2017 in Review
2017 in Review
2017 was another banner year in Forest Park. Thanks to the support of the community and our partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever was able to accomplish a great deal toward of goal of keeping this Park great — forever.
In late May, Fodor's Travel published a list of the "World’s 15 Most Beautiful City Parks" – and we were thrilled that Forest Park was among them!
On Thursday, May 11, FOCUS St. Louis presented their What's Right with the Region awards to 20 incredible organizations, initiatives and individuals. Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry were honored to be among them, receiving an award in the Fostering Regional Cooperation category. Lesley Hoffarth and Greg Hayes are shown here with the award they accepted at the ceremony.
In June, Forest Park Forever welcomed more than 1,100 Park supporters to the World's Fair Pavilion for its annual Hat Luncheon. KMOX News Anchor Carol Daniel emceed this year’s Hat Luncheon; event co-chairs were Vanessa F. Cooksey & Carolyn G. Farrell (above). Guests donned their fanciest fascinators and chicest chapeaus in anticipation of winning terrific prizes for their creative and stylish millinery, all while supporting Forest Park. Between ticket sales, sponsorships and a raffle, the event raised more than $450,000 to support critical maintenance of Forest Park.
FPF and City staff represented Forest Park Forever and Forest Park across the country in 2017. This includes participating in the "Greater & Greener" City Parks Alliance conference in Minneapolis in late summer. Not only did we fund the attendance of a partner in the City of St. Louis's Parks Department, but our Strategic Communications Director, Stephen Schenkenberg, presented on our ListenForestPark.org project during a panel about Park Soundscapes.
In addition, as a nationally leading conservancy, Forest Park Forever is often contacted by individuals from other cities and nonprofits around the country, seeking to learn what we're doing here in St. Louis. In 2017, we enjoyed speaking with — and also learning from — colleagues from cities including Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Antonio, Denver and London.
We were honored to be among the regional 65 companies, nonprofits and governmental bodies that completed this year's Green Business Challenge. We were excited to be listed on the Leader level for our efforts to make Forest Park Forever an ever more sustainable place to work.
On August 9, we brought the Forever campaign to Busch Stadium. Our Nature Reserve Technician Theodore Smith (pictured, middle) threw out the first pitch, we hosted randomly selected campaign donors in a Cardinals suite, and our President and Executive Director was interviewed about the Park and this ambitious and transformative campaign.
In late August, nearly 850 runners of all ages came out for the only run in Forest Park whose proceeds directly benefit the Park. Our seventh annual I Love Forest Park 5K & Kids Fun Run had its highest attendance yet and raised nearly $27,000 to support necessary Park maintenance.
Our members make the work we do possible. As a way of showing our appreciation for their critical support, we host our annual Fall Family FunFest as a way of saying "thank you." We were thrilled that more than 800 of our members and their loved ones chose to spend the day with us, enjoying all sorts of family-friendly activities.
On Wednesday, December 13, KMOV News 4 hosted an all-day telethon to support the community treasure that is Forest Park. The initiative raised $36,000, brought new donors into the fold and generate major visibility for our team and mission. Throughout the day, viewers could catch interviews with our staff, volunteers donors, area teachers who use the Park... and many more. One of our telethon volunteers shared this wonderful anecdote: "I spoke with three older ladies who phoned in donations. When I asked them about their recent visits to the Park, each said that it was not possible any longer for them. However, their donations were made to keep Forest Park a special place for their children, grandchildren and future generations."
The Young Friends of Forest Park Forever are an active group within our larger member family. Every year they host a series of signature events in an effort to raise awareness of the organization and raise money to support the Park. In 2017, their annual golf tournament raised over $24,000 and their trivia night raised over $11,000 for Park maintenance.
Forest Park Forever is thrilled to be the local nonprofit partner for the brand new Shake Shack in the Central West End. Every day, 5% of proceeds from their Pie Oh My Shake are donated to our conservancy's efforts to care for the Park.
From the Education for Change to the Urban Land Institute, FleishmanHillard HQ to Venture Café in Cortex, the Forest Park Forever team took our story on the road. We love the chance to chronicle the Park's history — and our own efforts here — with groups around the region. Interested in having one of us speak to your group? Just get in touch.
At our first-ever pop-up shop, we raised $2,600 to support the Park, while expanding our brand throughout the community. Thanks to everyone who came out to purchase Forest Park Forever merchandise, including holiday ornaments, t-shirts, posters, our new photo book and more!