Join Us on Foster Hope Day – Thursday, November 14th!

Always wanted to have your name on a building?  Thanks to the Berges Family Foundation, you can!

BIG REVEAL: The Coalition will have a new home at 1220 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63132.

On Foster Hope Day, the Berges Family Foundation will triple your Foster Hope Day donation, and:

  • Your name will be prominently displayed at the new headquarters.
  • Yes, gifts of all sizes will be included!

For the past two years, we have been in the silent phase of a $10,000,000 capital campaign. To date, we’ve raised $8,000,000 and now ask our donors and volunteers to get us over the finish line on Foster Hope Day, November 14th.

Raising the final $2,000,000 is a big lift, but together we can do it!

In the new headquarters, we will accomplish more in the next 5 years than we have in our first 35:

  • Scaling to serve 100% of children entering foster care. Learn more here.
  • Quadrupling the number of new foster parents.
  • Expanding training to 1,250 local professionals, a 400% increase.
  • Growing income from our resale store, ReFresh, to $1,000,000, helping to underwrite our mission and continue to drive innovative in child welfare.

Here are 5 ways you can help on Foster Hope Day!

  1. Donate: The Berges Family Foundation will triple your donation on Foster Hope Day, Thursday, November 14th!  Foster Hope Day fast facts can be found here.
  2. Attend our Pre-construction Party at our new headquarters on Foster Hope Day, November 14th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, and see how your gift will make an impact!  Register here.
  3. Secure another match: Many employers will match your Foster Hope Day gift.
  1. Like & share our posts on Facebook and Instagram.
  1. Be a team captain: Rally your network to support Foster Hope Day! We’ll provide you with all the tools you need! Reach out to Jawana to sign up. Learn more here.

By donating on Foster Hope Day, your name displayed at our new headquarters will leave a lasting symbol of hope and support for children impacted by foster care and inspire others to join us in our vision:  For every child….A Place to Call Home.

Thank you!

How much do you need to raise?

The total capital campaign is $10 million: $3.4 million for the building purchase and $6.6 million for renovation.

How much have you raised so far?

Of the $10 million goal, we have raised $8 million. Now, we asked our donors and volunteers to help us get over the finish line on Foster Hope Day, November 14th.

Why are you sharing this news now?

Since August 2022, we have been in the “silent” phase of the capital campaign.  It’s a rule of thumb to hold off a public announcement until 80% has been raised.

Why purchase a building, instead of continuing to rent?

An ad hoc committee of our board of directors determined it will be 45% less expensive over 10 years to own, versus, lease a building.

How will you afford the upkeep on a building?

Our current rent is $350,000 per year.  That will more than cover the future annual costs of a professional building management company, utilities, and general upkeep.

Why that location?

We will be closer to our clients and on a major thoroughfare, providing ready access to ReFresh shoppers and volunteers.

Why that specific building and what does it look like?

An architect helped us determine that 40,000 square feet is needed to house current and future programs, plus ReFresh. The ad hoc committee of our board of directors considered 35 different buildings. Of those, we made offers on three. We were outbid on the first two buildings but were thrilled to close on 1220 N. Lindbergh on May 7, 2024.  You can see a rendering of the building and the space plan here.

What will be accomplished at the new space?

In our Brentwood office, we have 80 seats for 96 staff.  Our new facility will provide 150 desk spaces.  Plus, we have big plans to increase our program services, including:

  • Serving 100% of children entering foster care. (Learn more here).
  • Quadrupling the number of new foster parents.
  • Expanding training to 1,250 local professionals, a 400% increase.
  • Growing income from our resale store, ReFresh, to $1,000,000, helping underwrite our mission.

When is the move-in date?

The building needs a new roof.  We are working on that now, plus interior demolition, however other renovations will not begin until we raise the full $10 million.  Our best guess is a move-in date in late 2025.

Foster Hope Day, November 14, 2024, is an on-line day of giving to support the Coalition’s capital campaign.

Goal: $2,000,000 to close out the $10,000,000 capital campaign.

  • The Berges Family Foundation will triple your donation!
  • Your name will be prominently displayed at the new headquarters.
  • Yes, gifts of all sizes will be included!

Raffle: To add to the fun, raffle prizes will be available each hour from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • With every gift, donors will have a choice between two fabulous raffle items.
  • At the end of each hour, raffle winners will be announced.
  • The list of raffle prizes will be announced soon.

Pre-construction Party: Come see how your gift will make an impact!  Join us at a Pre-construction Party on Foster Hope Day, November 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at 1220 N. Lindbergh Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO, 63132.  Everyone is welcome, including kids! We will have delicious food, drinks, entertainment, plus a special blueprint tour! Register here.

Foster Hope Day would not be successful without team captains!

Who can be a team captain?

Anyone who is committed to amplifying Foster Hope Day through social media, email, and word of mouth.

What does a team captain do?

  • Form a team of family and friends and be their cheerleader!
  • Encourage them to donate on Foster Hope Day. We’ll provide you with all the social media posts and email templates you need to be successful.

Is there a minimum amount I need to raise as a team captain?

No, you set your own goal, but with a triple match from the Berges Family Foundation, it will be easy!  As an easy-math example, if you set a $100 goal, it would only take $25 to reach it: $25 gift + $75 triple match = $100.

When do I start?

We suggest this timeline for maximum effect:

  • Please reach out to Jawana to let her know you want to be a team captain.
  • By October 17th, finalize who is going to be on your team and attend our virtual Kickoff for Team Captains.
  • By October 25th, host a huddle with your Team Members, also ask them to register for the Pre-construction Party. 
  • By November 1st, share the social media post/email template that we provide you. This one is educational in nature.
  • By November 8th, share the social media post/email template that we provide you. This one is a heartwarming story.
  • November 11th, 12th, and 13th, share our 3-2-1 countdown of fabulous raffle prizes.
  • November 14th, Foster Hope Day! Share the social media/email template we give you announcing the big day. And attend the Pre-construction party with your team!
  • November 15th, thank all of your wonderful family and friends by sharing the social media/email template we provide.

More questions?

Jawana is here to answer them all!