ST. LOUIS, MO November 20, 2023, ‘Twenty Years of Impact’ was the theme of Kwame Charitable Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala, held at the newly renovated Four Seasons Hotel. A pre-event cocktail reception was hosted by Presenting Sponsors, Regional Business Council, John and Linda Tracy and Kwame Building Group. Educator, author and Assistant Superintendent of Cahokia School District, Dr. Kacy Shahid delivered a riveting, heartfelt keynote address, recalling the events leading up to the fatal shootings in October 2022, while she served as principal of Central Visual Performing Arts High School. Actor/comedian and St. Louis native, Joe Torry, provided hilarious commentary as the MC for the elegant event.
Anthony (Tony) Thompson, CEO of Kwame
Guests were among the first to view Kwame Charitable Foundation’s new mission-focused video during the program. In addition to dinner, live music and dancing, there were testimonials from individuals directly impacted by support from the Foundation, either through endowed scholarships, participation in the annual HBCU Spring Break College Tour or educational program support.
The program concluded with Executive Director, Lydia Huston, envisioning a day when there will no longer be a need for public charities, like Kwame Charitable Foundation. There would be no need, she stated, “as every individual and family would be free to pursue their post-secondary dreams without regard for the cost – as they will have the necessary resources already intact. This is my hope for the future; but that is not where we are today. So, Kwame Charitable Foundation will strive to remain in position to support the potential motivated young people in this region.”
Executive Director Lydia Huston
Kwame Charitable Foundation, founded in 2003 by Kim and Anthony (Tony) Thompson, CEO of Kwame Building Group, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, created to address a prevailing need among first generation African American students who have the aptitude and motivation for college, but who lack the financial and other resources to succeed and graduate. Programs include endowed scholarships, educational programming, mentorships, internships, and life-skills training to prepare for an ever-evolving workforce.
For more information, please visit our website: //kwamecharitable.org or contact Lydia Huston at lhuston@kwamebuildinggroup.com or 314-754-5619
