Roberts Brothers to chair fundraising campaign
“The Heart of a Champion” beats proudly on the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club’s playing fields and in its classrooms.
This was the theme of the 47th Anniversary Alumni Celebration & Awards Showcase on Feb. 17-18.
The festivities commenced with an alumni celebration last Saturday at the Anheuser-Busch Headquarters, with awards being presented to 12 outstanding alumni and 48 community leaders.
On Sunday, the Youth Trophy Showcase was held at Mathews-Dickey headquarters, where alumni Michael and Steve Roberts announced they would co-chair the club’s $1 million “Save the Children” Operational Reserve Campaign to fund collaborations between law enforcement, schools, clergy, business and community.
“The Heart of a Champion’ is resolute, dependable and determined,” said Mathews-Dickey President, CEO & Co-Founder Martin L. Mathews.
“Whether focusing on a World Series title, scoring high on a college entrance examination or acing a job interview, a champion gives each endeavor his or her all. This is the winning attitude that Mathews-Dickey instills within our young people.”
“The Spirit of St. Louis” award was presented to Macy’ Midwest, in recognition of their outstanding philanthropic leadership in the community and support of the Club’s Girls’ and Education programs.
The Meritorious Community Service Award was presented to Citigroup St. Louis Contributions VP, Community Affairs Melanie DiLeo and AmerenUE VP, Missouri Energy Delivery Richard Mark.
“In Appreciation of the Year” honorees are Leon Arties, president, Greater St. Louis Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, and Ted Savage, director, target marketing, St. Louis Cardinals.
Presenting the welcome was 2006 Outstanding Alumni Award Winner Bruce Shead, geographic marketing manager, Anheuser-Busch.
The other inductees are Gary Bell, Sr., senior management information systems technical support specialist, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.; Clifford Franklin, president, Fuse Advertising, Inc.; Reginald Gooden, deputy juvenile officer II, probation, St. Louis Family Court; LaWanna Harvey, environmental engineer – SRS Technologies; Edward Johnson, Jr., assistant principal & athletic director, Brentwood High; Kevin Robinson, special education teacher, Soldan International Studies High School; Brian Simmons, assistant director of facilities services, Washington University in St. Louis; Calvin Watson, chief executive officer, Best of the Midwest Fitness, LLC; Michael Watson, medical intern, Saint Louis University; Erika Wilkes, business education teacher, Jennings Senior High; and Mark Wright, realtor, ReMax Cornerstone.
KTVI Fox 2’s Bonita Cornute and veteran broadcaster Bill Wilkerson served as co-emcees.
Mathews-Dickey Board Chairman and Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church Pastor Rev. William G. Gillespie presented several special awards and VP, PR & Special Events Barbara A. Washington highlighted the program’s purpose.
Entertainers included Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ, vocalist Michael Spann and Club Alumnus and Lead Work Productions President Jamie “King James” Dennis, who performs a musical selection and specially commissioned “Ode to the Heart of a Champion.”
Taking the spotlight on Feb. 18 were more than 1,000 youth athletic achievers, who gathered in the Club’s upper gymnasium with their parents and coaches.
Charter alumnus and Mathews-Dickey VP, Sports & Operations Tom Sullivan and alumnus and volunteer Leroy Witherspoon presided over the presentation of trophies in baseball, basketball, cheerleading and football.
Three up-and-coming professional boxers, Hollie Dunaway, the WIBA,WIBF&WIBC Women’s Minimum weight World Champion, Jeri Sitzes, the NABF Women’s Featherweight Champion; and Leon Bobo, with an undefeated record of 15-0, were also on hand.
Corporate partners in making this event a reality were Anheuser-Busch, trophy underwriting; Macy’s, hospitality volunteers and youth goody bags; and Repco Graphics, souvenir program printing.
