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19 Jan
0

Thinking of the Future

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Endowments to Benefit Lutheran Education

The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) offers the opportunity for donors to establish an endowment to fund Lutheran education in the St. Louis metropolitan area.  These funds are held in perpetuity and invested for long-term growth while providing income for purposes chosen by the donor. Only earnings will be used for the designated program. Endowments ensure that LESA will continue to provide need-based tuition assistance and educational resources well into the future for our member schools and the students we serve.

Endowments are funded by individuals with a minimum gift of $25,000 which may be funded at one time or over a period of five years.  The donor may name the fund in honor or in tribute of someone.   An eligible matching gift may be available from the Lutheran Legacy Foundation, Youthbridge Community Foundation or private individuals to help offset or increase the initial investment.

Your investment and commitment to Lutheran education help build the future of young leaders in our community, and are critical to helping advance Lutheran education. Below are LESA’s Named Endowments that we have permission to disclose; all endowments to benefit LESA total nearly $11 million. We give God all glory for the blessings these endowments bring to the students LESA serves!

Building Blocks Scholarship Endowments
Jacqueline Appelt Scholarshp Endowment
Tim & Jackie Branneky Fund
John & Marilyn Brickler Endowment
Marilyn K. Brickler Scholarship Endowment
Bradley Bunte Scholarship Endowment
Robert & Lorraine Duesenberg Fund
John W. & Nancy Gerber Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Richard Graul Endowment
Dorian & Bernice Magwitz Endowment
Vernon & Joann Schroeder Fund

Programs and Operation Endowments
Dancy Family Fund
Duane & Marjorie Hingst Education Endowment
Edith A. Kalbfleisch Education Fund
John K. & Joan A. Komlos Fund
Niewald Family Fund
Roland & Hilda Pflantz Endowment
Phyllis Miller Rowold Fund
Phyllis Ann Rowold Memorial Fund
Steve & Sandy Siepman Fund

Contact the LESA office at 314-200-0797 or visit www.LESAstl.org for more information on establishing an endowment or to contribute to an existing endowment.

 The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran  Church – Missouri Synod and is a  registered Missouri not-for-profit corporation that holds 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service; LESA’s federal EIN is 43-1853158.

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19 Jan
0

TEACHING ACADEMICS IS NOT ENOUGH

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LUTHERAN SCHOOLS: BECAUSE TEACHING ACADEMICS IS NOT ENOUGH

Students at Green Park Lutheran School work with touch pads during the 2020-21 school year.

The Summer 2021 Tokyo Olympics highlighted not only the physical strength and skills of the athletes, but also brought to light the need to care for mental health. When our darling of the gymnastics team, Simone Biles, bowed out stating emotional issues, it made a tremendous statement to the world: the mind is a powerful thing, and without health in this area, our body suffers.

Our schools are tasked to prepare students to succeed in life, not just to do well in school. Beyond academics, Lutheran schools spiritually care for students and share the message of life-saving grace. It’s the basis of our mission.

Lutheran schools also help students develop social and emotional skills that will enable them to work with others and achieve their potential. In 2019, Forbes Magazine identified emotional intelligence as the #1 job skill for the future. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and express our own emotions and understand someone else’s emotions. In the past year, LESA teachers have learned about Social-Emotional Learning and the skills of empathy, self-control, integrity, embracing diversity, and grit.

One of our professional development speakers, Dr. Thomas Hoerr, shared this statement with our educators: Who you are is more important than what you know. This means students having a secure self-view. We need to be intentional in teaching students how to be caring, disciplined, honest, accepting, and resilient. Students need to develop skills in both social-emotional learning and academics to become understanding and respectful as well as skilled and productive. In a world where the only constant is change, learning these skills prepares students for success.

For Lutheran schools, the statement, “who you are is more important than what you know” has deeper meaning. We teach “who you are” is a forgiven, loved, and accepted child of God. This gospel message is taught alongside the law, to develop future citizens of heaven.

In addition to professional development, your gifts also help fund counseling services for member schools who do not otherwise qualify for any funding for student counseling services.  Last year, your gifts helped us reach 761 students who receive 2,057 hours of counseling at five member schools last year.

Amidst the ongoing challenges of routines and schedules students crave in order to be successful, please keep our LESA educators lifted in prayer this school year as they address not only academic needs, but care for students’ emotional and spiritual needs. School ministry is not an easy calling. Give thanks to those that have answered the call to help students grow in grace, knowledge, and wisdom in Christ.

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26 Oct
0

The Marilyn K. Brickler Scholarship Endowment Fund

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(November 1, 2021) St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is pleased to announce the newly established Marilyn K. Brickler Endowment Fund established in honor of Brickler’s board service and her lifetime commitment to advancing Lutheran education.  Brickler’s strong commitment to Christian education and belief that help should be provided to families who cannot afford tuition motivates Marilyn to serve on numerous committees and boards. Past board service includes Green Park Lutheran, the Lutheran High School Association, the Lutheran Camp Association in Arcadia, Lutheran Family & Children’s Services and LESA.

“In appreciation of her board service and her unwavering passion for children to learn and grow in a faith-based Christian Lutheran school, the Board of Directors of LESA initiated this endowment with lead gifts to show our appreciaton of her steadfast leadership of LESA’s Board, and to honor her lifetime contributions in this way,” says Sue Nahmensen, CEO of LESA.
Dedicated to Lutheran education, Marilyn served as Chair of LESA’s board for three years and is in her 7th year as a board member. She has committed her life to raising four boys in Lutheran schools, while serving on numerous school boards and committees to help raise funds to advance Lutheran education.

Established in 2004, LESA has awarded more than $6.5 million in need-based tuition assistance impacting the lives of 3,882 children through its Building Blocks Scholarship Fund. LESA is blessed to hold $10 million in endowments restricted for Building Blocks Scholarships and Programs and Operations.  We invite you to continue helping children attending Lutheran elementary schools now and in the future by donating to the Marilyn K. Brickler Scholarship Endowment. Click here to learn more.

More than 8,300 children of all faiths attend Lutheran Pre-K, elementary and high schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making it the second largest private school system in the Bi-State Region.   Founded in 2004, LESA provides educational support services to 34 member schools – including four National Blue Ribbon Schools and three National Lutheran School of Distinction – and three related agencies. LESA is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

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Katherine Auble
Director, Fund Development & Marketing
Lutheran Elementary School Association
11123 South Towne Square, Suite F
St. Louis, MO 63123
314-200-0797

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20 Oct
0

Brew in the Lou Raises Record-Breaking $158,000 for Lutheran Education and Still Growing!

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St. Louis, MO (Oct. 20, 2021) The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association raised a record-breaking $158,000 for Lutheran schools at its 9th Annual “Brew in the Lou” Festival, Saturday, Oct. 9 at Francis Park in St. Louis Hills. The weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the festival atmosphere.  A big thank you to the 100+ volunteers who helped make the event a success!  Thank you to our sponsors, and a big thank you to the vendors who make this possible. Please support our participating vendors generously!

More than 2,000 craft beer and food fans, and a few friendly dogs, sampled specialties from nearly 100 of St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits, coffee, food and pop up vendors, including about forty-five local and regional craft breweries.

Guests also voted for their favorite brats, home brew and chili recipes. This year’s Battle of the Bratwurst prize went to Lucky Lola’s. Lucky Lola’s can be found in your local Fresh Thyme or Kenrick’s Meats. In the ultra-competitive People’s Choice Home Brew Competition, Rev. Mark Bangert’s “Triple Berry Saison” from Immanuel Lutheran in Washington won first place, and the top prize for chili was again won by the Salem Men’s Club.  We need that winning recipe!  Brew guest Laurie Morrison won the 50/50 drawing prize of $662.

Grand Prize Winner, Dominick Dufner (Left) and Anheuser-Busch Research Pilot Brewery’s Daren Berry

The Home Brewers Association sanctioned competition had 208 entries.  The winner of this competition with Best of Show was Dominick Dufner of the STL Brewhogs for his Trappist Single Ale, aptly named, “New Hit Single.”  The grand prize for this competition was a chance to brew the winning recipe at the Anheuser-Busch Research Pilot Brewery followed by a happy hour for 10 of his best friends.

The band Clint & Co. provided entertainment, and KPLR/Fox 2’s Jeff Bernthal, a Lutheran schools grad, emceed. Next year’s Brew is set for October 8, 2022.

You may keep the tastings going throughout the next 12 months with the purchase of the Brew in the Lou Passport.  The new 2021/2022 Passport contains more than $300 in beverages, menu items and special discounts at more than 25 of your favorite breweries, restaurants and more.  A great gift for friends, family and co-workers! Click here to purchase your new Passport now!

And, there are a limited amount of t-shirts remaining too!

Proceeds benefit the 8,300 children enrolled in 34 Lutheran schools in the bi-state area. To contribute, visit www.lesastl.org, or call 314-200-0797.

View 2021 Photos Here

 

Rev. Mark Bangert, Immanuel Washington took first place with a Triple Berry Saison in the People’s Choice Homebrew Competition

The Salem Affton Men’s Club are the 2021 Chili Kings!

 

 

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02 Sep
0

Announcing the New Duane and Marjorie Hingst Education Endowment Fund

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(September 1, 2021) St. Louis, Mo – The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is pleased to announce the newly established Duane and Marjorie Hingst Education Endowment Fund established in memory of Duane Hingst and in honor of his wife, Marjorie Sandfort Hingst.  Duane was recently called to his heavenly home this summer and is survived by his wife, Marjorie and his three children. His children decided that in honor of his lifetime service to Lutheran education and what would have been his 90th birthday on October 9, 2021, establishing this named endowment would be a perfect vehicle to continue his legacy and honor their parents.

Dedicated to Lutheran education, Duane who served as the Executive Director of Lutheran schools for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s Missouri District, began his ministry as a Lutheran school teacher. Like many Lutheran school teachers, he also served as choir director, basketball coach and an overall champion of Lutheran education.  He believed strongly that Lutheran schools provide individualized education, which extended to extracurriculars that included sports, band, choir, field trips and more.  He was passionate that all children who wanted to attend a Lutheran school could do so; finances should not be a factor in their ability to attend.  “The benefits of a Lutheran education extend far beyond the classroom; the influence of caring teachers and pastors help shape a worldview with Christ at the center of every choice one makes,” says their daughter Dawn Anderson.

Establishing the Duane and Marjorie Hingst Education Endowment to benefit the students and schools served by the Lutheran Elementary School Association seemed like a natural choice to honor Duane’s legacy in Lutheran education.  LESA has awarded more than $6.5 million in need-based tuition assistance impacting the lives of 3,882 children through its Building Blocks Scholarship Fund. “LESA is delighted that Mr. Hingst’s family has decided to honor Duane’s ministry through the establishment of this endowment. His legacy of service to Jesus Christ and to Lutheran schools in our community will live on in the lives of the students served by the proceeds of this legacy gift,” says Sue Nahmensen, Chief Executive Officer.  “LESA is blessed to hold $10 million in endowments restricted for Building Blocks Scholarships and Programs and Operations.”

We invite you to continue helping children attend Lutheran elementary schools now and in the future by donating to the Duane and Marjorie Hingst Education Endowment Fund. Click here to learn more.

More than 8,300 children of all faiths attend Lutheran Pre-K, elementary and high schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making it the second largest private school system in the Bi-State Region.

Founded in 2004, LESA provides educational support services to 34 member schools – including four National Blue Ribbon Schools and three National Lutheran School of Distinction – and three related agencies. LESA is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

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Katherine Auble
Director, Fund Development & Marketing
Lutheran Elementary School Association
11123 South Towne Square, Suite F
St. Louis, MO 63123
314-200-0797

 

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27 Jul
0

LESA’s Brew in the Lou Festival Returns to Francis Park – Oct. 9, 2021

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(St. Louis, Mo) July 11, 2021 – Brew in the Lou is back! After taking a break last year due to the pandemic, the St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is excited to announce that our 9th Annual Brew in the Lou Festival will return to the Lily Pond at Francis Park, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, from 1-5 p.m.

Brew in the Lou is a one-stop tasting event showcasing St. Louis’ best beer, wine, spirits and food. Proceeds support scholarships and educational services for children of all faiths at 34 member schools in the St. Louis area.

Wristbands are $40 advance/$50 day-of-event and include unlimited tastings (while supplies last) and a keepsake commemorative glass. As always, children, babies and pets are welcome! New this year: VIP tickets for $100/person. Tickets include VIP access to exclusive food and beverage offerings, private bathrooms, a special VIP glass and a Brew in the Lou Passport featuring 30 beer, food, spirits and merchandise offers valued at $300 and valid until October 9, 2022.

Wristbands are on sale now – to purchase, call (314) 200-0797, or visit LESAstl.org at: https://lesastl.org/2021-brew–in–the–lou/

It’s been a long year and we can’t wait to taste and toast with you again on the banks of The Lily Pond. Our 2019 event showcased more than 100 breweries, restaurants and craft artisans – including 45 local and regional craft breweries – and raised a record $120,000 for Lutheran education. And 2021 is shaping up to be even better. Our list of confirmed breweries, distilleries, wineries and restaurants is growing by the day: Brick River Cider, Crossroads Brewery, Mackenzie Brewing, Shoehorn Brewing, Lieferbrau Brewery, Excel Brewing, Main & Mill Brewing Co., Six Mile Bridge, Schlafly, Rockwell Beer Co., Narwhal’s Crafted Ice, Wood Hat Spirits, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, Millpond Brewing & Incubator, AB Pilot Brewery, Modern Brewery, J. Rieger & Co., Center Ice Brewery, St. Louis Hop Shop, PRP Wine, F & R Wine Imports, Steampunk Brew Works, 2nd Shift Brewing, Southside Alchemy, Beer Sauce Shop, KomBlu Kombucha, Lucia’s Pizza Co., Dogtown Pizza, Baetje Farms Artisan Goat Cheese, Double G Ham, and St. Paul’s Kettle Korn, plus Series Six, LulaRoe Clothing Boutique, Koala Pouches, Post Pouring Co. Candles, Benton Park Prints, Gloria’s Unique Boutique, Debbie Fenlen Photograpy, One Life Fitness, St. Trinity Cemetery and more.

In the meantime, don’t miss our Buy 1/Get 1 Brew in the Lou Summer Passport Special to support Lutheran schools and your favorite watering holes as they rebound from the pandemic. For just $30, you’ll get access to more than $600 in beverages, menu items and special discounts at more than 25 of your favorite breweries, distilleries, wineries, restaurants and other venues through Oct. 9, 2021.

For vendor & sample provider applications, visit https://lesastl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Vendor-Application.pdf.

Covid-19 Information: Due to the uncertainty regarding future COVID guidelines, Brew in the Lou attendees will be required to comply with any and all guidelines, regulations and recommendations in effect on October 9, 2021, the date of the event, as directed by the St. Louis Department of Health. Please note that refunds will not be issued to attendees who are unable to comply, regardless of circumstances.

About LESA

More than 8,200 children attend LESA member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 34 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.www.LESAstl.org.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Katherine (Kit) Auble

Director Fund Development and Marketing

(314) 200-0797

kauble@lesastl.org

www.LESAstl.org

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27 May
0

LESA Schools Receive $65,000 Boeing Grant to Meet Covid Tech Needs

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LESA has secured a $65,000 Boeing grant to help schools meet new technology needs connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seven LESA schools will benefit from the grant: Green Park Lutheran in south St. Louis County, Immanuel Lutheran in Olivette, Lutheran North Middle School in Florissant, Our Savior Lutheran in Fenton, Trinity Lutheran in Edwardsville, Trinity Lutheran in St. Charles, and Word of Life in south St. Louis. 

LESA’s 35-member schools were among the first to re-open for full-time, in-person learning last August, but as schools worked to keep students safe, healthy and engaged throughout the year, they also faced unexpected expenses. Sue Nahmensen, LESA’s CEO, says the new funds will allow schools to upgrade and plan ahead for the coming year by stocking up on Google Chromebooks and adding interactive tools like Promethean Boards, SmartBoard projectors, and Google Jamboards to classrooms.

“I am always amazed at God’s grace and goodness, and this grant award is yet another example of how He provides for us in all times,” said Sue Nahmensen, LESA’s CEO. “All praise to God for this most recent and wonderful blessing for the schools and students that LESA serves!”

The grant is funded by the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company, one of the largest employee-owned and managed funds of its kind in the world.

About LESA

More than 8,200 students attend Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making it the second largest private school system in the Bi-State Region. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 31 elementary and 4 high schools, including three National Blue Ribbon Schools and three National Lutheran Exemplary Schools. To learn more about our schools and our mission, visit www.LESAstl.org.

Boeing Employees Community Fund

One of the largest employee-owned and managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee advisory boards provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their community through ECF grants. Boeing pays all administrative costs so 100 percent of every employee dollar helps strengthen local communities.

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Katherine (Kit) Auble
Director, Fund Development and Marketing
314-200-0797
kauble@lesastl.org
www.lesastl.org
www.facebook.com/lesastl.org

Brenda Kimberlin
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA)
www.lesastl.org
314-496-1799 – cell
bkimberlin@lesastl.org

 

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27 May
0

Meet Vernon & Joann Schroeder, LESA’s 2021 Heritage Club Honorees

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Watch it Now Vernon and Joann Schroeder: Why We Support Lutheran Schools

One of the many highlights of our first-ever Cooking for Kids livestream event and auction was a moving video tribute to Vernon and Joann Schroeder, our 2021 LESA Heritage Club Honorees. Vernon and Joann are the living embodiment of Christ’s love and we are continually humbled by their support. During our live event, Sue Nahmensen, our CEO, shared the ways that Vernon and Joann are creating a lasting legacy for children. 

“I would like to introduce the Heritage Club honorees Vernon and Joann Schroeder. This award recognizes individuals who are members of the Heritage Club of the Lutheran Elementary School Association’s (LESA) Founder’s Society. It is reserved for those who have included Lutheran Elementary School Association of St. Louis in their will, trust and/or estate plans, or have named LESA as a beneficiary (whole or partial) of an insurance policy or retirement account, and/or have established an endowment fund.”

Watch it Now:

“What moves us is our love for Christ. Our love for Christ. Can we share that with someone else?”

Vernon & Joann Schroeder

 

 

 

“Vernon & Joann Schroeder are members of Child of God Lutheran Church in St. Peters, volunteer at SSM Hospital, have two children, and are both alumni of Lutheran elementary schools – an experience that they will tell you has laid a foundation for both of them throughout their life, sort of like a roadmap, guiding them through life’s best and worst times. They recognize that not everyone can afford this educational opportunity, and they want to help.”

“Recently, Vernon & Joann created a named endowment to benefit LESA that will provide scholarships for years to come for children of all faiths enrolled in Lutheran schools. They consistently support our annual programs. The Schroeders exemplify Christ’s love in their love for one another but also for those less fortunate. Vernon and Joann, thank you for your generosity and commitment to Lutheran education.”

Thank you Vernon & Joann. Your legacy gifts are so very meaningful and will impact the lives of children and families for years to come.

Are you ready to create a lasting legacy for children? To learn more about matching gifts for named endowments, or making an estate gift to LESA, visit the Support LESA section on our website, or contact Katherine “Kit” Auble, our Director of Fund Development and Marketing, at 314-200-0797 or kauble@LESAstl.org, to get started.

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27 May
0

Student Leader Anna Spelbring to Donate June ‘Anna Bakes’ Sales to LESA

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Watch it Now: Anna’s Acceptance Speech

Anna Spelbring, 14, has had a busy spring.

In March, the Belleville teen learned she’d been selected to receive LESA’s 2021 Lutheran Student Christian Leader of the Year Award. In April, she accepted her award during a chapel presentation at her beloved elementary school, Zion Lutheran School in Belleville, and online during LESA’s annual Cooking for Kids Virtual Tribute Dinner-Auction. In May, she graduated from Zion, Belleville, where she’d moved in the third grade when her father, Rev. Chris Spelbring, became associate pastor for Zion Lutheran Church. 

Now, as Anna begins her much-deserved summer vacation, this busy child of God is adding a new challenge by donating the June proceeds from Anna Bakes for World Vision, the charity baking project she started as a child, to LESA and the 35 Lutheran schools we serve. 

“I don’t know why I was so driven, but the Holy Spirit was working in me,” said Anna, when she accepted her award during LESA’s online Cooking for Kids livestream event and auction. “I took a passion that God gave me and used it to be a light for others.”

Watch it Now: Anna’s Acceptance Speech

Anna combined her passion for baking and serving others after attending a Christian concert that included a presentation by World Vision, a humanitarian organization that sponsors and serves children and communities around the world. “They had a speaker at the concert,” said Anna, who was 10 at the time. “I was really moved. I thought, wow, this is really cool.” After the concert, she and her sister looked through photos of children in need and decided to sponsor a little boy who lived in El Salvador. The cost was $40 a month. To pay for it, she turned to her favorite pastime. 

“Baking has always been my number one favorite hobby,” said Anna. 

She started by selling homemade treats to teachers, staff and congregation members at Zion Lutheran Church. As word grew, she and her mom put together a Facebook page called Anna Bakes for World Vision, where she accepts orders, shares photos and gives video updates on what she’s baking and raising each month. As her sales and batches have increased, she’s added new charities to the mix, including Zion Lutheran Church and Open Door Ministries. Anna’s specialties are snickerdoodles and coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate, but she also offers a special treat each month. For the LESA fundraiser in June, she’s planning Treat Boxes filled with “red, white and blue” snacks, like dipped rice crispy treats, chocolate-dipped pretzels, chocolate-covered Oreos, and merengue cookies.  

“Anna handles all of the communications, transactions and baking all on her own,” said Principal Ananda Baron, who nominated Anna for the award. “Her kindness and servant heart have set her apart as a leader in her classroom, and that leadership extends to our entire student body and school.”

“I feel extremely blessed to have attended Zion,” said Anna, who also played basketball for Zion and flute in the school’s orchestra. 

Anna’s award, which includes a $500 scholarship underwritten by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, recognizes Lutheran elementary schools students who demonstrate courage, compassion, leadership, academic achievement and a commitment to their community.

In the final words of her acceptance speech, Anna shared a powerful call to action with her fellow Lutheran school students: “Find your passion, find what you love and use it to glorify God in all you say and do.”

For information on order deadlines, box sizes, pick-up times and suggested donation prices, look for Anna’s June video post at Anna Bakes for World Vision. And if you’d like to support LESA and Anna from afar, you can also order and donate a box to clients served by the Belleville Community Interfaith Food Pantry.

About Cooking for Kids

Cooking for Kids is LESA’s largest annual fundraising effort to support and sustain the future of Lutheran Christian education in the St. Louis Metro Area. Last year’s event raised $257,000 for need-based scholarships and educational resources such as STEM programs, professional development and curriculum guides.

Since 2004, LESA has awarded more than $6.5 million in financial assistance to families of all faiths in St. Louis and southern Illinois. To help advance that mission, the Lutheran Legacy Foundation has pledged to provide a generous match for endowment gifts and pledges made in 2020. There is also a $50,000 match for scholarship gifts raised at Cooking for Kids that is  being offered by a generous donor.

About LESA & Zion Lutheran School

More than 8,200 children of all faiths attend LESA member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State Region. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 31 elementary schools, four high schools and three related agencies. Visit www.LESAstl.org.

Zion Lutheran School is a nationally accredited PreK-8 school located in Belleville, Illinois. One of the oldest schools in the Metro East, Zion Lutheran was founded by Zion Lutheran Church in 1861 with the intention of providing a Christ-centered approach to education to nurture a child’s faith, equipping him/her to use it on a daily basis and to share it with others. Today, Zion, Belleville serves children of all faiths in Early Childhood through 8th grade. For more information, visit https://zionschoolbelleville.org, or contact Erica Stelling, Admissions & Marketing Director, at 618-234-0275 or estelling@zionschoolbelleville.org.

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Media Contacts:

Katherine (Kit) Auble
Director, Fund Development and Marketing
314-200-0797
kauble@lesastl.org
www.lesastl.org
www.facebook.com/lesastl.org

Brenda Kimberlin
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA)
www.lesastl.org
314-496-1799 – cell
bkimberlin@lesastl.org

Erica Stelling, Admissions & Marketing Director
Zion Lutheran School, Belleville
618-234-0275
estelling@zionschoolbelleville.org

 

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27 May
0

Cooking for Kids Livestream Event Raises $275,000 for Lutheran Schools, Scholarships

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Watch it Now: 2021 Cooking for Kids Livestream Event & Auction

The St. Louis-based Lutheran Elementary School Association raised a record $275,000 for Lutheran schools in St. Louis and southern Illinois thanks to an extraordinary matching gift and the success of its first-ever Cooking for Kids livestream event and auction, which streamed online April 17, 2021.

Proceeds from the event will help LESA meet an ongoing critical need for tuition assistance for students of all faiths attending Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area. Applications for need-based tuition assistance are up 55 percent since the pandemic began last spring. The funds raised will also support educational resources such as STEM programs, counseling services, professional development and curriculum guides for LESA’s 35 member schools. 

“Cooking for Kids is our largest and most critical annual fundraiser,” said Sue Nahmensen, LESA’s CEO. “Many of our families are still struggling to recover from job loss and other hardships related to the economic shutdown, so these funds will have an immediate impact on our schools and families.”

In place of a live event, Cafe Napoli owner Tony Pietoso, a Lutheran North alum and co-founder of the Napoli family of restaurants, created two custom Cafe Napoli Cooking Kits to benefit Lutheran schools. The kits – Ravioli Truffle Burrata and Chicken Parmesan – included ingredients, cooking instructions and access to an exclusive online cooking demonstration featuring Tony in Cafe Napoli’s kitchen. The dinners, which sold for $60 each, also featured a premium bottle of imported Italian wine selected by Tony’s son, Ande Pietoso, general manager of Cafe Napoli in Clayton. In the days leading up to the online event, a team of 16 LESA volunteers delivered 217 Cafe Napoli Cooking Kits directly to purchasers’ doors.

“Lutheran education changed my life because it made me a better person and made me who I am today,” said Pietoso, who grew up in Lutheran-run orphanages in Italy after his parents became unable to care for him and his siblings. Pietoso, who moved to St. Louis as a teenager to play soccer for Lutheran North, shared his remarkable story in a video that aired during the livestream event. 

The presentation, hosted by Master of Ceremonies Jim Dankenbring and auctioneer Dave Drewes, also featured a live, online auction, a Building Blocks Scholarship Fund-a-Need appeal, a 50/50 drawing and special tributes to our Lutheran luminaries – 2021 Lutheran Student Christian Leader Anna Spelbring, a graduating 8th grader at Zion Lutheran School in Belleville, and 2021 Legacy Honorees Vernon & Joann Schroeder – and a video “Thank You” for the 500 Lutheran educators who have been teaching students in-school throughout the pandemic. The event attracted 593 online guests, including 174 auction winners. Items included Cardinals “green seats,” Blues tickets, one-of-kind jewelry and sports memorabilia, and exclusive golf and vacation packages. 

Since 2004, LESA has awarded more than $6.5 million in financial assistance to families of all faiths in St. Louis and southern Illinois. To help advance that mission, the Lutheran Legacy Foundation has pledged to provide a generous match for new named endowment gifts and pledges made in 2021. 

To donate to LESA, or participate in next year’s Cooking for Kids, contact Katherine (Kit) Auble, LESA’s Director, Fund Development and Marketing, at 314-200-0797, or kauble@lesastl.org

About LESA

More than 8,200 students attend Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making it the second largest private school system in the Bi-State Region. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 31 elementary and 4 high schools, including three National Blue Ribbon Schools and three National Lutheran Exemplary Schools. To learn more about our schools and our mission, visit www.LESAstl.org.

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Media Contact:

Katherine (Kit) Auble
Director, Fund Development and Marketing
314-200-0797
kauble@lesastl.org
www.lesastl.org
www.facebook.com/lesastl.org

 

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