Learn about the St. Louis Boys and Girls Club and their mission to empower young individuals through a discussion with their president, Flint Fowler.
Flint Fowler/File Image
I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Fowler, president of the St. Louis Boys and Girls Club, one of three recipients of Katie’s Pizza’s Giveback Tuesday program, about their mission and the impact they are making in the community and how the giveback Tuesday proceeds will assist their mission. This inspiring discussion highlighted the deserving organizations’ essential role the organization plays in nurturing the potential of young individuals and preparing them for successful futures.
The St. Louis Boys and Girls Club is dedicated to inspiring and enabling young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. This mission translates into ensuring that youth have all the resources they need to lead positive, focused, and fruitful lives. The organization emphasizes the importance of a good education, a healthy lifestyle, and becoming productive, contributing members of society.
The club offers a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs and experiences of children in the community. They focus on:
- Educational Support: Providing resources and support to help children appreciate and achieve a good education.
- Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging habits like good dental hygiene and proper nutrition to ensure overall well-being.
- Civic Engagement: Teaching young people that they have a voice and can contribute positively to their community and society at large.
Understanding that not all children receive the encouragement and support they need at home or in school, the Boys and Girls Club strives to fill these gaps. By exposing children to books, reading, and other educational resources, they create an environment where learning is valued and encouraged.
The club’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the St. Louis Boys and Girls Club was chosen as one of the recipients of Katie’s Pizza’s Give Back Tuesday program. This initiative supports local nonprofits by donating the entirety of the day’s sales to three local non profits. Mr. Fowler expressed excitement and gratitude for this recognition, highlighting the mutual respect and strong brands of both Katie’s Pizza and the Boys and Girls Club.
The conversation underscored the importance of providing platforms and opportunities for young people to discover and develop their potential. The St. Louis Boys and Girls Club is committed to making a lasting impact by equipping children with the skills and abilities needed for success. Their work ensures that the next generation of leaders, creators, and change-makers has the foundation they need to thrive.
The St. Louis Boys and Girls Club’s mission to inspire and enable youth is a testament to the power of community support and dedicated mentorship. Their inclusion in Katie’s Pizza’s Give Back Tuesday program is a well-deserved recognition of their impactful work. By continuing to provide educational support, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage civic engagement, they are paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of St. Louis.
The Origin and Vision of Katie’s Pizza Give Back Tuesday Program
I also had the pleasure of sitting down with Alicia Vega, VP of Brand and Development to discuss the origins and vision of Katie’s Pizza Give Back Tuesday program. This initiative has made a substantial impact on local nonprofits, and Alicia provided insights into how it all began and the principles guiding its success.
When Katie Collier started her business in 2014, she relied on a crowdfunding site, Kickstarter, to raise $42,000 to open her first location in Rock Hill. This initial support from the community played a crucial role in her journey, and Katie wanted to find a way to give back to the community that had been so instrumental in her success.
“To be able to give back to the community was really important to her,” Alicia explained. “She started Give Back Tuesdays to show the community that she is appreciative and supportive of them.”
The program was designed to choose three charities each month, with all proceeds from each location on designated Tuesdays going to these selected organizations. This includes lunch, dinner, take-out pizzas and cocktails from any of their locations. Essentially, the community helped Katie, and now she’s paying it forward in a significant way.
Each year, nonprofits can apply to be a part of the Give Back Tuesday program. The application process involves submitting information about the organization, including the mission statement and relevant details about their work. Katie’s Pizza then reviews the applications to identify organizations that align with their values and focus on benefiting the St. Louis community.
“We really like to focus on local organizations that truly benefit St. Louis,” Alicia emphasized. “We try to align ourselves with people that we feel are doing really good for the community.”
Why the Boys and Girls Club?
When asked about why the Boys and Girls Club was chosen as a recipient, Alicia highlighted the critical role the organization plays in supporting youth in the community. “They do so many wonderful things for the youth in our community, and that’s where change starts. If you’re helping youth at a young age to realize their potential, then it’s exponential,” she said.
Supporting the Boys and Girls Club aligns perfectly with the vision of Katie’s Pizza to foster positive change and support young people in achieving their full potential.
Since the inception of Give Back Tuesday, Katie’s Pizza has raised over $455,000 for local nonprofits. This milestone, achieved last month, marks a significant achievement for the program. “We actually crossed that milestone last month. It was a very big milestone for us,” Alicia shared. “We’re looking forward to $500,000 and have no intention of stopping anytime soon.”
The impact of these contributions is immediate, as the funds go directly to the nonprofits, allowing them to continue their vital work. One notable success story is the support provided to Our Little Haven, an organization helping children in crisis.
Get Involved
For nonprofits interested in applying for Give Back Tuesday, the application process is straightforward and available on Katie’s Pizza’s website. Alicia encourages any organizations with questions to reach out to her directly at alicia@katiespizza.com.
