Petting Zoo, Speed Racer Go Karts, games, horseback riding, Bob Kramer’s Marionettes, swimming, face painting, St. Louis Science Center activities and many other attractions including a basketball camp held by Vashon Head Coach and former NBA player Anthony Bonner.
There were treats galore at a special Candy Land full of ice cream, candy, and snacks provided by Crown Candy, Coldstone Creamery, Happy Time Ice Cream Trucks and various local convenience stores.
Seniors had a special area for their convenience, sponsored by Group Health Plan (GHP), where volunteers served them throughout the day. The seniors also were given free ice cream courtesy of Northstar and Ted Drewes.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors for their help in providing resources to our community,” said McMillan, who is also license collector for the City of St. Louis.
“Our residents deserve the best, and we are pleased to help them in whatever ways we can.”
McMillan and the V/JVL Initiative presented community-service awards to President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed; Alderman Terry Kennedy; Alderwoman Kacie Starr Triplett; and Davis.
Arnetta Kelly received the first Ed Nutt Community Service Award named in honor of Edward Nutt, former M.A.P. Coordinator for V/JVL, who passed away this year after a bout with cancer. A special recognition was also presented to Sam Coleman, president of the Vashon/JVL Initiative.
The crowd was surprised when a helicopter landed at the event, and children and adults alike had an opportunity to see its details up close. The tables turned from community festivities to a surprise birthday party for McMillan. Amid the fanfare, his friends, family and staff surprised him with a mock 6-foot-tall birthday cake and a grand balloon release.
For more information on the V/JVL Initiative, please call (314) 371-8585 or visit www.jvlinitiative.com.