Red was the color of the day for the Valentine’s evening affair. The invitation-only, black-tie optional alumni celebration occurred at 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Sheraton West Port Chalet, 191 West Port Drive.  On Sunday, Feb. 15, the Youth Trophy Showcase kicked off at 1 p.m. at Mathews-Dickey, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd., as 1,000 youth athletic achievers gathered in the Club’s upper gymnasium with their parents and coaches.
 

“Like a baby eagle, a child looks to its parents and community for guidance and support,” said Martin L. Mathews, the Club’s president, CEO and co-founder, whose birthday was celebrated on the occasion.  “At Mathews-Dickey, we encourage youth to spread their wings — carrying the wisdom required for independence, responsibility to handle freedom and courage to achieve goals despite the loudest detractors.”

The reception also marked the release of VP, PR & Special Events Barbara A. Washington’s third college scholarship benefit CD, “Down by the Riverside.”  The production, featuring special musical appearances by University of Missouri St. Louis Chancellor Dr. Thomas George and Contemporary Productions Owner Steve Schankman, is a collection of traditional gospel classics.  It comes on the heels of “Seasons Changing,” a set of original, contemporary gospel songs, penned and produced by her son, Da’ Singer, a.k.a. Jamie “King James” Dennis.  Both CDs will continue to be available for $20 and the goal is to raise $40,000 for “The Sky is the Limit” career-readiness program for young women.   Washington was joined in a live peformance of three tracks by King James, her sister Jackie Williams, Tim Huskey of Collage, Tony Simmons and Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ.  Sandra Jamerson, an internationally traveled vocalist and music minister at Chicago’s Southside Worship Center, serenaded Mathews with a soulful “Happy Birthday.” Donn Johnson brought a birthday special present for Mathews, announcing that the History Museum will be dedicating a brick in honor of the co-founder’s lifetime achievements at Mathews-Dickey.

That same evening, Anheuser-Busch Community Affairs Manager Bruce Shead welcomed the crowd, followed by awards presentations to community leaders and alumni.  “The Spirit of St. Louis” award was presented to Brown Shoe Company Chairman & CEO Ron Fromm, for his leadership in chairing the organization’s “Say Amen” educational fund-raiser.  Meritorious Service honors went to Charles Bryson II, director of public safety, City of St. Louis; Col. Daniel Isom, a Club alumnus and chief of police, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and Michael McMillan, license collector, City of St. Louis.  Delois White, center director of the St. Louis Job Corps Center, took home the “In Appreciation of the Year” award. 

Outstanding Alumni Dr. Thabiti Lewis, Washington State University Vancouver English professor and author of Ballers of the New School: Race & Sport in America, shared his insights on “What Mathews-Dickey Means to Me.”  Joining him on the alumni slate were Rasheedah Adams, professional director, A to Z Therapy Services,  John Saunders, Jr., business professional; and Keith Washington, managing partner, The Milo Xavier Group.  In addition, club alumnus Carey Davis, and Super Bowl Champion full back from the Pittsburgh Steelers, made a special appearance. KTVI Fox 2’s Bonita Cornute and veteran broadcaster Bill Wilkerson were the co-emcees.

The roll call of remaining award winners for the Saturday evening affair included: