Say Less! Community Fest, hosted by Prevail Institute for Flourishing Communities. Experience a day filled with unity, collaboration, and celebration as we come together to support our community.
Image by Prevail Institute/D.Allen
Batter Up: “Say Less! Community Fest” Clears The Bases
It was crunch time in the City, Benton Park to be exact. The skies were pristine blue while gentle winds and 75-degree temperatures calmed the neighborhood pressures on a mid-October day in Saint Louis. Down by three points, Prevail Institute had the bases loaded with two outs and a full count. Mrs. Zilm a.k.a. The Road Runner stood at first base. Co-Co “I Got This” Cooper was on second, while Momma “Bar-b-que” Pat was at third base with a short lead. At the plate was none other than John “Big Stick” Tucker.
Image courtesy of Prevail Institute/Poet Lightning
Face flushed with red, Adversity Spence stood on the mound and delivered a missile. Swing! It’s a long one, ladies and gentlemen. Big Stick Tuck has done it again! Coach D. Miller and his crew just can’t be denied victory.
This is how it all went down at Benton Park (8th Ward) on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The staff of Prevail Institute for Flourishing Communities, Inc., the host of Say Less! Community Fest and its affiliate partners dawned upon the South City gem and transformed it into a community paradise filled with great things to do. Not only did the festival cruise along like a well-engineered Bentley Mulsanne, but the staff, vending entertainment, and the league of volunteers did as well.
Image courtesy of Prevail Institute
Courtesy of Prevail Institute
Festival attendee Ewanda Aldridge from Fairview Heights, Illinois, had this to say, “Man, was this impressive! It’s quite different for something local. I’m utterly surprised to see something like this pulled off. The poetry by the young ladies was unbelievable. I am so darn inspired and motivated listening to them. Lift for Life Academy marching band was good too; I wish they would have played longer.” She hesitated and smiled while looking at the inflatable bounce houses.
Image courtesy of Prevail Institute
“Most importantly, is that my great-grandbabies are having a blast. This is so nice. Oh yeah, that the DJ is jamming. Got these old bones moving today.”
Image courtesy of Prevail Institute
Noticeably, a strong effort was placed on diversity by the event organizers, which appeared to be a huge plus. There was a mixed band, named FReSH RAiN, who played top 40 tunes, Funk, and Classic Rock. The magic show by Joshua “The Magician,” materialized to be a hit. Families and lone children continued to gather around his booth for hours. Katie Kate, who provided face-painting services, was busy from beginning to end. Seasoned fresh burgers and hot dogs gave way to some tummy-stirring scents that kept the food table loaded with hungry festival goers. By the way—everything was free. Kudos to Prevail Institute!
Courtesy of Prevail Institute
Troy Scales, a long-time resident of Benton Park and employee at AG Edwards stated, “I’m ecstatic to see what has occurred today. I’ve been here for thirty years or so and have never seen an event of this magnitude, especially one that included everyone. Most of the events that take place in this park largely cater to people who look like me.”
Courtesy of Prevail Institute
“In addition, seeing all these kids, regardless of race and culture, get along and the organizers working so hard to make sure everything goes smoothly is rejoicing. I will definitely be speaking on behalf of this organization when I attend the next neighborhood association meeting. We need more of what they’re bringing to the table.”
Furthermore, the festival highlights included an inspirational speech by D. Allen Miller, author, and founder of Prevail Institute, that garnered the attention of just about everyone in attendance, a spectacular tug-of-war battle for adults and children, and more than 300 giveaways to children with an opportunity to sign up for youth mentoring services (named Prosper 101) that target ages 7-17. There were new bicycles, plenty of winter coats and hats, books, his and her toys, clothing, autographed paraphernalia from Saint Louis CITY SC, gift cards, and more. This event could have easily been named Love & Blessings on Jefferson Ave: Building Bridges & Empowering Lives.
A list of corporate, local, and individual sponsors and contributors are as follows: Target, SSM Heart Department at SLU Hospital, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Schnucks, BP Oil & Fuel, FedEx Kinkos, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, Pinehurst Construction Solutions, Lee’s Chicken, Alexander Reed Dry Cleaners, LaRon Cole, Kevin Beckett,
Ollie E. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Baez, and the anonymous.
To learn more about Prevail Institute for Flourishing Communities, please call 557.214.3303.
Or visit them on social media: FB@prevailinstituteffc or IG@prevail_institute_ffc
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