On Thursday, April 19 over 400 guests assembled for a cosmic cocktail party benefiting the St. Louis Arc. The 2018 Superheroes for Kids event, presented by World Wide Technology, Lion Forge, and Steward Family Foundation, raised more than $275,000 for Arc programs. KMOXs Charlie Brennan served as the evenings emcee, narrating the adventures of the Arc superheroes Read, Write, Walk, and Talk.
Guests enjoyed music, food, and superhero attire as the 2018 Superhero for Kids Award was presented to Julie Williams, founder of The Maren Fund. This annual event is made possible through the leadership and creativityof honorary co-chairs, Mary and David Steward II, and event chairs, John and Mimi Londoff, Bhavik Patel, Paul and Teri Weber, and Richard and Kathie Winter.
The 2018 Superhero for Kids Award
Julie Williams began her journey as a superhero 15 years ago when her daughter, Annie, was born with Down syndrome. Julie soon realized that Annie required academic supports her school was not able to provide. Realizing a need for her own family and other families just like hers Julie created The Maren Fund which offers an evidence-based program for children with Down syndrome to help them learn to read and become math proficient. What began as a small pilot program for 12 children grew, over 11 years, to serve more than 150. The Maren Fund ensures that children with Down syndrome are given every opportunity to read, learn, and grow with just the right academic supports so they can be fully-included members of their communities. The St. Louis Arc is proud to honor Julie Williams as our 2018 Superhero for Kids because she proves that everyday people can make extraordinary things happen.