Number 303 December 6, 2024 St. Louis
Celebrating Excellence, Community, and Holiday Cheer at the Annual Holiday Party
Cara Spencer and Will Jordan
Last night, Justine PETERSEN hosted its Annual Holiday Party, an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and joy. The event brought together a remarkable turnout, including special guest Alderwoman Cara Spencer. It marked the inaugural presentation of the Justine PETERSEN Award, a tribute to the legacy of Justine M. Petersen.
A Night of Honors and Celebration
The event’s highlights included moving award presentations recognizing the individuals and organizations making a lasting impact in their communities. Alderwoman Spencer presented the Legacy Award to Celeste Levitz-Jones and Alyson Levitz-Jones, honoring their father, Stan Jones, whose benefaction continues to inspire.
The photo above: Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Celeste Levitz-Jones and Alyson Levitz-Jones
CEO Robert Boyle also shared heartfelt moments as he honored the Ewing Family with the Family of the Year Award and celebrated Eddie Davis with the Enduring Change Award, commending his advocacy for meaningful progress.
Photo of Robert Boyle, Eddie Davis, and Wife Mrs. Davis
Photo of Shirla Lomax, Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, and Rochelle Bea
Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez recognized one of the two awardees of the Small Business of the Year Rochelle Bea, Jamel Bea, and Shirla Lomax of Beginning Futures, LLC as the Small Businesses of the Year. She also presented BJC Health Systems with the Lender of the Year Award, accepted by Diedra Griffith for their impactful community health initiatives.
Photo of Deidra Griffith and Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez
Aida Richardson awarded Tracy and Derek Smith of Smith & Smith Homes, LLC, with another Small Business of the Year award, that was well deserved.
The photo above: Tracy Smith, Aida Richardson, and Derek Smith
The photo above: The Stifel Bank for the Justine PETERSEN Award
Festive Eats, Music, and Karaoke
In addition to the inspiring awards, the party was a sensory delight, featuring mouthwatering cuisine from The Messy Kitchen and Mister Hand Pie. Their culinary offerings were so popular that many attendees, including some of the hosts, could barely snag a bite!
The festivities were made even livelier by incredible music, including chart-topping hits and Christmas favorites. The karaoke entertainment brought to life by DJ X-Mas kept everyone singing, dancing, and laughing well into the night.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this wonderful evening, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication, creativity, and resilience displayed by our award recipients and the broader Justine PETERSEN community. Your collective efforts continue to inspire and drive change, leaving an indelible mark on the lives you touch. Congratulations to all honorees, and thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration. Here’s to more milestones and successes in the year ahead!
Delmar Main Street’s Small Business Pitch Competition
Celebrating the Winners of Saturday’s Small Business Pitch Competition
Last Saturday, the Small Business Pitch Competition brought together a talented and driven group of entrepreneurs, each eager to share their vision and leave their mark. The event highlighted the incredible innovation and passion within our small business community.
At the end of the day, Kalonda Kay and Tashauna Parker, the powerhouse duo behind Gamers Island, emerged victorious. Their compelling pitch showcased their unique vision, hard work, and deep dedication to their community. Gamers Island is more than a business—it’s a movement, that brings people together, and fosters connections through gaming, especially the youth. As proud clients of ours, we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved win.
The event was a great success, it would have been truly difficult to decide a winner with other talented entrepreneurs giving remarkable presentations:
- Paula Johnson
- Jazzi Ford
- SoJohna Bell, representing Ryze Manufacturing and her beauty and wellness brand, claimed 2nd place.
- Tawanda Schultz
- Adjo Honsou of FuFu n’ Sauce, known for its award-winning West African food truck, took home 3rd place with a vibrant and delicious pitch.
Every participant displayed incredible passion and preparation, making the judges’ decisions all the more challenging.
Following the competition, attendees headed to the Small Business Expo, where a variety of small businesses showcased their products and culinary delights. The energy was electric, with entrepreneurs networking, sharing ideas, and, of course, indulging in some fantastic food and tea!
This event was a celebration of small businesses and their vital role in our communities. Congratulations to all participants, and especially to Kalonda Kay and Tashauna Parker of Gamers Island for their inspiring win. We can’t wait to see what they and the other entrepreneurs accomplish next!
The Greencubator Family Winter Holiday Market!
We’re thrilled to invite you to this year’s Winter Holiday Market at the Greencubator St. Louis on December 22nd! It’s going to be a wonderful time, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Ignite the New Year 2025!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA