{"id":37784,"date":"2025-07-24T15:25:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T20:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ayf.com\/?p=37784"},"modified":"2025-07-30T10:01:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:01:34","slug":"join-the-ayf-in-st-louis-for-centennial-bbq-gala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ayf.com\/join-the-ayf-in-st-louis-for-centennial-bbq-gala\/","title":{"rendered":"Join the AYF in St. Louis for centennial BBQ, gala"},"content":{"rendered":"

The American Youth Foundation invites you to join us for a day of celebration in St. Louis on Saturday, Oct. 18.<\/p>\n

The AYF will cap its year of centennial festivities with two special events: BBQ Birthday Party<\/a> and later that night, the Checkerboard Centennial Gala<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Family Fun: BBQ Birthday Party<\/strong><\/p>\n

The BBQ Birthday Party, presented by Nestl\u00e9 Purina PetCare, will take place at the Stone Shelter in Tower Grove Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-oriented event will include a barbecue buffet from Salt & Smoke, soft drinks, and camp-inspired games with members of our Miniwanca and Merrowvista full-time teams.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is a great opportunity for St. Louis-area camper families and alumni to connect in gorgeous Tower Grove Park, enjoy some delicious food, and play some favorite games with some familiar camp faces,\u201d said Sandra George, Vice President of Advancement.<\/p>\n

Tickets to the BBQ Birthday Party are $10 each and are available online.<\/a><\/p>\n

Checkerboard Gala: Honoring 100 Years<\/strong><\/p>\n

Later that night, we\u2019ll gather at The Trolley Room in Forest Park for the Checkerboard Gala celebrating 100 years of the AYF. There will be drinks, dinner, dancing, walks down memory lane, awards, and fundraising efforts to secure the AYF\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn’t a stuffy, black-tie affair,” George said. “We encourage guests to embrace the event\u2019s name and get creative with their cocktail attire! Checkerboard dresses, shirts, pocket squares, socks \u2013 maybe even a checkerboard suit? We can\u2019t wait to see what our inventive community comes up with!\u201d<\/p>\n

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During the gala, AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall will recognize former U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt and former Energizer CEO Pat Mulcahy as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Centennial Campaign. Gephardt and Mulcahy are both Miniwanca Boys Camp alums and longtime supporters of the AYF.<\/p>\n

The AYF will also honor former President Anna Kay Vorsteg with the AYF Lasting Legacy award in recognition of her four decades of service, selfless leadership, and enduring legacy.<\/p>\n

Tickets to the Checkerboard Gala are $150 each and are available online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Incoming: Homecoming!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Onsite accommodations for Miniwanca Homecoming<\/a> and Merrowvista Homecoming<\/a> are filling fast! Interested families are encouraged to secure their spots soon.<\/p>\n

These exciting weekends are the perfect opportunities for families to explore Miniwanca and Merrowvista together. There\u2019s something for every generation, from fire circles and beloved camp songs to high-energy games and Interest Groups. Both events will feature special centennial celebrations, and all attendees will receive a commemorative enameled Founder medal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so excited to welcome Founder Friends of all generations back to Merrowvista,\u201d said Matt Loper, Merrowvista Transition Director. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a weekend of fun, community, and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n