St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation Awards
The St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation is dedicated to energizing a profound pride in our past and present, faith in our future and a personal commitment to an ever-improving quality of life among all our region’s citizens. Every year, we recognize extraordinary St. Louisans who go above and beyond in making an impact on our region through our St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation Awards.
Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award
The Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award honors a man who devoted his life to bettering St. Louis. While few can or will match Kim’s boundless heart, energy, passion and talent, this annual award will recognize St. Louisans of any age who embody that same spirit, and by their selfless efforts, lift our community and serve our people.
- A Leader – demonstrates unflagging leadership and the relentless ability to bring people from different walks of life together to make things happen
- An Evangelist – makes you proud to be a St. Louisan
- A Motivator – inspires you to do more
- A Giver – goes above and beyond their personal area of expertise to propel St. Louis forward
- An Influencer – makes a resonant impact that will help make a better St. Louis
- A Paragon of Service – demonstrates passion, gusto, ethics and commitment in service to a worthy purpose
- A Visionary – brings fresh ideas and perspectives to the table
- A Champion – tackles difficult or serious challenges facing our community
2024 Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award Winner – Todd Schnuck, CEO and Chairman of Schnuck Markets
Todd Schnuck fully embodies the characteristics that we seek in the Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award. His spirit for giving back to the community shines through his personal efforts and those of his company’s. In 2023, Schnuck Markets gave more than $15 million worth of food to pantries that help those in need as part of the company’s mission to fight food insecurity and hunger. Through Todd’s leadership, company teammates also volunteered for almost 4,000 hours of service at community events.
The Spark of St. Louis Award
With energy, passion and a fresh perspective, this individual has shown that St. Louis is a community where people and organizations can shine. Daring and undaunted, they envision a St. Louis that inspires us all.
2024 Spark of St. Louis Award Winner – Michelle Li
Although she’s a St. Louis transplant, Michelle Li has embraced our region with vigor and passion. Winner of numerous broadcast awards, she anchors the daily morning show “Today in St. Louis” with Rene Knott, and together, they bring humor, compassion, sincerity and candor to our local media. Michelle is also the founder of The Very Asian Foundation, which became internationally recognized when Ellen DeGeneres was moved to make a founding donation. The Very Asian Foundation seeks to celebrate, amplify and spotlight Asian culture while building bridges within our communities.
Spark Grant
The annual Spark Grant is a partnership grant given to diverse entrepreneurs who are shaping the cultural life and visitor experience in St. Louis through their creative, personal and story-worthy work. Sponsored by Midas Hospitality, the Spark Grant was awarded to five recipients in 2024:
Call for Nominations
Please help us to identify and nominate individuals who are champions for St. Louis. Do you know, or know of, someone who embodies that spirit?
Nominations close in August 2024, and the winners will be honored at the Explore St. Louis Annual Meeting & Awards in September 2024.
