Our Best Night Yet!
Our heartfelt thanks to the supporters, sponsors, and friends who came together on October 10, 2024, for DeSales Community Development's 35th Annual Night Out for Neighborhoods! Hosted at the charming SqWires Annex, this year’s event brought together 100 friends and supporters for a night of celebration, recognition, and support for our ongoing mission to build strong, inclusive communities in St. Louis.
This year’s event was our most successful yet, raising over $57,000 to further DeSales' work in developing affordable housing, fostering neighborhood resilience, and delivering resident services. The funds raised will have a lasting impact, supporting projects and services that uplift our neighborhoods and make a real difference for St. Louis residents.
Derrick Thomas, Affordable Housing Commission Chair, accepts the Better Neighborhoods Award from DeSales Executive Director Becky Reinhart.
Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere with delicious food, an open bar, and a lively silent auction. Throughout the evening, we took the opportunity to honor exceptional individuals and organizations whose dedication strengthens our neighborhoods. Special guest presenter and former DeSales Executive Director Tom Pickel handed over this year’s Better Neighborhoods Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Oswald, former St. Louis City Building Commissioner, in recognition of his steadfast commitment to community improvement. Additionally, the Affordable Housing Commission was presented with the 2024 Better Neighborhoods Award for its unwavering support of DeSales’ affordable housing initiatives and resident services programs. Their collaboration continues to pave the way for accessible and sustainable housing across our city.
David Rodgers, Mary Wilson, Larry McCarthy, and Becky Reinhart.
The evening also celebrated progress on two new affordable housing projects currently in predevelopment, underscoring DeSales’ commitment to creating vibrant, affordable communities. We look forward to sharing more updates as these projects unfold and are deeply grateful to everyone who rallied with us to help preserve and enhance the existing housing within the DeSales portfolio.
We also had the privilege of honoring two retiring board members, whose dedication and years of service have been instrumental in shaping DeSales’ mission. David Rodgers, our current board President, presented heartfelt recognition to Larry McCarthy, who served an inspiring 20 years, and Mary Wilson, who contributed 15 years of impactful service. Their unwavering commitment to DeSales and the neighborhoods we serve will leave a lasting legacy.
Our thanks extend to SqWires for providing a wonderful venue, and to our dedicated staff, board members, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a memorable success. As we look toward the future, this annual gathering reminds us of the powerful impact we can make together. We’re already counting down to next year’s Night Out for Neighborhoods, where we’ll continue to celebrate and support the people and projects that make St. Louis a better place for everyone
Frank Oswald, Becky Reinhart and Tom Pickel.
DeSales Staff: Vickie Newcomb, Lisette Ortega-Vidal, Becky Reinhart and Tiffany Minx.
