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<\/p>\nThis month, the American Youth Foundation capped its year of centennial celebrations with a day of community, joyful reunions, and Founder Hearts in St. Louis.<\/p>\n
St. Louis is at the heart of the AYF\u2019s origins, as it was the home of founder William H. Danforth, who founded Ralston Purina. Nestl\u00e9 Purina PetCare continues to support the AYF and sponsored the two area events.<\/p>\n
A stormy Saturday morning couldn\u2019t dampen the enthusiasm at the BBQ Birthday Party, which moved indoors thanks to the support of local partner school St. Joseph\u2019s Academy. More than 100 people from ages 8 to 80 joined the fun, swapping AYF stories over delicious barbecue and birthday cake.<\/p>\n
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Full-time staff from Miniwanca and Merrowvista traveled to St. Louis to join the festivities, too. Miniwanca Boys Camp Director Tiwi Freeman, Merrowvista Camp Director Madelyn Cook, and Merrowvista Community and School Programs Director Megan Luce led ice breakers and games in the school gym.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe barbecue was a wonderful way to connect with so many of our Founder Friends who live in the St. Louis area, as well as those who traveled for our evening event,\u201d said AYF President and CEO Liz Marshall.<\/p>\n
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That night, 150 people gathered at The Trolley Room in Forest Park for the Checkerboard Gala, a night of celebration, fundraising, and honoring AYF legends. Attendees were encouraged to dress in \u201c\u201d and they did not disappoint. The room was a sea of squares, from a jaunty cravat or blazer to a full checkerboard suit.<\/p>\n
Former Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt, who served as honorary Centennial Campaign co-chair, shared his AYF story with guests.<\/p>\n
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In his remarks, he said he had never left his hometown of St. Louis until he received a scholarship to attend Older Boys Conference at Miniwanca. There, his eyes were opened to just how big and diverse the country was \u2013 and how much we all had in common. The experience, he said, changed the life of \u201clittle Dicky Gephardt\u201d and set him on a career path dedicated to serving others that ultimately led to 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.<\/p>\n
That same transformative experience still impacts participants today. Current camper Ruby Dunn shared how her three summers at Miniwanca have helped her become \u201ca better human.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMiniwanca has taught me to bring values into my everyday life like teamwork, the importance of friendship, and believing in the best version of myself,\u201d she said. \u201cNothing could make a kid happier than giving them an opportunity to explore their best self through the chance to go to camp.\u201d<\/p>\n
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It was also a night for recognizing a woman who dedicated much of her life to the AYF. Marshall presented the Daring Visionary Award to former president Anna Kay Vorsteg for her 35 years of service to the organization.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnna Kay brings humor and warmth into every room she enters,\u201d Marshall said that night as her Vorsteg’s wife, Vicki Boyd, and her children, Sovann and Tevy Vorsteg-Boyd, looked on. \u201cShe makes people feel seen. She makes hard work feel joyful. She makes the vision of \u2018inspired people unleashing their best in the world\u2019 something you feel immediately in her presence.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the award, the AYF community will honor Vorsteg\u2019s legacy with the Anna Kay Vorsteg Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance for campers at both sites.<\/p>\n
Marshall thanked attendees for the generous support throughout the year and encouraged them to keep the spark burning into the next century.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAt our camps, young people from all walks of life come together, and something powerful happens: they learn to listen, to lead, and to bridge divides. Most importantly, they discover their agency, their ability to create a world grounded in caring, inclusion, belonging, and respect for all. That kind of leadership has never been more needed than it is today,\u201d she said. \u201cNot every young person is believed in, trusted, or surrounded by mentors who see their spark. That is why our mission matters. When we invest in youth, we shape the next century.\u201d<\/p>\n
The program concluded with a beloved AYF tradition as almost everyone leapt up to encircle the room, link arms, and sing \u201cFounder Hearts.\u201d A year\u2019s worth of centennial joy was evident as Founder Friends from across the country united in a moment that bridged the decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Checkerboard Gala was the perfect way to wrap a spectacular year and launch us into the next century,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cI am so grateful for the support of this community and look forward to what\u2019s next for our organization.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This month, the American Youth Foundation capped its year of centennial celebrations with a day of community, joyful reunions, and Founder Hearts in St. Louis. St. Louis is at the heart of the AYF\u2019s origins, as it was the home of founder William H. Danforth, who founded Ralston Purina. Nestl\u00e9 Purina PetCare continues to support the AYF and sponsored the … <\/p>\n