Pride, Incorporated 2007 Calendar of Events

Speaker Series Annual Meeting Area-wide Litter Clean-up Arbor Day Celebration Bucket Brigade Memorial Tree Dedication Gala in the Gardens Home & Garden Tour Riverview Park Clean-up Mississippi River Clean-up Social Event Chili Cook-off Area-wide Litter Clean-up Make a Difference Day Holiday Home Tour TBA March 14, 2007 March 31, 2007 April 28, 2007 May 19, 2007 June 3, 2007 June 9, 2007 June 10, 2007 July 2007 July 14, 2007 TBD Sept 29th, 2007 October 20, 2007** October 27, 2007 December 2, 2007

TBA (To be announced)  =    Dates will be announced in 2007
TBD  (To be determined)  =    Event is being evaluated
**Tentative Date
All dates are subject to change

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 2006 projects and accomplishments, and elects officers and directors for 2007.  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 55– 65 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.

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

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 usually included on the self-conducted tour. Cost of the ticket is $12.

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 2007.  The main goal is to socialize with other board members and “friends of Pride” while raising funds for our beautification projects.

Chili Cook-off – This is one of Pride, Inc.’s most popular fundraising events. Individuals, businesses, service organizations and others compete for the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”  A huge tent houses between 20 – 25 varieties of the best chili you’ll ever eat. At only $6 a ticket, this is a great family event!

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! .