LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN
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Earl Wilson Jr., President	Wayman Smith, Chairman

Fourteen years ago, the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation (SLGCSF) set out to prove that a non-for-profit sports organization could make a social difference, help area youth and provide an uplifting example of self-sufficiency. Looking back on all we’ve accomplished with the help of our generous supporters and volunteers, it would appear to some that we’ve reached our goals and then some.  But we refuse to rest on our laurels.

We’ve gone from an organization hosting one event in 1994 to a year-round, multi-faceted community-service sports foundation. When parents seek sport-related programs that reinforce confidence while honing athletic abilities, they turn to our foundation. When high school seniors need someone to recognize their talents and give them support to make it through college, they seek scholarship assistance from the Gateway Classic. Be it community issues, honoring youth or employing minority contractors, the SLGCSF has risen to its challenges.

The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation has proudly invested more than $6 million into the community by financially assisting youth-related programs as well as full, four-year scholarships. Throughout the year, we sponsor an amateur boxing tournament, high school basketball match-ups, a black college football game, a scholarship golf tournament, the Miss Gateway Classic Scholarship, and other events that recognize and pay tribute to deserving citizens.

We’ve accomplished a lot for local youth, but we also recognize the impact our foundation has as a financially successful institution. This foundation operates under the mantra of self-sufficiency. As we receive, we believe it’s important to give. That’s why the doors of our building, constructed in 2002, have been open to community groups and event planners. Our downtown location has become the meeting place for important regional discussions and plans.

Our Walk of Fame highlights the sacrifices and achievements of area African Americans. The Walk features bronze, diamond-shaped plates honoring the lives of such St. Louis-area legends as Dick Gregory, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, former Congressman William L. Clay, Ozzie Smith, the 5th Dimensions and many more.

Our goal for the future is to do more for young people in our community. We will provide more educational and athletic opportunities. And we will add even more sports, academic and entertainment programs to our roster of yearly events.