General Manager’s Column

As many of you may be aware, the MAC Sports Foundation has recently teamed up with our downtown neighbor, the Youth and Family Center (YFC), for an exciting new initiative. The YFC is all about community, which is something that’s near and dear to the MAC family’s heart. It’s important to us to invest in the future of downtown St. Louis, which means investing in and supporting our local youth—providing them with opportunities for growth and development.

With the MAC Sports Foundation’s pledge of $50,000, we are so thrilled to have launched the effort to raise an additional $100,000 to fund the installation of a new gymnasium floor at the YFC on Cass and 9th Street. In addition, we are incredibly excited to announce that The American Hellenic Foundation of St. Louis is contributing $50,000 towards this project as a direct result of the MAC’s relationship with The Regional Business Council’s Social Venture Partnership (SVP). The MAC Sports Foundation and the YFC are incredibly thankful for the support of all who have contributed.

To build on this momentum, we are seeking individual donations and corporate sponsorships from Downtown business owners and anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of the families served by the YFC to impact our neighborhood for the better. Please join us to build a brighter future for St. Louis area youth and help the YFC create a welcoming place that our community can be proud of. To learn more and pledge a donation, visit mac-sportsfoundation.org.

An easy way to make a contribution is by registering to attend the 53rd Jack Buck Awards on Dec. 7. The cost of admission includes a voluntary $25 donation that will directly benefit the YFC initiative. For more than a half-century, the Jack Buck Awards has celebrated the accomplishments of the best in St. Louis sports, featuring the Sports Personality of the Year along with an impressive group of award honorees. The banquet is a Member favorite that always sells out, so reserve your spot soon on the MAC website.

The Club is always buzzing this time of year, so I want to encourage all MAC Members to come visit the 1903 Dining Room or the Jack Buck Grille. Both restaurants recently had grand reopenings to celebrate the completion of the renovations. At the JBG ribbon cutting, members of the Buck family attended to honor their loved one, Jack Buck. It was a special moment to see the Buck family enjoy the Grille and recognize that Jack Buck was at the forefront of all design decisions. I must say, both restaurants truly reflect the tradition and elegance of the MAC. I might be biased, but I believe the MAC now has two of the best restaurants in St. Louis — one for each Clubhouse.

As we quickly transition from fall into colder weather, I’m reminded of how little time is left until the holidays! Both Clubhouses offer a wide variety of opportunities to celebrate this special time with family and fellow Members. Check out the Club’s upcoming events on page two and start planning your favorite holiday traditions at the MAC.

See you at the Club!

Wally Smith, General Manager Missouri Athletic Club

We are seeking individual donations and corporate sponsorships from Downtown business owners and anyone wanting to make a difference in the lives of the families served by the YFC to impact our neighborhood for the better.