DREAM IT! PLAN IT! BE IT!-Brian Hurd Reaches Out To Our Youth

Brian Hurd, Technical Assistance Program Manager at Rise, released his book DREAM IT! PLAN IT! BE IT!: A Playbook for Today’s Youth, in July of 2020.

Honoring Gregory B. Vatterott

Former Rise board member, Greg Vatterott, Sr. passed away on August 5, 2020, with his wife at his side, after a nearly 40-year battle with heart disease. As we mourn the loss of  Mr. Vatterot, we would also like to honor and celebrate him for the work he has done in the community and as a Rise trustee. Mr. Vatterott served on the Rise Board of Directors from 2005 through 2019, served on the Finance Committee from 2011 through 2019, and was the chair of the committee from 2018 through 2019.

After practicing law and upon the passing of his adopted father Charles, Greg joined CF Vatterott in 1973 as President of the family firm founded in 1919 and was most recently Chairman. Founded by Charles Francis Vatterott Jr., C. F. Vatterott enjoys a unique place in St. Louis’s homebuilding history. The company was one of the first to combine lot sales and construction to create subdivisions with a community environment. Charles Vatterott, himself a man with a large family, was dedicated to providing affordable homes of the best quality to the hard-pressed families of the Depression and later years. Greg Vatterott, Jr. carried on his father’s dedication and has led the company, now in its 10th decade, into the 21st century.

We will remember Mr. Vatterott as a very kind man who was always willing to lend his expertise to help Rise fulfill its mission of building stronger, more equitable neighborhoods in St. Louis. Our condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and friends.

In his spare time, Mr. Vatterott was an avid golfer so we would like to honor him with a quote we are sure he would appreciate:

What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive. ~Arnold Palmer

We know you will get those Double Eagles every day!

Mr. Vatterott’s obituary can be found HERE.

Services: Current COVID regulations will be followed. Visitation Kriegshauser Mortuary-West 9450 Olive Blvd Wed., August 12, 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass St. Anselm 530 S. Mason Rd 63141 Thurs, August 13, 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rise Community Development at www.Risestl.org

Condolences at www.kriegshausermortuary.com

GSGBC Dutchtown neighborhood plan

Work Begins at Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club in Dutchtown

Work has begun on the Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club (GSGBC) Dutchtown Satellite in the former St. Hedwig’s School on Pulaski Street. The expansion of neighborhood organizations, faith groups, and local businesses to serve as safe places for youth was a priority during development of the Gravois Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods Plan. This project represents a step toward achieving that vision.

Neighborhood Plan

The Gravois Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods development plan covers the Benton Park West, Northeast Dutchtown, and Gravois Park neighborhoods. During the planning process, community members and leaders committed to improving the quality of life for young people living in the planning area. The plan includes strategies to break the cycle of poverty for youth through a “long-term, collaborative commitment from all sectors, including schools, government agencies, employers, and nonprofits.” The GSGBC will be a great addition to the neighborhood and standing symbol of that pledge.

The Gene Slay Girls and Boys Club

The mission of the GSGBC is to empower girls and boys in the St. Louis metropolitan area, especially those who are most in need, to realize their physical, intellectual, and emotional potential. The organization began serving St. Louis in 1929, taking on its current name in 2016. The GSGBC provides programs that meet the needs of at-risk youth through academics, leadership building, health, athletics, and the arts. You can donate to support their important work in south St. Louis.

Rise is serving as the development consultant for the project and provided support during the development of the neighborhood plan. Rise’s division for community planning offers a comprehensive approach to community development based on engagement with local residents and community leaders.

This important project has been made possible through the support of many community partners, volunteers, funders, and the City of St. Louis.

Learn More

Looking for more information regarding the Gravois Jefferson Historic Neighborhoods Plan? Feel free to contact us or visit https://gravoisjeffersonplanning.org/.

Rise YP 2020 Trivia Night – Virtual Pajama Party!

Join the Rise Young Professionals for our annual Trivia Night, which will be virtual for the first time in history! Get your popcorn ready and break out your onesie because it’s a PAJAMA PARTY! The event occurs on September 12, 2020, from 6:30 to 9 PM. Team up to support revitalization and affordable housing in the St. Louis metropolitan area! Teams consist of 4 to 8 people and each team will have their own breakout room in Zoom to privately confer on answers to trivia questions. Zoom links and instructions will be provided prior to the event. All participants are encouraged to wear pajamas, drink cocktails, nosh on snacks, and bring your A-game! Winning prize to be announced. Click the icon below to purchase tickets.

Interested in sponsorship? For more details click HERE.