Pride, Incorporated 2010 Calendar of Events

Home & Garden Tour 2010 – June 13 Noon- 5PM
Pride Eye Awards - August
Cyclocross-September, October and November

Description of Events

Speaker Series – The Pride Education Committee hosts several seminars throughout the year for the general public. The topics might include basic landscaping, sun or shade gardening, energy efficient plantings, herb gardening, etc. The seminars are offered to the community at no cost to the attendees.

Annual Meeting – The annual meeting reviews Year 2009 projects and accomplishments, and elects officers and directors for 2010. Typically, an Outstanding Citizen Award is presented to a local resident who has made significant contributions to the community in areas of beautification and service. Awards of Achievement are also presented to local individuals and businesses who have completed a significant beautification project within the community. 

Area-Wide Litter Clean-ups – Sponsored by the Pride Anti-Litter Committee, these twice-yearly events are held in several local communities. Registration points are set up to encourage the general public to join us as we pick up litter!
Arbor Day Celebration – Celebrated in partnership with the Godfrey Park and Recreation Department, Pride, Inc. volunteers will plant trees in honor of Arbor Day. Memorial trees designated for planting in Glazebrook Park will be dedicated during this celebration.

Bucket Brigade – This program has been responsible for painting over 1,000 homes in the River Bend area since 1988. Volunteer teams spread paint and joy in our community as they help neighbors who are unable to do this job themselves. Our partnership with Brod Dugan/Sherwin Williams enables us to paint between 45 - 55 homes each year. This project earned a “Governor’s Hometown Award” for excellence in volunteerism.

Memorial Tree Dedication Ceremony -- Held on the first Sunday evening in June at Gordon Moore Community Park in Alton, Pride, Inc. and the Alton Park & Recreation Department dedicate trees that have been purchased to honor loved ones. The ceremony allows family members to locate individual trees that have been planted in celebration of these special lives.

Home and Garden Tour -- Beautiful local homes and gardens are put on display for this popular event in the Alton/Godfrey area. A local historical site is often included on the self-conducted tour. Cost of the ticket is $12.

Gala in the Gardens – This will be our second year to hold a fundraiser in the Missouri Botanical Gardens Signature Gardens on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. The event has all the features of a true garden party, including an abundance of flowers, food, music and art. We envision this becoming our “signature” event.

Riverview Park Clean-up – Several years ago, Pride, Inc. volunteers planted a sunken garden in Alton’s Riverview Park. The park, which hosts the summer Alton Muny Band concerts, is a popular spot for neighborhood gatherings. Pride, Inc. members join neighborhood volunteers for an annual maintenance project to keep the park looking great!

Mississippi River Clean-up – Pride volunteers join forces with Anheuser-Busch and Living Lands and Waters volunteers to clean up the riverfronts along the Mississippi River.

Social Event -- We are leaving the theme, venue, cost, etc. to the chairperson who decides to take on this project in 2010. The main goal is to socialize with other board members and “friends of Pride” while raising funds for our beautification projects.

Make a Difference Day – Pride Inc.’s Student Pride volunteers provide help to area service organizations. The students, working with college students from Principia College, complete a variety of service projects. The students plan their own projects each year, but they work hard to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.

Holiday Candlelight Home Tour -- Beautifully decorated homes in the Alton/Godfrey area are open for touring on the first Sunday evening in December. The tour runs from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The homes are aglow as hundreds view various decorating styles and Christmas collections. Optional trolley transportation offers an opportunity to enjoy the decorations without the driving!