Kids are getting a leg up on good nutrition thanks to Operation Food Search, which launched a program to provide area students with after-school ‘super snacks’ like fruit, vegetables, proteins and dairy (pictured at top). Inaugural locations are Lift for Life Academy and Innovative Concepts Academy, and the program will expand to include some local library branches.
This year’s Pedal the Cause cycling fundraiser posted record-breaking results—$4,002,639, to be exact, the largest dollar amount raised by a single St. Louis event directly funding cancer research. More than 4,500 people participated in the September ride. Proceeds support research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Congrats to Roosevelt High School senior Michaelmonique Mayo, named 2018 Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. She’s being recognized for her contributions to the nonprofit and to her school, community and family. Mayo won a Honda Accord from Frank Leta Automotive Group and a $5,000 college scholarship. She plans to study photojournalism.
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis is getting what it normally gives—a new home of its own! The nonprofit is planning a spring move to 3830 S. Grand Blvd., a former Schnucks store that will be renovated. A donation from the grocery chain is helping make the project possible. The site will include a ReStore, which sells repurposed home and building materials.
the main events
Explore the history of a former St. Louis retail icon at a book signing by Edna Campos Gravenhorst, author of Famous Barr: St. Louis Shopping at Its Finest. She’ll be at the downtown YMCA Dec. 14.
Round up the family for DreamWorks Animation in Concert Dec. 29 and 30 at Powell Hall. The show celebrates favorite DreamWorks films like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda with live music by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Head to The Chase Park Plaza Hotel for a special Reveillon Dinner at The Preston. The traditional French holiday meal is served nightly through Dec. 31 and features a four-course, prix fixe meal with optional wine pairings.