Kirkwood Optimists give back to GiFT, Our Little Haven, & PreventEd
The Kirkwood Optimists were pleased to host several great philanthropies on Thursday, March 5th, at their regular meeting. The club hosted Jennifer Krassinger (of GiFT), Scott Hummel (of Our Little Haven), and Jon-Paul Johnson (of PreventEd.) These charitable organizations received donations from the club, and were kind enough to come and talk to members about their respective missions. Thank you Jennifer, Scott, and Jon-Paul!
Jennifer told us about GiFT's mission supporting St. Louis-area NICU families. They support NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Units) around the St. Louis area, including St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Mary's, Cardinal Glennon, Missouri Baptist, and Ranken Jordan. NICUs care for babies born early, or with intensive care needs after birth. GiFT provides support and resources for families as they navigate a long hospital stay with their little one. Jennifer mentioned that GiFT families sometimes have babies in the NICU for 90 days or more. We are proud to support GiFT and we thank Jennifer for coming and sharing her story!
Next, we welcomed Scott, of Our Little Haven. Scott told us a very moving story about the work they do. Our Little Haven helps kids up to 10 years old who have suffered neglect or abuse. Early intervention is important - Scott told us about literature that shows that children who are helped before they reach 10 years old have vastly better life outcomes then those who are left in the system.
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Our Little Haven's early intervention work is critical for helping kids get on the right path at an impressionable age. A big thank you to Scott for coming to speak to us, and the club is proud to support this much needed work!
We also got to hear from Jon-Paul, of PreventEd. PreventEd's powerful mission is to intervene when youths are at risk of drug and alcohol addiction. They aim to provide positive guidance and help teens overcome addiction and temptation, to ensure that our youths live happy and productive lives free of drugs. They help reduce the risk that teens are incarcerated, and partner with schools, courts, and more to provide professional support in tough situations. We are thankful to Jon-Paul for speaking to us and are happy to be able to support PreventEd in their work!
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Kirkwood Optimist Club Tree Lot 2024 Wraps Up!
The club members had a blast serving the Kirkwood community with the annual Christmas Tree lot! We appreciate everyone who came out to buy a tree from us - it means a lot that we can help your family celebrate Christmas!
Kirkwood Optimist Club is a proud supporter of the St. Louis BackStoppers
Kirkwood Optimist proud to support the Lab School
April 2024
Donation to Prevent Ed
March 2024
Installation of the 2024-25 Board
The Kirkwood Optimist hosted their annual Installation Dinner at Mike Duffy's in Kirkwood. The outgoing President, Terry Jones, handed over the reins to Jim Baxendale who will serve as President for 2024-25. The following members will serve on the board:
Vice President: Dennis Walsh
Treasurer: Ben Finan
Board Members: Terry Jones, Bill Meyer, Dan Humphrey, and Kirk Hutchinson
Installation of 2023-24 President, Terry Jones
The club presented the Archie Award to Bill Meyer for his time and dedication to the club over the years. Bill is always there to lend a hand when it is needed. He is a true example of an Optimist. 2023-24
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