POSSIBLE SPECIAL SECTION

1. A STRONGER COMMUNITY

By volunteering, you’re taking direct action to address problems that are important to St. Louis. You’re also working with others who also want to improve the community. The more connections made between stakeholders, the stronger the community is.

2. MORE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Speaking of connections, volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Typically when you’re volunteering, you work with people from a variety of backgrounds, so you can learn different perspectives. It also can be a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with friends, family or even co-workers. It can provide the chance to network or even discover new career opportunities by making new connections. If you’re a retiree, getting involved is a great way to fill the social void left by no longer having work colleagues.

3. IMPROVED SELF ESTEEM

Looking for a confidence boost? Volunteering is an excellent option. Research has shown that altruistic behaviors may raise your sense of self worth. In a study of teens, it was found that those who offered support and kindness to strangers had higher self esteem. This is likely because helping others often pushes us outside of our comfort zone, so when we do it, we feel a greater sense of accomplishment.

4. REDUCED DEMENTIA RISK

Volunteering may be an effective way to ward off dementia. A study from Indiana University looked at more than 64,000 subjects who were 60 and older. Those who did volunteer work for 100 hours a year— less than two hours a week— scored around 6% higher in cognitive testing than those who did not volunteer. More research from the University of Calgary found that volunteering for one hour a week meant participants were 2.44 times less likely to develop dementia.

5. NEW SKILL DEVELOPMENT

There are endless ways to volunteer, and each of them comes with a different skill set. You can develop new creative skills by crafting needed items, or use a project to work on things like teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management and organization.

6. A MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Volunteer activity keeps you moving and thinking. That can have big benefits on your physical health. In a study of adults 55 and older, the National Institutes of Health found that volunteering reduced mortality risk by 24% when adjusted effect size. Unadjusted, the results showed a 47% decrease. Other research has found that states with higher volunteer rates have lower mortality rates and less incidences of heart disease.

7. BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

If you are looking for less stress, giving back can help. According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering causes people to release dopamine, which results in them feeling more relaxed. It’s also associated with a sense of meaning and appreciation, which can have further stress-relieving effects. This decreases the risk of many physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, depression and anxiety.

1 million+ children are living with heart disease in the United States www.theohhf.org info@theohhf.org @theohhf

Our vision at Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) is that every heart child and family will be wrapped in love to eliminate the traumas endured by living with a chronic illness.

9 out of 10 heart

25% will need surgery or other procedures in their first year of life families experience financial burdens

84% of heart parents report symptoms of trauma and 30% are diagnosed with PTSD

Memorial Golf Classic

MONDAY

JUNE 26, 2023

Nor wood Hills Count r y Club

Benefiting

11am S hotgun I ncludes: Golf, Lunch, Online Auction, Dinner & Awards Program

S ponsorship & Registration

Contact Anne Ramsey anner@bgcstl.org 314-335-8014

THE BACH SOCIETY OF SAINT LOUIS

As the final performance of the season, we invite you to experience the power and intimacy of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. The Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra will be joined by the Missouri Baptist University Chamber Singers and an internationally recognized cast of Baroque soloists. 3547 Olive St., Ste. 120 314.652.BACH (2224) bachsociety.org

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Join the American Heart Association for the 2023 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk on May 13 at Busch Stadium. The Heart Walk is a great way to get moving while socializing with friends, family and coworkers. It not only boosts your heart and mental health, it helps thousands of others at the same time. P.O. Box 411364 314.692.5662 metrostlouisheartwalk.org

A fairy tale of eternal devotion, evil sorcery, and the triumph of true love.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

314-534-1111

APRIL 28-30 stlouisballet.org

INDEPENDENCE CENTER

Independence Center provides comprehensive care to individuals with serious mental illness. Through our services, members gain the independence to live a healthy,

THE MUNY

Gather your family and friends for The Muny's 2023 season. See all seven shows this summer and save up to 32% with season tickets—it’s like seeing two shows for free! One Theatre Drive 314.361.1900 muny.org

Join us for CPR at the Bar on April 21 at The Hall at Olive & Oak. OHHF honors the incredible life saving act of bystander CPR in a night of education and fun, celebrating our very own CPR survivor and adult congenital heart disease warrior, Sydney Philpott-Streiff. 216 W. Lockwood Ave., theohhf.org/cpr-at-the-bar

SAINT LOUIS BALLET

On May 13, Saint Louis Ballet will hold the En Pointe Gala at The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta. The ballet company will honor Blanche Touhill and also raise funds for its live music fund and outreach program. 212 Kingshighway Blvd. 636.537.1998 stlouisballet.org/gala2023