On the surface, learning to play chess, galloping on a horse, and swinging golf clubs at a driving range may have nothing to do with college scholarships for high school seniors.
But a closer look goes to the roots of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s core values: enriching the lives of underserved youth in the St. Louis area through various activities and initiatives.
The Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, an arm of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, mission is to uplift youth and help to improve their success through financial support and mentoring.
“We interact with those kids, working with them so they can see what types of positive things are available,” Dwight Johnson, a member of Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. “We desire to promote and uplift the education of our youth and the advancement of the community as a whole.”
The Foundation’s major fundraiser this year to raise money for youth is the 2024 Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation Annual Golf Tournament. Tee off for this great cause at the Forest Park Golf Club on Saturday, September 21, starting at 7 a.m.
Johnson was chair of last year’s tournament that raised more than $10,000. He expects the amount raised this year will exceed that amount. The tournament will benefit many youths living in the Hyde Park Neighborhood of North St. Louis, home of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter frat house at 3615 19th Street.
“Join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and giving back to the community,” he said. “Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this event is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a round of golf with friends and fellow supporters.”
Johnson, 76, a St. Louis native and Sumner High School graduate, stepped down as chairman to “pass it over to a younger generation” after serving as chair for the past two years.
The Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose efforts to obtain funding for the support of the Foundation’s activities are priorities. Various activities and initiatives are to support both the national initiatives and programs, as well as support local philanthropic interests in the St. Louis Metro Area.
Established in 2004, the Foundation serves the St. Louis region with the sustained purpose of providing culturally relevant youth mentoring and development, fatherhood, and family initiatives along with community programs that support individuals and communities.
The organization operates with a volunteer board of directors and no staff, keeping expenses lower than the industry average for nonprofit organizations. The Foundation generates revenue through donations and contributions, grants, rental income, and special events. These sources allow the Foundation to award funds consistent with its mission.
The Foundation is active in the community. Sponsoring annual scholarships to high school seniors in the St. Louis, Missouri area, who plan to attend a four-year college or university is only part of the outreach. Members also lend support, both financial and personal time, through community outreach programs such as the Alpha Mentoring Program, a “Back to School” Book Bag Drive, the Annie Malone Children’s Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Boy Scouts of America, and F.I.R.E (Firefighter’s Institute for Racial Equality).
The Foundation also supports programs for single fathers to educate them on parenting and relation issues, child support issues, and other issues pertinent to single parenting.
Additionally, the Foundation supports the “Go to High School, Go to College” initiative through its annual educational programs that encourage African American male high school students in grades 10 through 12 to go to college and assist them in preparation for the various issues that go along with applying for college.
The Foundation also supports “Project Alpha” through its programs to educate young persons about a variety of issues sexual responsibility and sexual diseases.
And the Foundation supports the “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People” program by assisting in the sponsorship of educational seminars to provide young persons with information concerning the relevant issues involved in upcoming elections and why their voting makes a difference.
Johnson, who earned his undergraduate degree from Webster University and his graduate degree from Washington University has a background in computer engineering. He said one of his proudest career achievements was designing the computer system at One Bell Center/AT&T Center in downtown St. Louis.
Johnson said being a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha is more than enjoying social moments and camaraderie of “frat brothers” but working in the community to make it better.
“Graduating from college is important but is not the end of your service,” he said. “We do what we do. When you join this organization, you do service for life”
