Friends
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The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation depends on individuals and organizations to support its many youth-related events and scholarship program. Those who wish to support the Foundation might sponsor an event, volunteer time, buy tickets to the annual American Family Insurance Gateway Football Classic to be donated to deserving youth or become a Friend of the Classic.

The Friends of the Classic program provides individual contributors an opportunity to become an integral part of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation’s many efforts. Friends of the Classic make it possible to sponsor dozens of youth sporting events, donate to area organizations and provide scholarships to deserving youth in the area. In short, Friends of the Classic make the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation the premier sports and education foundation in the Midwest.

The foundation endeavors to have 100 people each year join the Friends of the Classic program. Two levels have been established. An Alumni Friend provides an annual donation of $500; while a Charter Friend gives $1000. Whatever level a Friend chooses, he or she will receive many benefits for their generosity. Friends’ names are listed in the numerous publications printed for the Foundation’s yearly functions. Each Friend receives two tickets to most all events sponsored by the Classic. In this way, Friends see first hand the value of their contributions. Friends’ names appear on the marquee of the Edward Jones Dome during the American Family Insurance Gateway Football Classic each year as well. Charter members receive two Club Level tickets to the game. Alumni members receive many of the same gifts in return for their selflessness.

A Friend of the Classic’s greatest reward, however, comes in knowing that his or her monetary support goes so much further than supporting a football game. Friends of the Classic support the very mission of the Classic -- to give back to the community by way of community organization donations, minority business support, scholarships, and safe venues for youth to display their many unique talents.

The St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation thanks its current Friends of the Classic and hopes that their example will move others to give as well.