ST. LOUIS – Local nonprofit, Gateway Children’s Charity (GCC), held its 10th Annual Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser on Saturday.
“We’re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary with proceeds going to support Gateway Children’s excellent grant program to serve underserved St. Louis communities,” Kaitlin Gastrock, EdStrategies, said on behalf of GCC co-chairs and board members Carolyn McCarthy and Taylor Matthews.
GCC raises funds to make high-impact, tangible investments in early childhood programs that support children living in underserved St. Louis communities. At Saturday evening’s party, three organizations were recognized for their work and impact on children’s lives: Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri, Unleashing Potential, and KIPP Wonder Academy.
“We are lucky enough to get this grant from GCC,” Chris Frills, assistant school leader for KIPP, said. “We are excited and humbled for the generosity to our students.”
“These three organizations, as well as our other partnerships, are touching 3,000 kids lives,” Michael Todorovich II, co-founder and president of GCC, said.
Guests were invited to wear heir Derby best and enjoy live music, great food and drinks, and a silent auction. All proceeds helped to enable more St. Louis children growing up in underserved communities to access the resources and supportive environments they need to thrive.
“A deep, deep heartfelt thank you. It’s amazing that this is the tenth year,” Todorovich said. “We have done a fair amount planning for the next ten years in funding organizations who are serving communities with underprivileged kids.”
In addition to a live and silent auction at the Derby Day Party, guests were also entered in a door-prize for Best Dressed.
Best Dressed Man was T.J. Redmond
Best Dressed Women were Tara Clifford and Laura Corcoran
Founded in 2009, GCC makes annual grants to expand access to excellent early education and other services that provide young children and their families with a strong foundation for future success in school and life. Since 2009, the organization has raised more than $900,000 to expand opportunity for St. Louis children.