Funds Raised Will Help Provide Free Speech Therapy to Children
In a remarkable display of community spirit and compassion throughout the past year, the Missouri Athletic Club’s (MAC) Charitable Society for Children (CSC) and Maryville University’s Walker Scottish Rite Clinic have completed a successful fundraising partnership benefiting preschool-age clients with communication disorders. This collaboration underscores MAC members’ dedication to philanthropy and their impact on improving children’s lives through community support.
Each year the MAC’s CSC raises awareness and funding in support of three selected charities through events and member engagement opportunities. As a 2024 CSC recipient, the Walker Clinic received over $20,000 in funds raised by MAC members to support the clinic’s speech-language therapy services, which are provided to children in need at multiple locations in the St. Louis region. This significant contribution, presented at an awards ceremony on January 22, 2025, will directly provide speech-language therapy for children. In addition, MAC members went above and beyond by purchasing therapy supplies from the Walker Clinic’s wish list, including essential games and activities designed to aid in the development of communication skills for young clients.
Community Engagement and Support Initiatives
The MAC proudly hosted the Walker Clinic’s annual ‘KidTalk Celebration’ gala in its historic downtown ballroom. This prestigious event not only raises awareness but also funds vital programs that support children with communication disorders. Moreover, earlier in the year, a dedicated member of the MAC hosted a special “Table Lodge” fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the children served by the Walker Clinic. These initiatives showcased the commitment of MAC members to foster support of children in need of assistance.
Building a Brighter Future
In addition to fundraising, the MAC staff furthered their
commitment to service by constructing and installing a “Little Lending Library” for children at the Walker Clinic’s outreach location at the Tabernacle HUB. This initiative is particularly significant, as it serves the underserved Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood of St. Louis City, providing access to reading materials and fostering a love for literacy among young children.
A Lasting Impact
The partnership between the Missouri Athletic Club and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic represents a powerful community alliance dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of children facing communication disorders. Through generous donations, community events, and outreach initiatives, both organizations remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Yet, the need for speech therapy services continues. Children throughout the St. Louis region continue to benefit from speech-language therapy services, and it’s never too late to join the Walker Clinic in helping provide those services to families free of charge. For more information on how to volunteer, donate, and learn about upcoming events, please visit the Walker Clinic’s website. Together, we can build a brighter future for the children in our community!
Photos from various MAC and Walker Scottish Rite Clinic collaborative efforts can be found here.
About the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic
The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic provides speech-language therapy for children ages 2 through 6 throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, at no charge to families. Founded in 1988, the Walker Clinic became a program of Maryville University in 2015, and serves children year-round through its main location on the Maryville campus, at partner satellite locations in community centers and Head Start preschools, and remotely via telepractice. It is one of the Scottish Rite supported “RiteCare” programs nationwide for children with communication disorders. Ongoing support through individual donations, grants and special events are vital to ensuring that the Walker Clinic can continue providing free services for children, regardless of their families’ financial circumstances. www.SRClinic.org
About the Missouri Athletic Club’s Charitable Society for Children
The MAC Charitable Society for Children (CSC) is an extension of the MAC Sports Foundation and operates as a Club Within the Club. It annually donates money to three local children’s charities. Since 2005, the CSC has donated nearly $500,000 from generous MAC members and employees to more than 50 deserving charities across the St. Louis region. Each year, the CSC seeks MAC members’ nominations of local children’s charities, and selects three to support. Through Club events and member engagement opportunities, the CSC raises awareness and funding in support of their three selected charities. The 2024 charities included the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, Caritas Connections, Inc., and Miriam School and Learning Center.