Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis

In Memory of Martell Turner

2010-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Thank You Local Harvest Cafe!

2010-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Local Harvest Cafe for their recent 25% proceed donation on Feb. 18th, 2010!
Visit Local Harvest Cafe online at http://www.localharvestcafe.com/

Event Updates

2010-02-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

February 2010 Dates:

18th @ Local Harvest Cafe

Show your support for Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis by purchasing a meal on February 18th between noon and 9pm at Local Harvest Cafe. A very generous 25% of the proceeds from sales will benefit our organization! We are encouraging our supporters to plan ahead and choose non-traditional meal hours to help with managing potential crowds. Spread the word and we hope to see you there!

Visit Local Harvest Cafe online at http://www.localharvestcafe.com/

27th @ Saint Louis University High School

Poker Night hosted by B Mary Charitable Benefits starting at 5:30pm! Come on out to support Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis. For more information http://p0.vresp.com/kMKUvC

...And make sure to save the date:

April 24th, 2010 PUB CRAWL

Join us in Soulard for a tour of 5 bars! All bars participating are assisting Boys Hope Girls Hope to provide a fun-filled day supporting our cause.

Register in teams of 4 or 8. Receive one pitcher of beer (for teams of 4) or two pitchers of beer (for teams of 8) at each bar, a t-shirt and raffle prizes!

Price per person is $30.

April 28th, 2010 @ Frontenac Hilton, 7:30am-8:30am
Morning of Hope

Join us for a brief, inspirational program - a window into the impact of Boys Hope Girls Hope on our successful scholars. This is a free event (including a continental breakfast) and attendees have the opportunity to contribute time, talent and treasure.

Event Updates!

2010-02-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Website 2k10

2010-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Our website looks familiar, but a few things have changed behind the scenes... and some content has been added in the News and Events section!

Check it out at www.boyshopegirlshopestl.org and let us know if you see something that needs to be fixed!

Thank you for your patience!

Good News Update

2010-01-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis will be sending out good news emails approximately once a month as part of our initiative to keep our community informed. We have so much to share with all of you and hope you will share our pride for our scholars, collegians and alum.

If you'd like to see our most recent email, please follow this link: http://p0.vresp.com/vXwN7j

If you'd like to receive future Good News updates sent directly to your email, please see the "subscribe" box on the right hand side of this blog. Enter the email address where you would like to receive our Good News emails!

Don't forget to purchase tickets for Trivia Night February 6th, 2010! Hope to see you there!

Click Here to register

or visit:

www.Blacktie-Stlouis.com

For any questions relating to Trivia Night please email: bhghassociateboard@gmail.com

As always, thank you for your continued support!

Trivia Night Feb 6th, 2010

2010-01-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

10^th Annual Boys Hope Girls Hope

February 6^th, 2010

SLUH

(Saint Louis University High School)

Doors open at 6pm. Trivia Begins at 7pm.

$325 per table until 1/16/10

$400 per table after 1/16/10

*10 people per table maximum.

COMPLIMENTARY:

Wine! Bottled Beer! Soda!

Guests are encouraged to bring food for your table.

GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES!

Prizes for 1^st and 2^nd place tables!

Click Here to register

or visit:

www.Blacktie-Stlouis.com

For any questions please email: bhghassociateboard@gmail.com

*All proceeds from this event will directly

benefit the children of...

Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis

2010

2010-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2010!

Here at Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis we are all happy to start the year off with our growing family of scholars, collegians, alum, staff, board, volunteers, donors and supporters! We look forward to working together to make 2010 the best year BHGH St. Louis has seen yet!

In 2010 we will have new website content and management, more updates on our operations via this blog and our other social media pages: Twitter and Facebook, as well as renewing our efforts to get our community more involved in our organization.

This is just the beginning! Check in, read more, and pass it on!

We look forward to seeing and hearing from you this year! Don't forget to check out the Where Hope Lives dates for this year and invite individuals that may be interested in learning more about our organization!

Thank you!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from our family at Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis to yours!

Thank you especially to Tech Electronics and Maryville University for a fantastic Christmas party for our scholars!

2009-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Paul Cook, on- air personality and author of the book Cooked in LA, visited Boys Hope on Sunday, November 8th.

He took a tour of the house and learned of our program. He talked with the boys about his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. The boys were very attentive and asked some very good questions. Paul gave them his email address and told the boys to keep in touch. He enjoyed his visit very much and was very impressed with the boys and the program.

Where Hope Lives Calendar 2010

2009-11-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

Where Hope Lives 2010 Dates Announced!

January 7th, 2010 at Girls Hope
January 19th, 2010 at Boys Hope
February 4th, 2010 at Girls Hope
February 16th, 2010 at Boys Hope
March 4th, 2010 at Girls Hope
March 16th, 2010 at Boys Hope
April 15th, 2010 at Girls Hope
April 20th, 2010 at Boys Hope
May 6th, 2010 at Girls Hope
May 11th, 2010 at Boys Hope

Experience how unique and effective Boys Hope Girls Hope St. Louis is by touring our home this month!

Come on by to meet our staff and young people in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP using the evite links above if you plan to attend the home tour.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there!

-Staff of Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis

Visit us online ...
Or view a short video on what we're all about on YouTube .

Get your groceries at Schnucks & Help out BHGH at the same time!!

2009-11-12T09:06:00.001-08:00

Here's How you do it!!

Go to any participating Schnucks and ask about their Schnucks Escrip Community Card. Register your new card by calling 1-800-931-6258. Once you are registered you are now ready to make contributions to our program. Schnucks will donate 3% of your total amount of groceries to BHGH!! For even more details and a list of participating Schnucks visit escrip.com .

Special Thank You's

2009-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Darlene Slyman @Slyman Brothers: donated 2 dishwashers

Dillards Buyers: Janice White & Mark Thomas

Lyle Downs @ Authorized Builder Sales: donated two stoves to the boy's house

Kowal Photography: Provided Christmas Card Pictures of our Scholars

BHGH Scholar/Home Wish List

2009-11-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Large Toaster
Floor Lamp
Rakes
Color Printer
2 all purpose Tool Kits
George Forman 360 Grill

MARK THE DATE!!

2009-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Holiday Boutique & Luncheon

Algonquin Golf Club

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

10th Annual Trivia Night

Saint Louis University High School

For more information about these events, contact:

mseckman@bhgh.org

Evening Of Hope

2009-11-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

The 14^th annual Evening of Hope and Casino Night was a smashing success. Over 270 Evening of Hope guests and 100 Casino Night attendees enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, inspiration and fun. Nate and Kim Suddeth were awarded the Heart of Hope award for their direct service to Boys Hope Girls Hope. Nate has served as a member of the Board of Directors for almost ten years. Art McCoy was honored with the Father Sheridan Reflection of Hope Award. His personal triumph against obstacles faced by our own scholars success, and positive impact on the community are an inspiration. Berhane Hantal, a 1996 graduate of Boys Hope, was the featured speaker of the evening. His soft spoken depiction of events that led him to Boys Hope and the success he has found since graduating made an impact on the heart of everyone in attendance. Rene Knott, our emcee for the evening, and Mark Howald, our auctioneer, kept the audience entertained and invigorated. Special thanks to Nancy Galvin and Peggy Sly, our Evening of Hope event coordinators.

The Casino Night gave guests a chance to go all in for Boys Hope Girls Hope. Guests enjoyed playing casino games run by professional dealers for a chance to win great raffle prizes. Thank you to the BHGH Associate Board for another fabulous event! The event netted over $152,000 for BHGH. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening such a success.

Wealth

2009-11-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Like many, I learned in Econ 101 that scarcity of goods is the driver of the economy. Of course that's true, but I'm convinced it's not at all the whole story. If one dares to look more deeply at the human exchange, a thinly veiled, radically opposed reality emerges - ABUNDANCE.

Out of the literally hundreds of possible examples I could share, here's one case in point: Berhane (Desmet - 1996, SLU - 2001), our riveting keynote speaker at the Evening of Hope. Our productive, responsible, young man who now has a wife and daughter. Berhane shared with everyone present the two life moments that convince him he's a lucky man: 1. Surviving being smuggled through war-torn Eritrea to live in a Sudanese refugee camp during his childhood and pre-adolescence and 2. Discovering BHGH after a devastating family tragedly left his five younger siblings and him motherless with a father in prison for life and facing inevitable sibling dispersal to foster care. Together, we kept the brothers together. We allowed Berhane to focus on his Biomedical Engineering degree at SLU by bringing his 9 year old brother into our home. That way, he only had to co-raise his 5 year old sister on top of work and school. We had the alternatingly heart-wrenching and heart heartwarming honor of supporting his brothers' growth and development, with much success. Berhane has been an untiring partner in this parenting.

And so, with tears in his eyes, Berhane asserts that he is a lucky man. We kept his family together. He wants to give back. Berhane has been given much, he wants to give much in return.

Well, in that case, how lucky are we? How abundantly blessed are we? Wealth indeed is a relative term. Perhaps one the level that most matters, scarcity is an illusion. I am convinced that we break the spell of that illusion when we each step out and offer what we can, even when it is painful.

You have done so. As we prepare to celebrate thanksgiving, I speak for all our scholars and staff in expressing heartfelt gratitude for being a part of life-transforming hope by befriending our youth, getting involved with our program, giving of your time, talent and treasure.

May you receive in the measure you have given from your heart, and then some. May all of us and our families, who are surrounded by abundance, enjoy the greatest blessing of all: opening our eyes to see it.

Brian Hipp

Executive Director

Meet Malik

2009-11-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Grade: Middle School
Birthday: September 24
Favorite animal: all!
Favorite color: blue
Favorite tv show: Tom and Jerry
Favorite quote: "With great power comes great responsibility"- Spiderman

As you can see I love to draw. I started when I was little because I loved marvel comics. Then I got really interested in drawing and I started watching how the people who drew marvel comics drew their artwork. The more that I practiced, the easier it became for me. After that I started looking at other things, and drawing what I saw. Since coming to Boys Hope of St. Louis, I still continue to draw. There are a lot more things to look at and things that inspire me in the house and in the things Boys Hope provides.

Boys Hope is a really good place. Since I’ve been here I have been having the best time of my life. This place will help me to become better in my life and help me reach my goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Meet Dorothy

2009-11-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am Dorothy, my birthday is May 1^st. I am in middle school. I have big plans for high school and hope to go to a private school. I play basketball (point guard), soccer (goalie), and tennis. My favorite colors are black and neon green. I have 1 brother and 2 sisters.

I wanted to be in the program because I think it is a great opportunity for a better education, and a great opportunity for a better future.

-Dorothy

2009-2010 BHGH Scholars

2009-11-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Alumni Scholar Updates

2009-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

At age ten I was full of an eagerness to learn, a determination to succeed, a will to make the world a better place, and no earthly clue as to how to channel my energy. My mom was raising three children, attending college, and working several jobs to try and provide a home for us. Unfortunately, by the time school, work, and household items were complete, she had very little time to devote to making sure I was reaching my full potential. Social, intellectual and spiritual developments were my responsibility. I wanted very badly to develop those skills, but we simply didn’t have the resources. I came close to having to repeat the fourth grade, despite my high assessment scores.

That’s when I was referred to Boys Hope Girls Hope by our family therapist.

I started fifth grade at a neighborhood Catholic school. Quickly, I was achieving good grades, becoming involved in extra curricular activities , and developing a passion for volunteerism. Joining the program was the best of both worlds- my family was only a phone call or ten minute drive away, and when I came home there were people devoted to encouraging and helping me develop academic and worldly skills.

I went on to high school where I volunteered weekly at the local YMCA, did yearbook, the newspaper, the school plays, and many other activities; looking back now I’m not sure how I managed to also be in all advanced classes and maintain academic honors every semester.

I went on to graduate from Webster University in three years, with a BA in Human Resource Management (minor in Sociology), department honors and a 3.7 GPA. I went to night school while working full time in my field of study during the day.

At age twenty two, I own my first home and have almost five years of human resources experience (I currently work in a training department at a law firm). I work part time at the YMCA, giving back a little for those who made such an impact when I volunteered there as a teenager. I still have my love of volunteerism- spending Monday evenings helping at Special Abilities Kajukenbo, a martial arts class for children and adults who are handicapable.

I really enjoy my life. As far as social, intellectual and spiritual development- I’d say I’m doing well. Yes, all this from a girl who almost flunked fourth grade. I owe that success to my family at Boys Hope Girls Hope and the donors who make what they do possible.

-Maddy Reigel

DeSmet Dads and Sons Spruce up Boys Home

2009-11-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

Leaves were raked, much needed projects were completed, dozens of donuts were consumed and happy conversations could be heard on a recent fall Saturday morning. For four hours DeSmet dads and lads descended upon the Boys Hope home to help organize, clean and spruce up the garage, yard and storage closet.

Sixteen dads and sons took part in the community outreach project sponsored by DeSmet High School. Allan Bathon, Desmet Father’s Club President, helped organize the DeSmet Spartans, along with Boys Hope Girls Hope board member Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J.. The projects included raking fall leaves, clearing out old bushes, planting fall mums, assembling of shelving to help organize the garage and of course an old fashion barbeque to feed the exhausted volunteers. DeSmet dad, Tom Becherer, donated bales of hay, pumpkins, mums and mulch to help the clean up turn into an HGTV project! It was truly amazing that in such a short time so many things could be completed, saving our staff and house parents days of work.

Don Albert, Director of Alumni Relations at DeSmet and his son Evan (2010), commented,

“It was certainly our pleasure to lend a hand on Saturday. I think I can probably speak for our group in saying that I feel I received much more than I gave on Saturday. For me, it was a great stress reliever…I realized I was focusing on the job at hand and all the other things in my life took a back seat during the time we were there…it was such a blessing to let go of some of those personal/job related items and just let them “rest” for the day! Coming back to them after the day at Boys Hope gave me a new sense of energy to tackle those things!”

Thank You DeSmet volunteers… You are a wonderful example of “Men for Others”.

Four Stars!!!!

2009-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce to you all that, Boys Hope Girls Hope’s Charity Navigator rating has recently went from 3 stars to 4 stars. Charity Navigator is America’s Premier independent charity evaluator, that works to advance a more efficient and responsive philothropic marketplace. Their mission is to help America’s Philothropists make the best giving decisions. Charity Navigator is the largest and most utilized evaluator of charities today. Each charity is awarded an overall rating of 0 to 4 stars. The rating system examines two broad areas of a charity’s financial health; How responsibly it functions day to day as well as how well positioned it is to sustain its programs over time. To ensure that their ratings remain objective, Charity navigator accepts no funding from charities or donors. For more information on Charity Navigator you can visit charitynavigator.org