What began as an effort by two St. Louis-area mothers to provide winter coats for children in need has grown into an organization serving 18,000 students in 64 schools across St. Louis and the Metro East.
The Little Bit Foundation marked its 25th anniversary with its Join the Journey Gala on Oct. 9.
Founded by Rosemary Hanley and Elise Tierney, two CBC High School soccer moms, the organization initially focused on providing coats to elementary school students. Its services have since expanded to include shoes, school supplies, books, hygiene products, food assistance and programs addressing students’ health and educational needs.
In 2013, the organization partnered with Operation Food Search to help address food insecurity among students. It later expanded its services to include medical and behavioral health support, along with educational programs.
The foundation also works with Riverview Gardens School District, where its Project Graduation program provides support for high school students.
Riverview Gardens Superintendent Dr. Tanya Patton, who received the foundation’s Spirit of Excellence in Education Award during the gala, recalled the organization’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID … The Little Bit Foundation was at every one of our schools giving out books. They had bags. They had drive thrus,” Patton said.
“There is no way when you think of The Riverview Gardens School District that you can’t also think about the Little Bit Foundation. Our success is simply not possible without [their] partnership, [their] commitment to the RGSD family.”
The foundation also honored Hanley, who led the organization for many years, with its Founders Award. Maureen Bahn received the Legacy Award for the Spirit of Volunteerism.
Other honorees included Colbi Wayne, a school counselor at Confluence Academy-Old North, who received the Spirit of Little Bit Award, and Shirley Wayne, who received the Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Kristen Wild, president and CEO of Operation Food Search, received the Spirit of Partnership Award, while Ameren received the Spirit of Giving Award.
Miranda Walker Jones, who became the foundation’s president and CEO in 2021, now leads the organization.
Honorary chairs of the anniversary gala included Abe and Dr. Nicole Adewale of ABNA Engineering, along with former foundation board chairs Suzie Andrews and Rick Fister.
Centene Foundation and Roeslein were premier sponsors of the event.
The foundation also was named Best Local Non-Profit in The St. Louis American’s inaugural Readers’ Choice Awards earlier this year.