FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2008

St. Louis, MO (November 20, 2008) The St. Louis chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) today honored St. Patrick Center’s Key Player Initiative with its 2008 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at a recognition luncheon at the St. Louis Airport Hilton.

The Key Player Initiative is a community-wide effort of Catholic Charities and St. Patrick Center to help build permanent, positive changes in the lives of the homeless and poor. Launched in August 2007, Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Schools took the lead when they became Key Players and raised money for permanent, supportive housing, the most important component to an individual’s/family’s stability.

Vanderbilt University graduate student Erin Guffey accepted the award. Guffey won the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award in 2005 for her work with Cor Jesu Academy and St. Patrick Center. “At a time when it seems everyone is struggling, we must consider the less fortunate,” Guffey said. “Let us all learn from the example of these Catholic School students. If they can raise $221,000, ending homelessness for hundreds of families, then we as adults can do a bit more to serve our neighbors in need.” Accepting the award alongside Guffey were Allison Schultz and Laura Bretsch from Annunciation School, and Brianna Dunville and Ted Kleffner from Bishop DuBourg High School. 

Money raised by Key Players in the community pays for rent, utilities, Livings Skills classes, case work and program costs.  At a student-hosted news conference at St. Patrick Center in April 2008, Catholic School students announced that they raised $221,000 for the Key Player Initiative during the 2007-2008 school year.

“We are amazed and humbled. We know to never underestimate the power of children and the support of our community,” said St. Patrick Center CEO Dan Buck. “One child, one school at a time, compassion binds us to tackle this social ill. The Key Player kids have ended homelessness for dozens of families.” 

The goal of the Key Player Initiative is to raise one million Housing Program dollars annually by Fiscal Year 2011. At just $2000 per client, one million dollars each year will end homelessness for 500 individuals and families.

In its 28th year, the annual AFP luncheon celebrates National Philanthropy Day, awarding recipients in categories such as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer and Outstanding Corporate Philanthropic Program. National Philanthropy Day recognizes the vibrant philanthropic community that has characterized St. Louis for generations.

For more information about the Key Player Initiative, visit www.stpatrickcenter.org. If you would like to be a Key Player, a team captain for a Key Player group, contact Carla Wilson at 314.802.1987 or cawilson@stpatrickcenter.org.
 
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals achieve permanent, positive changes in their lives through affordable housing, sound mental health, employment and financial stability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kelly Peach
Senior Director of Communications
St. Patrick Center
Direct line: 314-802-0687
Cell: 314-581-7126
kpeach@stpatrickcenter.org

Stephanie Rea
Writer/Producer
St. Patrick Center
314-802-1968
srea@stpatrickcenter.org

go to the Key Player Initiative page