Foristell Chamber of Commerce Minutes
Regular Meeting January 6, 2009

PRESENT: Chris Daleo, Kevin Daniels, Kurt Daniels, Wanda Donnelly, Nancy Hance,
Harry Kishpaugh, Tim Hooton, Dave Monahan, Ken Orf, John Pickering, Carol Powelson,
Dr. Timothy Rigg, Allen Rone, Donna Sandagen, Jack Sanford, Larry Shroth, Sandy Stokes, Charlene Twiehaus, Mark Van Dillen, Peggy Alexander, Ray Alexander.

GUESTS: Jerry Castellano-Spokesman for the Mayor’s Charity Ball, Ed Barrieau and
Zell Setzer-Valley Farms, Paul Kruze and Jerry Lockett-First Step Back Home, James Prichard-Conservative Financial Services.

President Larry opened the meeting at 12:00 p.m. and welcomed members and guests. Each introduced them self and told who they represent and what their businesses have to offer.

Lunch:

Minutes: December 2, 2008 – Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Nancy Hance presented the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance in the treasury is $2,612.13. Our 50/50 drawing today was won by Tim Hooton. He split a pot of $45.00 with the Chamber. Congratulations Tim.

City Update: Foristell Mayor Wanda Donnelly is on the committee to help organize the
St. Charles County Mayors’ Charity Ball this year. She invited Jerry Castellano who has been involved with the Ball for several years to give us some information about it. Funds that are raised go to support various charities in the area, so net donations remain in the community. Different charities are selected each year. Funds are raised though sponsors for the Ball. There are different sponsorship levels. Since the first Ball was organized in 1996 approximately $500,000.00 has been raised for charity. Various communities are asked to put together baskets that will be auctioned off at a silent auction. The baskets can include various donations from local businesses. The Chamber is requested to contribute to a basket. The Board of Directors will discuss what we can contribute. If any member would like to contribute from their business, call Sandy Stokes. The Ball will be held at the Ameristar Casino on April 4th at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $125.00 per person which includes dinner and dancing to the Ralph Butler Band.

Program: Today our guest speaker was Paul Kruze who is the Founder/President of First Step Back Home Inc. that is a Faith Based Christian Homeless Ministry primarily for men. He and his wife, as members of the West/Plex Community Church, started a Truck Stop Ministry at T/A Travel Center about seven years ago that has been very successful. Paul became aware that homeless people were living in the woods behind the Travel Center with no shelter. The Salvation Army furnishes meals to the homeless, but does not furnish lodging. Paul decided to try and find places for them to stay and seek opportunities for employment. He started with a $1,000.00 donation from a neighbor. Since that time, he has raised $250,000.00 in donations and has helped 1,200 homeless men find a place to stay. He tries to help them find a job and learn how to manage their money and become an active part of society while having a roof over their heads. Paul temporarily puts the homeless men in motels until they earn enough money to pay for their own lodging. It is difficult for these homeless men to support themselves since most of the unskilled workers are making only $7.50 per hour. Paul encourages them to gain higher education and/or trade skills to get a better job. He needs financial assistance for transportation of the men to Temporary Labor Agencies to get work and rides to the jobs after they get them. There are thirty-two Temporary Agencies in St. Charles County that find jobs for people on a temporary basis. Paul furnishes bicycles when they are available. He needs funds to keep his programs going. Much of the assistance he furnishes himself. Eighty percent of Paul’s budget goes to the homeless. He is always looking for volunteers to help with transportation, mentoring and counseling. If anyone is interested in lending a hand either financially or by donating your time, you can contact Paul at 636-561-3179 or 314-852-5288.
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Our next meeting will be held on February 3, 2009.

There was no other business. Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ray Alexander, Secretary