June 21, 2010

ROCK HILL'S GUMBO SHOP OWNERS HONORED WITH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD FROM EDGEWOOD CHILDREN'S CENTER

ST. LOUIS, MO (June 21, 2010) - From assisting in the classrooms to raking leaves to spending time with kids, volunteers at Edgewood Children’s Center in Webster Groves give generously of themselves and play an instrumental role in the success of the kids living on campus. The critical work that takes place on Edgewood’s campus would not be possible without the support of campus work groups and volunteers; their efforts saved Edgewood more than $40,000 in maintenance costs in 2009. Volunteers are recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception, including a few outstanding volunteers that are honored with Circle of Caring Awards.

Two recipients of Circle of Caring Awards were Sid and Mary Roberts, owners of the famous Gumbo Shop in Rock Hill, Mo. The Edgewood Thanksgiving Cajun Turkey Fry, now a successful annual tradition, began when Sid and Mary suggested that their annual sale of Cajun turkeys out of the Gumbo Shop be expanded and used as a fundraising event for Edgewood.

The inaugural Cajun turkey fry at Edgewood took place during Thanksgiving week in 2006. Sid provided the secret recipe for the turkey rub, the injection marinade, the cooking pots and burners, and a crash course in Cajun turkey frying to Edgewood staff and volunteers. It has continued to successfully grow in the subsequent years.

The event raised $13,000 in 2009.

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About Great Circle
Established as a result of the merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children’s Center, Great Circle provides treatment, education, prevention and support services to children with a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment. Great Circle’s mission to “reshape vulnerable lives through a community of partners, teachers and leaders, giving children and families the confidence to create bright futures” is fulfilled through campuses in St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and St. James, Missouri. As one of the children’s non-for-profit services in Missouri, the organization annually serves approximately 7,800 children and family members and employs more than 700 staff members. For more information please visit www.great-circle.org.