Department of Human Services

 On Thursday, August 16^th, the St. Louis Crisis Nursery held their annual Celebrity Waitresses’ & Waiters’ night at Plaza Frontenac raising a record $100,000 with more than  1,100 people in attendance. Dozens of local celebrities posing as waitresses and waiters gathered big tips from diners at four restaurants including Brio Tuscan Grill, Canyon Café, Cardwell’s at the Plaza and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. The event first began in 1990, and has attracted scores of local celebrities and guests who look forward to returning year after year. 

 This year’s Honorary Celebrity Chair was Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Executive, assisted by Vice-Chairs Brook Dubman, Carol House Furniture, and David Kowach of Wells Fargo. Bill Siedhoff, Director of the Department of Human Services served as a Co-Chair and “waited” tables at Cardwell’s. He also serves as Chair of the Crisis Nursery Advisory Board.

 Founded in 1986 by the Junior League of St. Louis and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, the St. Louis Crisis Nursery has been committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing emergency intervention, respite care and resources for empowerment to families in crisis.  Beginning with one center, the Crisis Nursery now has five 24-hour locations in St. Louis City, St.  Louis County, St.  Charles County and Wentzville.

 Since opening their doors, they have cared for more that 60,000 children and provided support and counseling to more than 78,000 families. In 2011, 7,275 children, birth through age 12, were admitted into their short-term care facilities and 6,231 families received counseling to resolve crises.  Additionally, 2,410 community outreach visits were conducted and over 120,000 referrals were made for families in need of assistance.

 For more information on the St. Louis Crisis Nursery including volunteer opportunities, contact DiAnne Mueller, Executive Director, at 314-292-5776 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org. Volunteers last year contributed over 35,000 hours of their time in assisting the Crisis Nursery and the children under their care.

 

Department of Human Services

City of St. Louis