The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) recently celebrated its annual Women’s Leadership Circle Table for Four Luncheon at the renovated Post Building downtown at 1190 Cole Street.
“The Women’s Leadership Circle is more than just a committee; it’s a movement,” said BGCSTL President/CEO Brandon Williams.
“It is a powerful example of what happens when women in St. Louis unite to open doors for the next generation and keeps those doors open for others to walk through.”
BGCSTL member Murllin B. was honored with the Dr. Flint W. and June McAllister Fowler award.
“Take a moment to imagine a world where every kid that looks like me has an opportunity like this – to stand here and speak to a room of powerful, philanthropic women leading the way,” he said.
A member of the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) and BGCSTL Pathways program, Murllin announced at the luncheon that he will attend Harvard University in the fall. He was also accepted to Washington University St. Louis and other prestigious universities.
Legacy Jackson, a BGCSTL St. Louis Internship Program member and founder of the Little Legacies Community Service Organization, offered the keynote address.
“Who would have thought when I joined the Boys & Girls Clubs last year, and last semester when I became a member of the St. Louis Internship Program, that I would stand before you today as the guest speaker for the Table For Four Luncheon. I am honored,” she said.
Adams Park Club member Bailyn A. received the Dr. Joan Ellyn Silber award, and Youth of the Year runner-up and SMART Girls member D’Aura T. said during her speech that there is an “an ease connecting,” with the Boys and Girls Club.
Bailyn and Murllin both collected $1,000 scholarships, after competing by writing essays about leadership and community service outside of the Club, and interviewing in front of a panel of judges.
This year, more than $150,000 was raised for programs to help girls develop healthy lifestyles, positive self-esteem, and good decision-making skills. SMART Girls serves three age groups, from 6 to 18.
The fundraising goal and Women’s Leadership Circle goals were met, surpassing last year’s total of over $130,000 to support SMART Girls and other BGCSTL programming.
Twelve women joined the illustrious Women’s Leadership Circle to empower the next generation of SMART Girls.
Serving as event co-chairs were Zundra Bryant, senior vice president of global people experiences and services at Cushman & Wakefield and Tesh Jewell, vice president of ambulatory services and clinical Support at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Honorary Co-Chair Meghan King, president of MKE Enterprises, social media influencer, and TV personality joined Bryant and Jewell “as a driving force behind the success of BGCSTL’s Table For Four Luncheon,” said Williams.
Book Bash May 17
The Assistance League of St. Louis and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Mathews-Dickey Club will hold the annual Book Bash from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday May 17 at the Mathews-Dickey Club, 4245 Kingshighway Blvd.
The Book Bash features a lineup of celebrated local authors including:
- Arika Parr & Ava Johnson, a mother and daughter duo who inspire youth to celebrate their strengths;
- Micheal Anderson, creator of the award-winning Zoey Lyndon STEM series;
- Zara Daugherty, a local nine-year old author who uses her real life experiences to help kids cope with disappointments;
- Angela Lewis, a graduate of MDC, a professional athlete, coach, and creator of books that use sports as a metaphor for life’s challenges.
The event will include engaging panel discussions, a hands-on STEM activity, and personal book signings.
Each child will leave with a bag of new books and an “Author Starter Kit,” encouraging exploration in literature and science.
“This Book Bash is designed not only to entertain but to educate. We are helping to light up the imaginations of tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Together, we are building a community that values learning and creativity,” said Denise McKibben, Assistance League of St. Louis past president.
Brandon Williams said, “We are excited to host the annual Book Bash again this year and Club members are excited to hear from the authors.”
“It inspires our kids to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to.”