Close to 500 guests attend Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s annual signature fundraiser
March 13, 2024
St. Louis, MO –Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is pleased to announce the success of their annual fundraiser, Dessert First. The event 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.
The event, which was held at The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta, began with Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts created by thirteen local chefs. Chef Pat Upchurch from Patty’s Cheesecakes won the night’s People’s Choice award using the Lemon-Ups Girl Scout Cookie in her culinary creation.
Dinner and the program followed the desserts, emceed by Julie Tristan, morning show host on 102.5 KEZK’s “Julie and Friend’s” and Jazmyn Ferguson, Girl Scout alum. The program also included remarkable eastern Missouri Girl Scouts, volunteers, staff, and board members. During the program, the organization recognized three Gold Award Girl Scouts, Ryan Harper, Julie Meritt and Natalie Hendren, for their leadership and service with $5,000 Changemaker Scholarships. These young women displayed extraordinary leadership while working toward solving a real-world need with their Gold Award projects.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri also honored four Legacy Builders, chosen because of their enormous support and commitment to advancing the Girl Scout mission. Neal Spencer received the 2024 Individual Legacy Builder Award, Spire received the 2024 Corporate Legacy Builder Award, United Way of Greater St. Louis received the 2024 Community Legacy Builder Award, and the St. Louis Public School District received the 2024 Education Legacy Builder Award.
“Thank you to all who were able to join us for this uplifting event,” said Dr. Natissia Small, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri CEO. “We are grateful for our attendee’s commitment to inspiring tomorrow’s leaders: today’s Girl Scouts.
Below is a list of some of the sponsors and participating chefs who generously supported this year’s event.
Sponsors:
Emerson, Presenting Sponsor
Ameren Missouri, Silver Sponsor
A-Mrazek, Silver Sponsor
Ashdon Farms, Silver Sponsor
AT&T, Silver Sponsor
Jenny & Chris Bartlow, Silver Sponsor
Edward Jones, Silver Sponsor
Husch Blackwell, Silver Sponsor
Susan & Stuart Keck, Silver Sponsor
Dawn L. Kotva, Silver Sponsor
Microsoft, Silver Sponsor
Spire, Silver Sponsor
University of Missouri-St. Louis, Silver Sponsor
And + 13 Bronze Sponsors
Participating chefs:
Bailey’s Restaurant, Pastry Chef, Amanda Jaspering
Bowood by Niche, Executive Pastry Chef, Suji Shaw
Butler’s Pantry, Kitchen Manager, Samantha Pliler (Pl-eye-ler)
Cake Snob, Caketress, Nichol Gordon
Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta, Pastry Sous Chef, Sara Alderson
Grace Meat + Three, Chef, Kenny Kiel
Idol Wolf, Executive Chef, Matthew Doughaday
Little Saigon Café, Head Chef and Owner, Michael Ly (Lee)
McArthur’s Bakery, Head Cake Decorator, Angela Dinkelman
Patty’s Cheesecakes, Head Chef/Owner, Pat Upchurch
Propel Kitchens, Culinary Director, Issac Hardwrict
Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream, Owner, Beckie Jacobs
Yolklore, Owner, Mary Hancock
