Mathews-Dickey Launches "It's Better to Educate than to Incarcerate" Initiative at 53rd Anniversary

The Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club celebrated its 53rd anniversary by launching the "It's Better to Educate Than to Incarcerate" initiative on February 15 to 16. This spectacular anniversary weekend honored outstanding alumni, corporate supporters and sports volunteers. It was dedicated in memory of one of the Club's first baseball commissioners, second board president and life director Robert Trice, Sr.

The invitation-only, black-tie optional alumni celebration took place Feb. 16 at the Edward Jones Headquarters. Co-Chaired by Federal Judge E. Richard Webber and Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Dr. Art McCoy, 53 legal representatives and 53 educators inked a pledge signed, sealed and delivered by Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley supporting the Club's efforts to keep young people on the right side of the law and achieving in the classroom.

"This mantra sums up our mission of educating children on the front end to keep them from falling through the cracks," said President, CEO & Co-Founder Martin Luther Mathews. "We're grateful to our legal community, educators and government officials for answering this call to action to embrace the youth of St. Louis."

KTVI Fox 2's Bonita Cornute and veteran broadcaster Bill Wilkerson co-emceed the affair. Headlining the entertainment was New York's WBLS Radio & Soultown Sirius DJ Jeff Foxx, "The Foxx that Rocks the Box" and his acclaimed blues band. Foxx has rocked interviews with stars such as the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack...just to name a few. The entertainment showcase also included Collage Pianist Tim Huskey, the Club's Youth Violin Ensemble, professional recording artist Jamie "King James" Dennis, The Triple T's with Young Tunka & the Leadwork Junior All-stars,and international vocalist Sandra Jamerson of Chicago.

Board Chairman Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr. presented the highest honor, The Rev. William G. Gillespie Spirit of St. Louis Award, to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Meritorious Service Award went to J&M Lawn Care and Brian Leonard, manager, business & community relations, Ameren Missouri, took home the "In Appreciation of the Year" plaque. Outstanding Alumni honorees were Patricia Burnett, Akilah Kimbrough, Michael Ward and Tony Williams.

Club Board Education Chair Keith Williamson, Centene's executive vice president, corporate secretary & general counsel, bestowed the second annual $1,000 Dr. Cleveland Hammonds, Jr. Scholarship upon Neil Rakers. Dr. Linda Morice, SIUE associate professor and Department of Educational Leadership chair, take part in the ceremony.

"We're very thrilled to honor a trailblazer for education," said Club VP Public Relations & Special Events Barbara A. Washington. "Special thanks to Yvonne Hammonds and family for helping us continue this lasting tribute to a great man."

On Feb. 17, the Ameren-sponsored Youth Trophy Showcase was attended by 1,000 youth athletic achievers in the Mathews-Dickey Richard B. Loynd Gym, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd. Club VP/Sports & Operations Tom Sullivan and Director of Sports & Operations Leroy Witherspoon emceed the gala, with greetingsoffered by Club alumni Hazelwood School District Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias and Col. Daniel Isom, Des Lee professor of community policing at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

The roll call of Memorial, Medalists of Excellence and Sports Award Winners includes:

Major sponsors of the anniversary celebration were Ameren Missouri, Emerson, INTERCO Charitable Trust and United Way of Greater St. Louis. Mathews-Dickey provides structured athletic, educational and cultural-enrichment activities for more than 40,000 young men and women annually.  For more information, call Barbara Washington or Bill Fronczak at (314) 382-5952, ext. 234.

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Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) United Way member agency that annually provides educational, athletic and cultural enrichment programs to more than 40,000 young people from throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. For 52 years the Club has taught youth respect, restraint and responsibility so that they may obtain credibility, integrity and accountability. For more information, call Barbara A. Washington or Bill Fronczak at (314) 382-5952, ext. 234.