HOME + DESIGN
HEIGHTENING THE BEAUTY OF HOMES, HOLIDAYS
SHOPPING
ARTS + CULTURE ONE LONGESTRUNNING TOY STORE
FITNESS JUICED WHEELS
ROSIE FINDS HER SHINE
Joyful Season
As the holidays approach and the spirit of the season fills the air, we often find ourselves drawn to the magic that made this time feel so special in our childhood. Our family traditions—the scents, sounds, lights, and activities—often echo memories from those early years when everything felt so full of wonder and joy.
I remember how holiday scenes would come alive: store windows decked out in festive displays, model trains chugging through intricately designed towns, carolers filling the streets with song, and the warm, delicious scent of hot cocoa after a day of sledding with friends. These memories embody the season’s enchantment, and my wish is that both children and adults feel that same joyful magic this year.
In this edition, we’ve focused on capturing that holiday magic right here in our cities. From highlighting local shops to make gift-giving more personal to showcasing festive events and ways to give back, our goal is to help you experience all our community has to offer this season. We also recognize that, while this time of year is joyful for many, it can be challenging for others, especially those coping with loss. In the true spirit of the season, let’s make an extra effort to extend care, kindness and compassion to those who may need it most.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace and a renewed sense of community as we embrace grace, empathy, and generosity toward one another.
Wishing you a joyful season,
December 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery
gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Christina Schmidt | christina.schmidt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Mel Boban, Tia Tricamo, Amalia (Amy) Loli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Iris Schmidt (Christina Iris Schmidt), Carol Green The Graceful Lens, Elaine Collins, Gordon Montgomery, Brett Bartrum
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Left: Medical Director Dr. Lenise Cummings-Vaughn, Administrator Kathy Kelley, and Medical Advisor Dr. David Carr meet with a resident.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-3: Run. Walk. Breathe. Lung Cancer Connection; presented by Regeneron this year at Chesterfield Central. 4: Hot Lister, Nicole Unnerstall and the Oasis Pool team enjoyed City Lifestyle Hot List Party at 360Westport. 5: City LIfestyle Annual Hot List Party Celebrating with our cities Hot Listers at 360 Westport. 6: Fizz Facial Bar made the Hot List 7: Enchanted Events enjoyed an evening at 360Westport as a Hot List guest with City Lifestyle.
ELAINE COLLINS
ELAINE COLLINS
ELAINE COLLINS
St. Louis' #1 Real Estate Company
New Children's Book 'Cavie's Magical Wish' Advocates for Dog Rescue/Adoption
Chesterfield resident Julie Huetsch authored a new book, Cavie's Magical Wish, which rose to Amazon Bestseller Status. Where millions of dogs await loving homes, Cavie, a brave Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue dog, sets off on an adventure that teaches young readers about compassion, friendship and selflessness. Julie explains, “Through Cavie's journey, we hope to spark awareness among children and their families about the importance of rescuing and adopting dogs." View details at CavieTales.com.
Photography Courtesy of Julie Huetsch/Siski Kalla Illustrations
Slyman Brothers Open Another Location For Home Appliances
The Slyman Brothers team held a grand opening of their newest location: 5757 South Lindbergh Blvd. Their new showroom highlights luxury brands for major home appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, cooking devices and outdoor equipment and other small appliances. This company has been family owned and operated since 1965. The team's other locations are in West County/Ballwin; Appliance Outlet by SlymanBros at 14294 Manchester Road in Manchester; O'Fallon, Missouri; and St. Louis City.
Downtown Chesterfield Development Developer Hires Operations Director
Taylor Reich joined The Staenberg Group as the company's mixed-use development and operations director. In this role, he is working with the Downtown Chesterfield Development team while reportedly optimizing and improving processes at the Hub STL. He says after working with The Staenberg Group on several projects over several months as an outside consultant, they decided the best path forward was for him to join the TSG team in a permanent role.
Courtesy of The
Photography Courtesy of Slyman Brothers
Photography
Staenberg Group
Making spirits bright all season.
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Author, Kelley Lamm & Olive the Bulldog
St. Louis Cardinal Mike Matheny shares his experience with Kaiser Law Firm who helped him put a plan together to ensure things
my family
Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
ONE LONGESTRUNNING TOY STORE
ARTICLE
JULIE BROWN
BY
PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROL GREEN THE GRACEFUL LENS
IMAGINATION TOYS STILL DELIGHTS THROUGH UNIQUE, CREATIVE PRODUCTS PLUS FREE GIFT WRAPPING
"A great toy is like a good book. It opens up an array of possibilities and lets the imagination soar," asserts Mark Johnson, founder of Marble Genius.
From superhero birthday cake candles, family games, craft accessories, books and Lego kits to puppets, nature gadgets, action figures, outdoor fun items and musical toys, customers repeatedly enjoy discovering new inspiration at Imagination Toys in Ladue.
The store's co-owners at 9737 Clayton Road within the Granaway Shops are Sally Kriegel and Lisa Adorjan. They state that the shop's mission is to provide the highest quality educational, developmental and creative toys that nurture imagination and encourage children to think and to have fun.
"Since 1985, Imagination Toys has been the specialty toy store of choice in the St. Louis metropolitan area with unique, timeless toys and gifts for children," says Sally.
Lisa adds, "We strive to assist each person who walks into the store to find special items that will create excitement and joy during the holidays and throughout the year."
In essence, they intentio ally carry toys that suport FUNdamentals of child develoment: Independent Play, Cooperative Play, Motor Skills, Visual Learning, Creative Play, Language Development, Logical Thought and Learning Through Music.
The store's founders, Marjorie Versprille and Teg Stokes, retired at the end of the 2011 holiday season. Upon learning of the goingout-of-business sale, Polly Lett purchased the business during January 2012, remodeled the 4,000-square-foot storefront and continued its long-held tradition of unique offerings for babies, youths, teens and families. Then Sally and Lisa took over the business during January 2022.
Sally says, "Imagination Toys is still special in today’s market because we offer high-quality educational and creative toys to spur children's imaginations and to encourage originality."
She says a few of her and Lisa's personal favorites are the Toniebox, an imagination-building, screen-free digital listening experience that plays stories and songs. "Bruder trucks are another favorite with their range of durable vehicles from garbage trucks and cement mixers to combine harvesters and fire engines."
Lisa adds that their extensive dress-up collection encourages pretend play and adventure from princesses to pirates.
On a national level, 2024 trends for most popular STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) toys according to American consumer technology website CNET include electronics exploration kits, slime/putty labs, critical thinking brain games and DIY building kits.
With the letter A being added to STEM modern terminology to include "Arts" as STEAM, St. Louis' beloved toy shop offers many arts and crafts, including loom kits, jewelry making, scratch cards, themed coloring books, journals, sticker sheets, decorative mobiles, 3D puzzles, easy-grip crayons, origami, doodlers markers, painting kits, window art, tattoo pens, sidewalk chalks, make your own snow globes, wind chime kits, modeling clay, nail art, comic books, paper dolls, sketch boards, garden stones, scented gel pens, soap dough, traveler activity packets and dinosaur digs.
Lisa and Sally assure that there are many exciting toys available for kids of all ages this holiday season: "A few of our favorites are the Fat Brain Air Toobz with new expansion kits that offer a building STEM experience that sends balls racing through tubes and connectors. Hitster will bring families together this holiday season testing their knowledge of songs through the decades. Luki Lab Flat 2 Fast cars transform from cards into superfast racing vehicles with the press of a button and fit perfectly in a pocket for on-the-go play."
Interestingly, when this local store first opened in 1985, the top 10 most popular toys were Cabbage Patch Kids; Transformers; Pillow People; Pogo balls; skateboards; G.I. Joe; Atari; Teddy Ruxpin animatronic talking bear; Rainbow Brite doll; and Care Bears.
Imagination Toys now carries both treasured traditional brands, such as Brio, Lego, Playmobil, Madame Alexander and Hape, as well as newer curated brands, such as Abacus, Connetix, Dopeslimes, Kidamento and Glo Pals. Customers can peruse shelf after shelf of toys and interesting choices. Nostalgic options also are aplenty, such as Spirographs.
Additionally, the shop's team can recommend items especially based on age categories: baby, toddler, 3 years and older, 5 years and older, 8 years and older, 12 and older.
Lisa states, "Customer service is at the heart of what we do." Imagination Toys is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lisa and Sally assure that they constantly get in "new goodies."
Their toy experts can help identify perfect gifts for any age child, wrap it beautifully for the proper occasion and ship it anywhere in the continental United States, if needed. Imagination Toys items also can be purchased online.
"Get the toys you love and the service you want," suggests Sally.
314.993.6288
“OUR IMAGINATION TOYS GIFT CARDS MAKE GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS OR PRESENTS, TOO.”
ARTICLE BY TIA TRICAMO
Festive Family Fun
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN ST. LOUIS
Polar Express Train Ride
Looking for ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones? St. Louis has the perfect holiday activities for every family.
Throughout November and December, the Polar Express train ride at St. Louis Union Station transports guests into the world of the beloved holiday classic, with singing, dancing, cookies and, of course, hot chocolate.
St. Charles Christmas Traditions
The St. Charles Christmas Traditions festival combines fairytale whimsy with fascinating history. From Nov. 29 until Christmas Eve, families can experience Victorian carolers, storytelling and holiday delicacies each weekend.
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays
The City Museum hosts Weirdly Wonderful Holidays events throughout the season, with dazzling light displays, specialty holiday treats and storytelling with Mrs. Claus.
The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale
For families with younger children, the Saint Louis Ballet presents The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale, a condensed version of the classic, featuring the same stunning sets, costumes, and special effects at a runtime of just 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Old
Fashioned Christmas Festival
Further south in picturesque Kimmswick, families can visit the Old Fashioned Christmas Festival from Dec. 6-8, featuring local merchants, entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus.
Winter Extravaganza Event
Cheers To 2025
Ideas For A Relaxing New Year’s Eve Celebration
In the rush of the holidays, the last big celebration of the bunch is often left to last-minute plans. New Year's Eve, without longstanding traditions in place, can be tough to plan for or hard to secure a reservation. Restaurants often set prix-fixe menus, or sell tickets for a full evening celebration. Many choose to avoid going out for the safety of driving after midnight. For those who aren't up for a dressy, fancy night out on the town, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate alternatively. Whether someone's year was full of highs or lows, the New Year ahead is always worth celebrating and welcoming. So many new possibilities lie ahead. 2025 is written in the stars. For those lucky enough to live far from light pollution, or have a friend who does, setting up a telescope with a bonfire for an outdoor celestial gathering is a fun and quiet way to ring in the New Year. Look for favorite constellations or zoom in on planets in view. To stay warm, pair a chilly outdoor evening with foods and beverages such as soup or hot chocolate.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
“If not up for a fancy night out, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate alternatively. Whether someone’s year was full of highs or lows, the New Year ahead is always worth celebrating and welcoming.”
If staying warm is more the desired style, a movie marathon will pass the time with entertainment while waiting for midnight. Pop some popcorn, gather favorite candy and let movie selections roll. Movies could be selected by each participant at random or they can follow a New Year's theme. This is a great alternative after really hectic holiday seasons spent with large groups.
Let the games begin! Grab a table full of friends or family members and host a game night in. Games can begin on the hour and rotate to keep everyone from getting bored. Friendly and fun competition always makes for great memories, especially if it's snowing outside.
If New Year's is all about setting goals and ringing in big plans, celebrating while planning for 2025 is the best way to start out positive. Gather magazines for vision board creation or have everyone join with their new journals in tow. Setting concrete goals with clear action plans sets up the year for success and
makes for a productive evening where everyone feels excited for what lies ahead.
New Year's Eve is a long haul! You have plenty of time, so tackling a complicated recipe or baking ahead in bulk is a well suited activity for the evening. From homemade pasta, handstuffed raviolis or pierogi, or even make-ahead meals that freeze easily, an evening in the kitchen is always fun. Invite some extra guests so all hands are on deck and everyone can leave with a gift that keeps on giving. Everyone can all learn together and contribute to optimizing the recipes.
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Photo by Brett Bartrum
One proverb embodies that necessity is the mother of invention. For Brett and Mandy Bartrum, it came in the form of a new business and an as-of-yet untapped market in St. Charles County.
The Bartrums own and operate Juiced Wheels, an e-bike specialty and service shop, in Frenchtown in St. Charles, virtually in the center of the city’s $85 million City Centre Complex project and the Frenchtown Great Streets Plan.
Ironically, they say they started Juiced Wheels when many businesses were failing during the 2020 pandemic. Today, clients come from all over the state, and their business has tripled.
An IT master and a doctor of nursing and infection specialist by trade, Brett and Mandy, respectively, discovered electric biking while living in Colorado. They say they wanted to get healthy and to explore the outdoors. Electric biking helped them with both.
Essentially an electrically power-assisted motorized bicycle, the electric bicycle or “e-bike” can be powered by electricity as well as by pedaling. E-bikes came a long way since Hosea Libbey invented the first one in 1897, helping users enjoy the outdoors while overcoming obstacles such as steep inclines and high physical effort.
E-bikes have many of the same components as regular bicycles, including pedals, chains and gears. But an e-bike also has a battery, motor, computer and most have throttles. “With e-bikes, you don’t have to worry about hills, or headwind, or being too exhausted to make it back home. They allow people to go further than they would otherwise,” he says.
But the Bartrums say they realized the expense of purchasing the bikes and then trying to access affordable support was burdensome.
“We saw a need in the area for a dedicated e-bike shop,” Brett says. “We discovered people don’t want to go into a shop and spend $3,000 on an e-bike, when instead they can buy online for a fraction of the cost and have us support them.”
Photo by Gordon Montgomery
Photo by Brett Bartrum
by
Photo
Gordon Montgomery
“We
partnered with DTC brands where we can get bikes at better prices online, and at
same time, we are here to support them.”
So Juiced Wheels has become a local support for the directto-consumer market. By partnering with brands that sell directly to customers online, e-bikers can bypass expensive dealerships. “We partnered with DTC brands where we can get bikes at better prices online, and at the same time, we are here to support them.”
With his background in IT, automation, data analytics and cybersecurity, Brett brought technology into every facet of Juiced Wheels.
The company has a full-service department that honors the same deals as online brands. They charge a $150 assembly fee when an e-bike is purchased through Juiced Wheels, which includes a free six-month safety check. They have a mobile van for pickups and deliveries, and do warranty work with more than a dozen e-bike brands. They also sell and rent helmets
equipped with speakers, so riders can communicate on trails. The company also offers BiKeep, as smart bike locking, parking and charging stations, as well as community bike tools and a workstation for free.
The Bartrums named their business Juiced Wheels, because when they started, they intended to sell cold-pressed juice and e-bikes together, a hot combination on the East Coast. With the increase in their e-bike business, they quickly sold off their equipment to Neon Banana in Clayton and B Juiced in Ferguson.
The Bartrums became parents in 2018, and say they're now teaching their daughter, Science Bartrum, everything about biking.
636.373.8135 JuicedWheels.com
HEIGHTENING THE BEAUTY OF HOMES, HOLIDAYS
The Porch: Transform Living Spaces One Accessory, Room Or Vision At A Time With Tips From Jan Coffman And Team
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA SCHMIDT
Journeys to elevated living are said to begin at The Porch In Wildwood home design and décor showroom at 16957 Manchester Road. Celebrating her first anniversary as the boutique's current owner, Jan Coffman, says the team is still devoted to beautiful, inspired designs. While The Porch first opened during 2013, Jan is intimately familiar with the store, given that she previously shopped there as founder/principal designer for her business, Jan Coffman Interiors. The Porch currently offers home décor, full-service interior design, design consultations, custom furniture, draperies, customizable art, lighting, dinnerware, glassware, cookware, bar sets, kitchen goods, rugs, pillows and one-of-a-kind gifts.
YOU PROVIDE "COZY VIBES AND CURATED FINDS" AT THE STORE. HOW DOES THAT APPROACH TRANSLATE INTO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND THE CONCEPT OF "RUSTIC CHIC"?
"At The Porch, we aim to create an inviting atmosphere that makes customers feel like they’re walking into a beautifully designed home. By offering a mix of unique, high-quality pieces with a cozy, lived-in charm, we embrace the 'rustic chic' aesthetic, which blends a warm, rustic feel with refined elegance. Our customers appreciate that we offer thoughtful, curated items that feel personal and comforting, which leads to greater satisfaction as they find pieces that truly reflect their tastes and bring joy to their spaces."
FROM WHERE DO YOUR ITEMS COME?
"Our items are sourced from a variety of high-quality vendors, both locally and nationally. We work hard to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find in big box stores. Many of our items come from artisan vendors who handcraft beautiful products, as well as boutique manufacturers known for their exceptional craftsmanship. The goal is to offer pieces that are distinct and special, so customers can truly feel like they are bringing something unique into their home."
WHAT
ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS OFFERED AT THE PORCH?
"Some of our most popular products include our selection of beautiful, handcrafted dinnerware, stylish lighting options,
and home accessories like throw blankets and pillows.
Our seasonal décor items, especially around the holidays, are also a big hit. Customers love our mix of rustic and elegant pieces, from wood and metal accents to cozy textiles, that help create a warm and inviting home atmosphere."
HOW
ARE YOUR HOME OR INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
DIFFERENT? DO YOU ALSO ASSIST BUSINESSES
FOR OFFICE SPACES?
"Our interior design services are highly personalized and client-focused. We work closely with each client to understand their unique style, needs and vision for their space.
Whether it’s for a home or a business, we seamlessly blend function with beauty, ensuring the space is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. While our primary focus is residential, we do assist businesses with office design, especially for companies looking to create a stylish and functional space that reflects their brand identity and values."
WHEN THE HOLIDAYS ARRIVE AT THE PORCH, WHAT SHOULD SHOPPERS EXPECT?
"When the holiday season arrives, shoppers can expect a wide range of seasonal décor, from elegant table settings to cozy accents like throw blankets and candles.
We focus on creating that warm, magical feeling of the holidays through our curated collections, so whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or looking for the perfect gift, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate in style."
“MY GOAL ON EVERY PROJECT IS TO CREATE A
WHAT NEW HOLIDAY ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR?
"This year, we’re excited to offer a variety of new holiday items, including beautifully designed tree ornaments, handcrafted wreaths and festive dinnerware that will elevate any holiday table.
We’ve also expanded our selection of holiday lighting and garlands, perfect for creating that cozy glow during the winter months. Additionally, we have unique gifts such as our one-ofa-kind charcuterie boards (functional works of art that bring a natural beauty to any kitchen) for those looking for a special, thoughtful gift for loved ones."
ANY SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULED AT THE STORE FOR DECEMBER?
"Starting in November and December, we will be open on Sundays to provide additional opportunities for holiday shopping. As always, customers can enjoy complimentary coffee, conversation and even a glass of wine as they shop in our cozy,
inviting atmosphere. We have some exciting events planned for December, which will be announced on our social media channels and website, so stay tuned for updates! In addition, we offer personalized shopping experiences, where customers can work oneon-one with our expert stylists to find the perfect holiday gifts and décor, making holiday shopping a breeze this season."
Jan reminds that The Porch is more than just a store. "It’s a place where shoppers can find inspiration and create a home that truly reflects who they are. Our goal is to help people feel connected to their spaces and find joy in the little details, whether it’s through home décor or a thoughtful gift."
She adds, "We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re here to help our customers every step of the way in creating their dream home. This season, we're excited to offer custom silk floral arrangements, designed to perfectly complement your style and add timeless elegance to any space. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, stunning décor, or personalized services, we’re here to make your holiday experience truly special."
GIVING MACHINE GENEROSITY
Vending Machine Allows Donors To Send Items To People In Need
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Merry and Bright, Make Holiday Giving Unforgettable: From Dec. 6-18, St. Louis community residents and supporters can tap into a vending machine at West County Center that allow users to donate items such as medicine, clothing, baby supplies, text books, eye exams and livestock for people in need.
“Vend Joy To The World: A machine with a heart. Five local charities. Thirty items. Countless lives changed.”
This charity 'Light the World Giving Machine' vending device, located on the center's second floor, dispenses hope and joy by featuring items to donate through five local and global charities. With the swipe of credit cards, donors can give hot meals, warm shoes, fresh water, school supplies, a soccer ball, jump ropes and even goats, chickens or fish.
The machines work by users choosing one item, inserting a payment card, donors receiving a donation receipt and then the donations are sent to the identified charities.
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, the Giving Machine is part of the Light the World campaign. It provides an instant act of service for people interested in helping those in their community and around the world during the holiday season. Organizers state that 100% of all donations
go directly to the participating charities, due to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covering Giving Machine operating costs.
Since 2017, the Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than $22 million for charities.
The St. Louis metropolitan region is one of 108 cities worldwide to host Light the World Giving Machines in 2024. Five local charities will benefit from donors:
• St. Louis Area Foodbank
• Crisis Nursery of Saint Louis
• International Institute
• St. Patrick Center
• Friends of Kathy J. Weinman Shelter Giving Machine also is supported by celebrities, such as Travis Kelce and Paul Rudd.
StLGivingMachine.org
Rosie Finds Her Shine
Rosie is a little reindeer journeying through self-doubt as she navigates 'comparison.' Other North Pole reindeer know what they want to do. Rosie finds courage to follow her specific path, helping her discover she shines in her own special way.
Author Megan Rogers says, “Rosie tells us we each have a special knack. We must answer the call of our hearts, and our gifts will create an impact.”
Rosie encourages readers to lean into unique gifts God has given so they can find their shine.
Life is Rosie offers school visits, mascot rentals, live story time, wholesale opportunities, a Teachers Pay Teachers Holiday Shop and Rosie the Reindeerthemed merchandise.
The book's available in hardback or digital download with partnering plushie, pajamas and activity book.
LifeIsRosie.co
Rosie Storybook Steals Hearts As She Make Her Way Into Family Holiday Traditions
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
Author Megan Rogers
A Christmas Wish, From My Family to Yours
May you…
…Find yourself on Santa’s “Nice” list
…Be blessed with the gift of spending the holidays with those you love ...Spend an afternoon curled up in front a roaring fire, introducing your children to your favorite Christmas movie
…Remember that 2025 is absolutely brimming with possibilities Wishing you a joyous and peaceful holiday season!
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
DECEMBER 1ST-24TH
Saint Charles
Christmas Traditions | A Christmas Carol
St. Charles Main Street | 12:00 PM
Experience the magic of Noel Traditions, from Legends of Christmas, such as Santa Lucia and Ebenezer Scrooge, to unique displays (Oh Christmas Tree: The Evolution of an Icon) and Holiday Food Hall of Fame, to gift opportunities:. Fridays: 6-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays: noon to 8:30 p.m.; Sundays: noon to 5 p.m.; Christmas Eve Dec. 24: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DECEMBER 6TH
Cookies With Santa And Mrs. Claus
Chesterfield Court/City Hall | 6:30 PM
Grab slippers and reindeer pajamas to gather around Mrs. Claus’ cookie table. Enjoy a holiday cookie and sit by the tree as Santa reads stories of holiday cheer. Bring the family together and make memories at the second annual Cookies with the Claus.
DECEMBER 6TH-7TH
Candlelight Stroll Of Historic Village
Faust Park | 6:00 PM
Experience the beauty of the holiday season by strolling through the historic homes that are decorated for the holidays of the 1860s and 1960s and eras in between. Adults: $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children ages 4-12: $5 (younger then 4 are free). Preregistration available but not required. Purchase advance tickets online via Faust Park Facebook event page.
CONTINUED
DECEMBER 7TH
Candy Cane Hunt
Central Park | 10:00 AM
Hunt down candy canes and enjoy holiday characters. Stickers on candy canes equal winning prizes. The hunt ends when all the candy canes are found. Each age group will have their own areas for the hunt: Ages 2-3 at 10:15 a.m.; Ages 4-5 at 10:30 a.m.; Ages 6-8 at 10:15 a.m.; Ages 9-12 at 10:30 a.m.
DECEMBER 12TH
Senior Holiday Carnival
Chesterfield City Hall | 10:00 AM
Join carnival games; including a Putt Putt Challenge, Milk Bottle Knock Down, Ping Pong Toss and more. Magicians and jugglers will be performing throughout the event. Have your portrait drawn by a caricature artist. Snacks will be provided. This is a 2-hour free gathering that concludes at noon. Maximum 250 attendees; registration is required. Register at Chesterfield.MO.US/Senior-Carnival
DECEMBER 13TH-15TH & 20TH-22ND
Supper With Santa At
The Butterfly House
Faust Park | 5:30 PM
Evening includes meal from Pasta House, touring the tropical Conservatory, making holiday crafts in Santa's Workshop, visiting with Mrs. Claus for cookies and hot chocolate, and getting a picture with Santa. Advanced registration required; space is limited. For questions, call 314.577.0888. Pricing: $24-$30 for Garden members, depending on age; $28-$36 for non-members; ages 2 years and younger free. Register: MissouriBotanicalGarden. org/Supper-With-Santa-3084
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GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ CHESTERFIELD
Unwrapped Memories
