Press Announcement

UrbanFUTURE Raises $156,000 and Unveils New Community Cluster Model

ST. LOUIS, June 5, 2008— UrbanFUTURE held the organization’s most successful fundraiser to date at the home of local philanthropists Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, on Wednesday, May 14. During the event, Rex took on four of the top members of UrbanFUTURE’s Academy Chess Team in simultaneous games of chess. The intimate fundraiser collected $156,000 to be used for UrbanFUTURE’s many programs and initiatives. Also revealed at the event was UrbanFUTURE’s newest initiative, the Community Cluster Model.

The Community Cluster Model is aimed at providing a continuum of care to fourth through eighth grade students, with five key outcomes to ensure that the UrbanFUTURE students are equipped to excel in high school and beyond. The unveiling of the model was greeted with much accolade. “It was a huge success,” UrbanFUTURE president Frank Van Bree said.

The simultaneous games of chess lasted nearly an hour. After the games, Sinquefield, who played tournament chess years back, remarked, “Wow! Those kids are really good! They played really well. I did not expect the games to last this long.”

In attendance were Tim and Suzanne Boyle, Rachel Keller Brown, David and Laura Butsch, L.B. and Bonnie Eckelkamp, Lisa Holley, Tom Murphy, Frank Plescia, Jack Pohrer, Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, Laura Slay, Frank and Gina Van Bree, Robbyn Wahby, Donna Wilkinson and Larry Williams.

UrbanFUTURE operates out of two St. Louis City Public Schools, Mann Elementary and Fanning Middle School, both located in the South Grand neighborhood. An independent audit has shown that, on average, when students and their parents remain committed to the UrbanFUTURE program for one year, students will show a 2-3 year gain in reading level.
UrbanFUTURE, in partnership with family, school and community, is dedicated to the success of urban youth through character formation, academic growth and career preparation. The One on One INSPIRE program implements a team model of mentoring including the student’s parent or guardian, a mentor from the community, and a teacher who work together on behalf of the student. The team creates an environment designed to maximize the student’s potential for success both in and out of the classroom. The IMPACT Tutoring program offers individually tailored tutoring in Communication Arts and Math as well as homework help. For more information about becoming a volunteer mentor or tutor, or to donate, call UrbanFUTURE at 314-776-3434 or visit www.urbanfuturestl.org.