Covenant House Missouri’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the second annual Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala, was held October 24 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Clayton.

Hosting such an event during a down economy challenged Covenant House staff and committee members to find ways to stand out from the crowd and rally volunteers. Covenant House is fortunate that volunteers, attendees and sponsors rose to meet the challenge for a resoundingly successful event.

The Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala was a night of fun and philanthropy for all who attended. More than 450 guests attended this year’s event. The majority of the guests were new supporters of Covenant House.

The event raised more than $260,000 to go directly toward the needs of youth who stay at Covenant House.

Newschannel 5 Sports Director Rene Knott served as emcee for the ceremony. Of course, Stan “The Man” Musial provided his usual baseball charm to top off the evening. CHMO was also blessed to have Honorary Chairpersons Tony Sansone and Dawn Jensen, whose generosity has enriched the lives of countless youth. Five Covenant House residents who attended their first gala were grateful for the outpouring of generosity from all of the donors.

“People were being so generous and supportive of us” said one

resident. “It was an awesome night,” he added, describing the evening of thanking everyone for their donations of time, money and gifts. The residents were congratulated by the attendees for being in the program and the residents thanked everyone for their support.

Kristina Kersting, Clinical Coordinator for Covenant House, described the evening as the culmination of why she comes to work every day.

“It was an overwhelming sight and there were points during the program when I felt emotional that everyone gets to see what we do here and then go out and tell others.” Spreading the word about Covenant House is one of the most important goals for organizers of the event and one that Kersting believes was achieved. Kersting hopes one important message will be conveyed to donors and the general public.

“I really want people to realize that homelessness is broad and it’s not just an inner city problem. It’s important for people to see that our youth are normal kids. The auctioneer even mentioned that one day these kids could be your next doctor or lawyer and that gave them hope.”

Special Thanks To Our 2009 Gala Committee Members: Mike Chaffin, Amit Dhawan, Kevin Gold, Jen Hempstead, Suzanne Lorenz, Ann Mabry, Eileen Musial, Morgan Perry, Annie Seal, Linda Willig, Dan Woods

Winter 2009

CCovenantonnection

A newsletter for friends of Covenant House Missouri.....opening doors for homeless youth.

- by Darin Copeland

Brenda Ernst with brother-in-law Dan Ernst Angie Suntrup with son, Butch SuntrupTony Sansone and Dawn Jensen with the CHMO kids

Winter 2009

2727 North Kingshighway BoulevardSaint Louis, Missouri 63113

(314) 533-2241www.covenanthousemo.org

Editorial Staff

Suzanne WagenerExecutive Directorswagener@covenanthousemo.org

Beth MoritzDirector of Developmentbmoritz@covenanthousemo.org

The Covenant Connection is produced three times each year by Covenant House Missouri. If you would like to suggest afeature or send a submission, please contact Beth Moritz at bmoritz@covenanthousemo.org.

Board of Directors

Erik SolverudChairman

Jane SchmidtVice-Chair

Dan WoodsTreasurer

Marty HerefordSecretary

Members-at-Large

Mike ChaffinDiane CompardoBill HidellPaul KindlGeorge PutneyCarletha RogersAnnie Seal

Board Emeritus Stan Musial

Mission StatementWe who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to his people are dedicated to living out his covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in his humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among his people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that reflects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.

Dear Friends of Covenant House Missouri:

As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of those in our midst who are less fortunate than we are. The youth of Covenant House Missouri have made so much positive progress, and evidence can be found in the impressive work they are doing with the Garden

Rangers, Youth Leadership Council and Youth Advisory Board.

In addition to the work of our own youth residents, we are also very proud of the support we have received from the community, especially during a tough economic time for many non-

profit organizations in the St. Louis area. We continue to appreciate the wonderful help from the Micah Volunteers of St. Louis University, and we are always grateful for the monetary

contributions we receive from donors at this time of the year and all year long.

In December, we will introduce a brand new www.covenanthousemo.org! Be sure to take a look at the new features and exciting news we will have to share in the coming months!

We invite you to help during this season of giving by donating items listed within this newsletter on the Winter Wishlist or by making a monetary donation in the envelope provided. You can help the homeless youth of

Covenant House Missouri to feel some Christmas cheer, and a way for you to feel good about helping others.

With Blessings,Sue Wagener

Executive Director

Youth Advisory Board Gets Teens Involved

at CHMOThe Youth Advisory Council is giving a voice to the Covenant House youth community.

This group of 6-10 teens meets each month to address service-learning ideas, programming ideas and challenges the youth are facing. The Council also discusses legislative issues that affect them. The Council meets once a month and participation is growing.

“The greatest benefit of being a part of this council is that they are learning how to advocate for themselves,” said Tammie Crumble-Belk, Director of Programs. “It gives the youth a sense of empowerment.”

This summer, Covenant House Missouri introduced a new Employee Giving Program that inspired some exciting competition and a few friendly co-worker

rivalries.For the “You Got Game” program June 26-July 27,

staff members were divided into six teams and encouraged to complete tasks such as making individual donations, signing up for the Schnucks eScrip Program

and spreading the word about Covenant House Missouri’s mission. The event was a resounding success.

The winning team, known as the Advocates, slam dunked the competition and was presented with a trophy recognizing it as the “Dream Team” of the Covenant House

staff. The Advocates team also received a day off of work, and of course, bragging rights.

“The program was a great way to get employees fired up about giving and spreading the word about Covenant House,” said Beth Moritz, Director of Development. “It was also a really fun morale booster for the staff.” In Memoriam:

Don Suntrup &Mike Ernst

Covenant House Missouri recently lost two very special friends: Mike Ernst and Don Suntrup. Ernst was a board member and Suntrup served on committees for the

annual golf tournament and the gala. Both men contributed to raising more than $1 million over

the past 20 years.

“Both men were very generous in spirit, resources and their time. We were blessed to have their support for so many years,” said

Suzanne Wagener, Executive Director.

CHMO is honored to celebratetheir lives.

New Employee Giving Program Gets Covenant House Staff

In the Game!

• Pajamas-allsizes• Houseslippers-allsizes• Hats• Gloves• Socks-colorful• CDs-variousPop,R&B,Rap(edited

versions)• CDheadphones• Giftcards-Allstores• Boardgames• HandHeldGames• Jewelryboxes• Makeup:nailpolish,lipstick,eye-

shadow• Cologne• Perfume• GiftcertificatesMcDonalds,Schnucks,

spa,manicure,pedicure,barbershop• Buspasses• Movies• Pillows• Blankets• Comforters• Jewelryformalesandfemales(color-

fulandbigforgirls)bracelets,neck-laces,toerings,rings,earrings

• Cellphonecases• Payasyougocellphones

• Purses• Bookbags• Beltsformalesandfemales• Trendyhats• Scarves• Portfolios-thecalendarandnote-

booktype• Journals• Teddybears• Iron• Ironingboard• Artsupplies• Disposablecameras• Laundrybaskets• Laundrydetergent• Computers(PConly)• HotelStayataSuite(staffsuper-

vised)• Computergames• Digitalcamera• TV• Microwave• GeorgeForemangrill• Goodkitchenware-potsandpans• MovieTheatertickets• Ramsfootballtickets• Telephones• Karaokemachine

Winter WishlistHelpCovenantHousegivehomelessyouthsomeveryspecialgifts.Ifyouwouldliketoassistuswithsomeofthesegiftsforourdeservingyouth,thefollowingitemswouldbeverymuchappreciated.Todonate,pleasecontactKathleenDa-

vis,kdavis@covenanthousemo.orgor314-450-7670.

Charitable BequestsThisgift,usuallygiventhroughwillsorarevocabletrust,enablesyoutoleaveadesiredamounttobenefitCovenantHouseMissouri.

Life Insurance PoliciesThisoutrightgifttoCovenantHouseMissourimaybemadeinwholeorbynamingCovenantHouseMissouriasapartialbeneficiaryofthepolicy.

Make aPlanned Gift to

Covenant House

Real Estate, Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds Theseoutrightgiftsholdmanybenefitsincludinganincometaxdeductionequaltothefairmarketvalueinmostcases.

IRAs and Retirement FundsThedonormakesagiftbyaddingCovenantHouseMissouriasoneofthebeneficiariesofthefunds.

PlannedgivingisoneofseveralwaysyoucanhelpCovenantHouseMissouricontinueitsmissionofhelpinghomelessyouth.ManydifferenttypesofplannedgiftscanbegiventoCovenantHouseMissouri.Theseinclude:

Note: This is not intended to be financial or tax advice.Please consult your finanical advisor or tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

For more information contact Beth Moritz at 314-450-7685 or email at bmoritz@covenanthousemo.org.

“The staff and current board members are happy to welcome two new board members from the St. Louis area. The addition of our new board members will help us achieve our goal of serving homeless and at-risk youth in the St. Louis area,” said Sue Wagener, Executive Director.New members include: Diane Compardo, CPA, CFP of St. Louis is a partner with Moneta Group. Compardo has an extensive background in comprehensive financial advisory services. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Financial Planning Association and active committee member at the Forsyth School in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill Hidell of St. Louis is the Senior Vice President of Risk Management at Wells Fargo Advisors. Hidell has an extensive background in operational and risk management within the financial markets. The two new board members join an eleven-member board that oversees Covenant House Missouri’s finances, development, programs and strategic planning.

CHMO WelcomesTwo New Board Members

Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make a big difference. Picking up trash for example may seem like a menial task for some but in the end it can make a huge difference for the mental and physical health of a neighborhood. For residents of the Shaw neighborhood in South St. Louis, the efforts being made by a small group of youth to clean up their streets is not going unnoticed.

Back in 2007 Covenant House of Missouri initiated a new program for employing troubled youth by cleaning up vacant properties in South St. Louis. It all started when Mrs. Eileen Guelich secured a contract to clean up vacant properties in the McRee Town neighborhood. Several teenagers began visiting the blighted properties and picking up trash for cash. It was the beginning of a great new effort to improve neighborhoods. It was also the beginning of a new work program known as the Garden Rangers.

It wasn’t long after the McRee town efforts commenced that residents of the nearby Shaw

neighborhood took notice. The Shaw

Neighborhood Association

contacted Covenant House Missouri and asked if the Garden

Rangers would be interested in cleaning up their streets. The

challenge was accepted and soon after the Garden

Rangers could be seen walking

the streets and collecting trash. It was a win win

situation for the kids and the neighborhood.

The Shaw residents got

a cleaner neighborhood

and the Garden

Rangers learned social skills through interaction with the community.

Since the Garden Rangers program began dozens of Covenant House youth have found work through cleaning up streets. It’s a dirty job but not something that is unappreciated. Recently the Shaw Park Neighborhood Association invited the Garden Rangers to come make a presentation at their neighborhood meeting and dinner. During the meeting several important public officials and the police chief listened as the Rangers made oral presentations about their experiences. The door for even more job opportunities had just opened.

During the meeting several kids shared stories about how Covenant House prevented them from going back to street life. For Eileen Guelich, the director of the Garden Rangers program, it was the highlight of the Garden Ranger program so far.

“I’m so proud of these kids and I thanked the community for giving the opportunity to pull them off the streets.” It was just the kind of good publicity the Rangers needed to secure even more jobs in the future.

The Garden Rangers wound up giving a tremendous presentation that drew applause. One of the most eye opening presentations given during the Shaw meeting was by Symphorien Mubano, one the newest members of the Garden Rangers program. Mubano shared how one afternoon while cleaning up trash a car pulled up next to him. The driver of the car got out, opened his door, and proceeded to sweep trash out into the street. Instead of getting angry at the driver Mubano took a positive approach.

“My outlook is that it’s job security for me” says Mubano. “If everybody was clean there wouldn’t be a Garden Rangers program.”

The Shaw Neighborhood Association dinner was a success and something the Rangers hope to build on.

“The Shaw Association received us warmly and our presentation proved that not all of us are a bunch of hoodlums” says Mubano who finds the Garden Rangers program to be very rewarding. The Garden Rangers program started small but is now making a big difference; one street and one youth at a time.

Garden Rangers HelpClean Up the Streets

by Darin Copeland

For more information contact Beth Moritz at 314-450-7685 or email at bmoritz@covenanthousemo.org.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development allows certain social service providers to offer 50% Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) tax credits to donors. You will be able to eliminate a portion of your Missouri tax obligation through your donation to Covenant House Missouri.

1. Make a donation of $1,000* or more to Covenant House Missouri. 2. Covenant House Missouri sends a tax credit form with an acknowledgement of your donation. 3. Fill out a simple one-page application and return it to Covenant House Missouri. 4. Covenant House Missouri will validate the application and forward it to the State of Missouri. 5. The State of Missouri processes the application (usually between two to six weeks) and will send you an Eligibility Certificate and MO-TC form which you then include with your state tax return.

For a donation of: The out-of-pocket cost is: $1,000 $265 $5,000 $1,325 $25,000 $6,625 Reduced Federal deduction for State tax paid based on a 35% Federal tax bracket.

How it Works:For individuals filing an itemized return and making a $1,000 donation, your out-of-pocket cost is $265 and computed as follows: $1,000 Donation* $500 50% State Tax Credit $350 Federal charitable tax deduction based on a 35% Federal tax bracket. $60 Missouri charitable tax deduction based on a 6% State tax bracket$(175) Reduced Federal deduction for State tax paid based on a 35% Federal tax bracket

=$265 Out of pocket cost *A minimum of $1,000 donation is required to receive tax credits. Covenant House Missouri recommends that you consult a professional tax advisor when calculating tax benefits of this or any charitable gift.

Example:

Micah VolunteersThe Micah Volunteers from St. Louis University have made quite an impact at Covenant House Missouri. Whether they are tutoring, cleaning or organizing, this special group of volunteers makes it their mission to help others.

At SLU, incoming freshmen are grouped together with other freshmen who share similar interests. All of the students in the Micah program indicated a desire to serve or volunteer.

The Micah group, organized by Debbie Wilson and Donald Stump from SLU, consists of roughly 40 participants who work on various service projects throughout the school year. At Covenant House, they have recently helped with several improvements to the building including organizing a storage room and building gym bleachers.

“We have three groups who come each week and do whatever needs to be done. They’ve been a big help,” said Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen Davis.

Non- ProfitOrganization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

St. Louis, MOPermit # 695

Mayor Francis Slay recently presented four Covenant House Missouri Youth with awards for their achievements in a Youth Leadership Training program.

The program consisted of a series of trainings for teens on budgeting, relationships, health care, safety, employment and education.

“The training program was a great leadership opportunity,” said Tammie Crumble-Belk. “It was also great to witness the Mayor of St. Louis investing and believing in our youth.”

The celebration recognized Covenant House Missouri residents Maurice, Nigeria, Yolanda, Jeremy and Veron.

Covenant House Youth Receive YouthLeadership Awards from Mayor Slay