Jack and Jill St. Louis raised $60,000 while celebrating a banner year of community support and youth leadership development and its first as a “Five-Star Chapter of Excellence.
The St. Louis chapter, which is in its 78th year, raised over $50,000 during a fundraiser featuring comedian Guy Torry in February.
“It’s more than a fundraiser; it’s a legacy of service and leadership in action,” said local Jack and Jill President of The St. Louis Chapter Angela Rhone.
“It’s an incredible milestone made possible by the dedication of our youth and members. What makes me most proud is knowing that our teamwork and commitment will directly impact thousands of students and families across our community.”
The funds were shared by ten local organizations as well as the national Jack and Jill Foundation.
The support went to Almost Home, $11,000; Boys and Girls Club – $1,500; Teens also built a new literacy room stacked with hundreds of new African American books; Gentlemen of Vision, $1,500; Haven of Grace, $1,000; JJOA Foundation, $17,500; Little Bit Foundation, $8,000; Loyola Academy, $11,000; March of Dimes, St. Louis – $2,500; Sibling Support Network, $2,000; St. Louis Food Bank, $1,500; and Ujima STL – $1,500
Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 –19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty.
“Instilling leadership is at the heart of the St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill. Our programming includes monthly leadership and financial literacy activities, which are planned by our dedicated members,” said Rhone.
“These sessions are more than events, they’re leadership labs where our children develop essential skills like public speaking, budget creation and management, and community service. We’re not just preparing them for the future, we’re raising confident, capable leaders ready to shape it.”
Rhone said she joined the chapter in 2011 and “and the evolution has been remarkable.”
“This year, we reached a new milestone by raising the most funds in our chapter’s history. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to excellence, but what has grown is our impact,” she said.
The St. Louis chapter added 15 new members initiated last year, and it won the organization’s coveted award of recognition as a “Five-Star Chapter of Excellence”.
“Earning the “Five-Star Chapter of Excellence” status for the first time in our chapter’s 78-year history is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, and it was truly a team effort,” said Rhone.
“This honor reflects our collective commitment to excellence across five key areas: Programming, Membership, Financials, Chapter Operations, and Fundraising/Community Support. Each member played a role in ensuring we not only met but exceeded expectations. For our chapter, this recognition affirms the strength of our foundation today and sets the standard for continued impact and leadership development in the future.”