During its last fiscal year, the Assistance League of St. Louis and its nearly 500 members logged more than 68,500 volunteer hours, serving more than 30,000 St. Louisans. Those numbers represent a strong commitment to transforming lives. For almost 40 years, the nonprofit has used its community programs to make a tangible impact on the region. One of the largest chapters in the national Assistance League organization, the nonprofit is operated entirely by volunteers, and it’s evident the league’s members are dedicated.
To make its programs possible, the Assistance League has three major avenues to raise money: its upscale resale shop Fantastic Finds in Creve Coeur, an Authors Brunch in the spring and its largest fundraiser, the fall gala. This year, the Casino Royale Gala is Oct. 26 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Chesterfield. The event’s theme will offer guests the chance to try their hand at casino games while also enjoying a luxury auction helmed by Rene Knott. “It will be a thrilling night,” president Sandy Thal says. “We couldn’t do what we do without the gala. It not only helps raise more than a third of our annual funding, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share our mission and work with the community.”
One of the services the gala supports is the Assistance League’s scholarship program. The initiative is a partnership with St. Louis Community College. It was created as part of Project ROSE, a series of services that help women in need. “Mary Ries at St. Louis Community College works with us to find eligible students,” Thal notes. “When selected, they can apply the funds toward what they need most, whether that’s tuition assistance, help with purchasing books or essential needs.” Scholarship recipients include Kentaya Walker, who is now working at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital after completing the radiologic technology program, and Connie Harvey, who is working towards her dream of opening her own bakery.
Another key component of the Assistance League’s services is literacy. The Books From Friends program provides age-appropriate books to thousands of children each year. It also helps inspire a love of reading by hosting book festivals in local schools. The festivals begin with a character parade where volunteers dress as popular characters like Pete the Cat and Clifford the Big Red Dog. “It’s amazing to see how the kids light up when they see a character they love—it gets them excited about reading,” Thal says. “We’re also helping families build home libraries. Research shows that having access to books at home is one of the strongest predictors of educational success.”
The Assistance League has an extensive list of services that support kids and adults in the community. Operation School Bell provides school uniforms for kids as well as maintaining in-school closets that provide students with year-round access to items like coats, underwear, socks, hats, gloves and toiletries. Working with multiple social workers and other agencies, the nonprofit also operates an outreach program to provide families with much needed items, such as beds and kitchen supplies. “Our goal is to offer truly transformative help, whether that’s through literacy, education or essential needs,” Thal explains. “The needs of our community continue to grow, and the Assistance League will continue to expand its reach to meet them.
Completely run by volunteers, the Assistance League of St. Louis puts caring and commitment into action through community-based, philanthropic programs. Its Casino Royale Gala is Oct. 26 at Doubletree by Hilton, Chesterfield. Pictured on the cover, clockwise from top left: Kentaya Walker, gala chair Jame Kay Cook, Connie Harvey, St. Louis Community College Foundation executive associate Mary Ries, Assistance League president Sandy Thal. For more information, call 636.227.6200 or visit alstl.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Project Rose Scholarship recipients Kentaya Walker and Connie Harvey
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
