The Buddy Fund recently received a historic donation from UMB Bank of $200,000, the largest single contribution in the organization’s history. Thanks to the generosity of UMB, these dollars will directly benefit six recipient organizations in the St. Louis region who work directly with at-risk youth. This significant contribution will support these organizations to make tangible improvements, whether by upgrading their facilities, improving their sports and recreation equipment, or expanding their crucial outreach within the community.
Learn more about the recipient organizations below.
First Tee-Greater St. Louis
First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
How Funds will be Utilized: Golf Course and Equipment
The Organization has paused adding more schools or districts due to the cost of the course program and Golf Equipment. This donation will go a long way by implementing more programs in schools enabling kids to gain valuable skills that will impact them for a lifetime.
Gamble Recreation Center
Built in 1937 at the corner of Glasgow and Gamble in Norman Seay Park, The Gamble Recreation Center features a gymnasium, boxing room as well as a multipurpose room.
How Funds will be Utilized: Weight Room Equipment
The donation will not only enhance the physical fitness opportunities through upgraded weight room equipment but also creates a safe and welcoming environment for children and families in an area where resources are lacking in the community.
Leon Calvin Boxing Gym
The LEON CALVIN BOXING GYM changes lives throughout the Saint Louis area. The organization believes that fitness is not merely a hobby but an integral way of life. The gym was founded to serve as a second home for all of its customers. Regardless of an individual’s exercise frequency, whether a daily routine or a complete newcomer to the gym environment, LEON CALVIN BOXING GYM aims to help shape a new version of themselves.
How Funds will be Utilized: Boxing Ring and Uniforms
The Boxing gym keeps kids off the streets with the art of boxing in a fun and positive way. The program has a no bullying zone and a safe place for youth in which they learn how to deal with troubling life situations in their own lives.
Lift For Life Academy
Lift For Life Academy is a challenging learning community where all students are empowered to maximize their full potential as students and citizens.
How Funds will be Utilized: Equipment for Weight Room
The facility serves as a central hub for strength training and sports conditioning for more than 640 students in the City of St. Louis. The existing weight room has limited training equipment, and several machines are secondhand donations and missing parts or no longer functioning. New cardio and strength training equipment would make this space safer and more useful for the students who utilize the weight room.
St Louis Catholic Academy
The mission of St. Louis Catholic Academy is to provide a culture of excellence for our students and their families so that each member of our community might grow in learning, by faith and with character.
How Funds will be Utilized: Playground
Currently the school does not have a playground. An outdoor playground provides space for physical activity, promoting health, wellness, social development, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution as they engage in group activities in sharing and building friendships
The Core Collective at Saint Vincent
Transitional Living program, youth Recreation Facility and Community based Mental health provider.
How Funds will be Utilized: Renovation Basketball Court
The impact of the renovation provides a safe and engaging space for the at-risk youth, a place to help prevent risky behaviors and foster healthy lifestyles. Promotes physical and mental well-being, leadership, and strengthens community ties for the families and the neighborhoods. With the renovation of the outdoor basketball court, transforming the court into a vibrant hub for recreation, mentorship, and community engagement in Normandy.
For organizations looking to make a corporate gift in 2025, or to explore matching gift opportunities, please contact Ann Lederman, Executive Director: alederman@buddyfund.org