GCC hosts annual Derby Day party

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.

Taylor Matthews and Carolyn McCarthy, co-chairs and board members of Gateway Children’s Charity. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

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.

Susan McDowell, MSW, LCSW; vice president, operations, and Julie McAfee, director of Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, with Lutheran Family and Children Services. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)
Marcia Heyes-Harris, Darlene Sowell, and Denise Carter attend the tenth annual Gateway Children’s Charity Derby Day Party on behalf of Unleashing Potential.

“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.”

Chris Frills, assistant school leader of KIPP Wonder Academy, and Anne Miller, staff member of GCC. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

“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.

Michael Todorovich II, co-founder and president of GCC, introduces the three organizations receiving grants to continue their work in supporting underserved St. Louis communities. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

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.

Guests enjoy food and drinks while participating in a live auction at the Gateway Children’s Charity Derby Day Party. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

“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.”

Michael Todorovich II, co-founder and president of Gateway Children’s Charity, and his wife Claire. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)
Guests enjoy food and drinks while participating in a live auction at the Gateway Children’s Charity Derby Day Party conducted by tom Sheehan, vice president of GCC. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

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

GCC Derby Day Best Dressed Man, T.J. Redmond poses with his prize. (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

Best Dressed Women were Tara Clifford and Laura Corcoran

GCC co-chairs Carolyn McCarthy and Taylor Matthews announce Derby Day Party Best Dressed Woman: Laura Corcoran (far left) and Tara Clifford (middle). (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)
GCC co-chairs Carolyn McCarthy and Taylor Matthews announce Derby Day Party Best Dressed Woman: Laura Corcoran (far left) and Tara Clifford (middle). (photo by Danielle Mae Franklin/Clayton Times)

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.

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