Spire
Corporate Legacy Builder
Always eat Dessert First!
Thank you for supporting our 14th annual Dessert First! It was an incredible evening celebrating the accomplishments of our three Changemaker Scholarship Recipients, Ryan, Julie and Natalie, and four Legacy Builders, Neal Spencer, Spire, The United Way of Greater St. Louis and The Saint Louis Public School District.
The event, which was held at The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta on February 29, began with guests sampling Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts created by local chefs. Chef Pat Upchurch from Patty's Cheesecakes won the night’s People’s Choice award with a dessert made with Lemon-Ups Girl Scout Cookies.
We had close to 500 guests in attendance, with a good mix of familiar faces, as well as new supporters representing community, corporate, education and state-level leadership partners. Thank you again for all that were able to join us for this uplifting event!
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All proceeds support our leadership development programs for girls.
2024 Legacy Builders
Dessert First honors one Corporate/Foundation Legacy Builder, one Individual Legacy Builder, one Community Legacy Builder and one Education Legacy Builder. The honorees are chosen because of the enormous support and service they have provided to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.
Watch the video highlighting each Legacy Builder's impact on Girl Scouting.
Neal Spencer
Individual Legacy Builder
United Way of Greater St. Louis
Community Legacy Builder
St. Louis Public Schools
Education Legacy Builder
2024 Changemaker Scholarship Awardees
At this special event, we celebrate the leadership and service of outstanding Girl Scouts and award three Changemaker Scholarships of $5,000 to be used for higher education. Scholarship recipients must have earned their Gold Award, the highest recognition available to Girl Scouts.
Watch the video to hear more from these future
leaders!
Ryan Harper
2024 Awardee, Changemaker Scholarship made possible by Laurna Godwin in memory of Corrynne Godwin.
Julie Meritt
2024 Awardee, Changemaker Scholarship made possible by Penny Pennington and Michael Fidler in honor of every girl making her mark on the world!
Natalie Hendren
2024 Awardee, Changemaker Scholarship made possible by the William R. Orthwein and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation.
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Corporate Sponsorships
Scholarship Awards
Legacy Builders
Participating Restaurants
2024 Participating Restaurants
Bailey's Restaurants
Amanda Jaspering
Pastry Chef
Bowood by Niche
Suji Shaw
Executive Pastry Chef
Butler's Pantry
Samantha Pliler
Kitchen Manager
Cake Snob
Nichol Gordon
Caketress
Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta
Sara Alderson
Pastry Sous Chef
Grace Meat + Three
Kenny Kiel
Chef
Idol Wolf
Matthew Daughaday
Executive Chef
Little Saigon Café
Michael Ly
Head Chef/Owner
McArthur's Bakery
Angela Dinkelman
Head Cake Decorator
Momma Boogie’s Small Batch Cakery
Amber J. West
Baker/Owner
Patty's Cheesecakes
Pat Upchurch
Head Chef/Owner
Propel Kitchens
Issac Hardwrict
Culinary Director
Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream
Beckie Jacobs
Chef/Owner
Yolklore
Mary Hancock
Chef/Owner
Past Participating Restaurants have included:
- 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
- 23 City Blocks Catering
- Bailey’s Chocolate Bar
- Bowood by Niche
- Brasserie by Niche
- Butler’s Pantry
- Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta
- Edibles & Essentials
- Greenbriar Hills Country Club
- Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co.
- Juniper
- Momma Boogie’s Small Batch Cakery
- Olive + Oak
- Patty’s Cheesecake
- Peachy Keen Culinary Consulting
- Russell’s
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Sarah’s Cake Shop
- Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream
- Sidney Street Café
- Southern
- St. Louis Science Center
- Strange Donuts
- Yolklore
Presenting Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Wine Sponsor
