Christmas came early for nearly 100 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis members during the annual holiday party on Thursday Dec. 19, 2024, at the Adams Park location.
Through a partnership with Raising Cane’s and superstar celebrity couple Nelly and Ashanti, the youths entered the gym and saw 100 red, shiny new bikes. While the temperature was brisk, the scene was heartwarming.
Raising Cane’s partners nationally with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to host annual Holiday Bike Giveaways. Each child took home a new bike and helmet, and the gym was filled with smiling faces of Boys & Girls Club members and their parents, who eagerly used their phones to capture the arrival of surprise guests Nelly and Ashanti, festive decorations, Raising Cane’s representatives, and the bright new bikes.
Isaiah Underwood, Raising Cane’s regional leader, welcomed children and guests, and introduced Mathews-Dickey Club alum and BGCSTL’s incoming President and CEO Brandon Williams.
“If you can hear me, clap your hands one time; if you can hear me, clap your hands two times; if you can hear me, clap your hands three times, and say yeah,” Williams said, as he applauded Raising Canes, Nelly, and Ashanti for their commitment to young people, and the success of the bike giveaway.
Nelly acknowledged his wife, Ashanti, as a BGCA Club alum and thanked Raising Cane’s CEO/Founder Todd Graves for his unwavering community dedication.
“I also want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs for allowing myself and my wife, Ms. Ashanti, to be a part of this great occasion. Shout to my homie Todd Graves and the whole Raising Cane’s,” he said.
“I want to thank Principal Miller as well, and I want to thank all of y’all for allowing us to do something special this holiday with you all. It’s something I hope you all will remember.”
Graves initiated the bike giveaway five years ago and continues to expand the initiative each year.
This year, Raising Cane’s will host 25 Annual Bike Giveaway events, donating 2,500 bikes and helmets to youth.
“This event is a testament to the power of community support,” said Williams, who will succeed
Flint Fowler, the longtime president and CEO of BCGSTL. Fowler is in his final week at the helm before his retirement at year’s end.
Esports for education
Following the bike giveaway, the Boys and Girls Club Foundation hosted the Ultimate Gaming Toy Drive on Friday Dec. 20, at BGC Teen Center of Excellence, 9200 W. Florissant Ave.
With the support of the St. Louis Battlehawks, where Williams served as a senior executive before joining BGCSTL, the Toy Drive offered a day of gaming for youths ages 12 to 18.
Included were gaming competitions, game demonstrations, free haircuts, gift bags for gamers, and much more.
“Esports is a Boys & Girls Club program area I want to increase visibility in to attract teens. We hope this collaboration will educate teens about gaming as a profession. It is an all-around great cause as we collect toys for area youth. We’re excited about being the host for this event.”
The Toy Drive was also in partnership with PlayStation, and participants received PlayStation gifts. They also had an opportunity to win a free PlayStation 5 valued at $1500 and other prizes.
BGG Foundation Founder Robert Powell said, “The Ultimate Gaming Toy Drive is an excellent opportunity for Gamers to showcase their skills, learn more about gaming as a profession, and win incredible prizes at the same time,” said BGG Foundation Founder Robert Powell.
He said the Battlehawks’ support of teens who excel at gaming “is a testament to the growing recognition of gaming as a legitimate career path.”
“We’re spreading joy this holiday season.”
Nelly will always be as much of STL as the Cardinals or blues and Thank You Nelly for being an example to everyone.
Keep it up 💪
So proud of Nelly. I love that he is not only giving back, but is personable and inserts himself in the community to make himself available. Mostly, I love that he loves people and naturally shows that love for St. Louis, his children and family. A big shout–he is a man showing love to his wife!
Thank You All,+ Nellie and Ashanti for Showing How Much You Care..and Giving Back to Our Youth.and Communities…Husband And Wife!! +Family!! We Love Yall So Much
That’s so awesome! I’m glad to see someone giving back to the community. Those people will count there blessings.. shout out to Nelly and Ashanti!!;
Nelly you are. A good person. The Lord is going to bless you for everything that you sre doing. May the good Lord be with you at all times
Keep up the good work you have a good heart and the good will always bless you and your wife.
Nelly is doing a good thing I’m glad him and his wife take time out and help kids and get involved in st louis that’s what’s up 💙