Forest Park Forever’s ‘Royal Affair’ Benefit Raises Nearly $40,000 for Park Maintenance

Contact: Jasmine D. Evans: 314.561.3290; jevans@forestparkforever.org  

ST. LOUIS, April 7, 2014 – Forest Park Forever welcomed more than 270   guests both young and young at heart for the 7th Annual Wonderland Tea Party on Sunday, April 6. The annual event surpassed fundraising efforts for 2013 and raised nearly $40,000 for St. Louis’ beloved Forest Park. The funds will support the ongoing maintenance and operations of this important civic treasure.

The event’s title sponsor, Dennis and Judith Jones, were joined by sponsors BSI Constructors, Graybar, Nancy and Ken Kranzberg and many more to inspire the minds of the next generation of Park stewards.

This annual Forest Park Forever event is designed by kids and for kids to generate excitement about becoming the next generation of stewards of Forest Park, in particular the Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground. Adjacent to the popular Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, this half-acre, state-of-the-art playground is accessible to children of all abilities. Featuring 29 pieces of equipment, the playground encourages children to learn about diversity, disabilities and acceptance through playtime in the playground. 

At this fun-filled, two-hour ‘Royal Celebration,’ kids, their parents and grandparents participated in various themed activities, including arts and crafts projects, face painting, chess tutorials, a sword fighting demonstration and much more. A silent auction, with a range of offerings from Cardinals tickets to attractive goods from local businesses, was held throughout the afternoon.

This year’s Wonderland Tea Party Co-Chairs were Shonté Moore and Makenzie Roberts and Gen Frank and Gabby Schmiedeke. Working closely with the Wonderland Tea Party Committee, these four led the event’s planning and fundraising.

“The 2014 Wonderland Tea Party was a great success,” said Lesley Hoffarth, President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “Judging from the expressions on the faces of our young attendees —whether at the face painting booth, the outdoor chess board or the chocolate fountain — it was clear this year’s Wonderland Tea Party was enjoyed by all. Forest Park Forever would like to thank our Women’s Committee, the event’s Co-Chairs, sponsors and the families of all attendees. They all play a critical role in instilling the value of stewardship so Forest Park can sustain our children and their children for generations to come.” 

About Forest Park Forever

In 1986, Forest Park Forever, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded to work in partnership with the City of St. Louis and the department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks for the enjoyment of all – now and forever.

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