4 minute read
Threads of Community Connection
Threads of Community Connection
In the heart of St. Louis stands Sign of the Arrow—a renowned needlepoint shop that weaves together tradition, artistry and community. Step inside and you'll find yourself surrounded by the vibrant colors of artwork, the soft textures of threads and an inviting atmosphere of creativity. Whether you're a seasoned or novice needlepoint stitcher, there's something for everyone within these walls.
At the helm of this historic establishment is General Manager JULIE ANN SCHNEIDER FILEAN, Iowa Eta, and Board Chair TRACY SHAVER HOLTZMAN, North Carolina Beta, who have devoted decades in service to Sign of the Arrow.
Established in 1966 by nine members of the St. Louis, Missouri, Alumnae Club, Sign of the Arrow began as a nonprofit consignment shop. “The alumnae club regularly put on a boutique craft fair called Carousel,” says Julie. "After a couple years of bad weather and leftover crafts, one of these nine women said, ‘well, maybe we should just start a store and sell our stuff.”’
The shop's rich history is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and supporters. With more than 80 volunteers lending their time and talents, Sign of the Arrow thrives as an example of the power of collective effort and shared passion. From the board members overseeing its operations to the dedicated volunteers manning the sales floor, each plays a vital role in upholding the shop's legacy.
But the shop is more than just a haven for stitchers— it's a hub of philanthropy and community engagement. “We are the fundraising arm of the St. Louis Alumnae Club,” says Julie. “That's always been the backbone of the shop.”
Over the decades, Sign of the Arrow has remained committed to its mission of giving back to the St. Louis community, fostering a deep sense of friendship among Pi Phi sisters and community members. “They actually incorporated as the 1867 Foundation,” says Tracy. “Supporting the greater community is written into the mission and it continues to be the shop's mission to this day.”
Each year, the shop's proceeds are channeled into grants for local organizations, supporting causes ranging from education to healthcare. "Our grants don't contribute to general funds maintenance,” says Tracy. "Recipients ask for something to meet a specific need—equipment for a project or funds to tutor ten children." Guided by a dedicated committee, these grants aim to uplift the community and make a tangible difference in people's lives—whether it's funding a summer lunch program or providing scholarships to college-bound students.
From its humble beginnings in a small storefront to its current home, the shop has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving others, and Sign of the Arrow recently celebrated a historic milestone—donating more than $4 million to over 200 organizations in the St. Louis community.
From its earliest days, Sign of the Arrow has been a loyal supporter of Pi Phi, embodying the spirit of service and generosity that defines our sisterhood. Julie notes the St. Louis Club’s dedication to empowering collegiate women to reach their full potential.
"We want to ensure more collegiate women can continue their education and sorority membership, despite whatever hardships come to them. "We know it's become increasingly expensive for young women to go to college.”
In 1996, at Sign of the Arrow’s 30th anniversary celebration, a special gift of $25,000 was given to Pi Beta Phi Foundation to endow a scholarship in memory of Missouri Beta MELISSA GAIL APTMAN a local collegian who was tragically killed two weeks before her graduation. Since 1997, 34 Pi Phis have received the scholarship totaling more than $250,000.
While reflecting on all that Sign of the Arrow has already accomplished, Julie and Tracy look toward the future with a sense of purpose and optimism. "In the last year, we started an endowment fund for Sign of the Arrow to make sure there's always funds available for our charitable gifts—no matter what,” says Julie. Whatever the future may hold, Sign of the Arrow stands ready to weave its legacy into the fabric of the St. Louis community and Pi Phi's sisterhood for generations to come.
HEADED TO ST. LOUIS? STOP BY SIGN OF THE ARROW TO VISIT THE NEW EXPANSION.
9814 Clayton Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63124
Shop online any time at signofthearrow.com
