The Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis Skyline.

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
  • Courageous – tackles difficult or serious challenges facing our community

2023 Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award Winner – Tamara Keefe, founder and CEO, Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery

Tamara Keefe accepts the Kim Tucci "Heart of St. Louis" Award.
Tamara Keefe of Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery accepts the Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award at the Explore St. Louis Annual Meeting and Awards in 2023 | Photo by Dan Donovan

Tamara Keefe fully and exuberantly embodies the Kim Tucci “Heart of St. Louis” Award. Taking a leap of faith, she left her corporate job to plant her flag and launch her company in St. Louis. Keefe has been a marvel of creativity, grit, and dedication, drive, entrepreneurship and marketing savvy since the beginning. She’s ethical, principled and generous, and she’s one of St. Louis’ greatest advocates. We can think of no one more deserving of this honor than her.

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.

2023 Spark of St. Louis Awards – Min Jung Kim, Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, and Jody Sowell, president of the Missouri Historical Society

Min Jung Kim and Jody Sowell accept the Spark of St. Louis awards.
Min Jung Kim of the Saint Louis Art Museum and Jody Sowell of the Missouri Historical Society accept their Spark of St. Louis Awards at the Explore St. Louis Annual Meeting and Awards in 2023 | Photo by Dan Donovan

Through their respective roles, Min Jung Kim and Jody Sowell inspire us with their fresh and innovative visions of St. Louis, which they share through their venerable museums. The former is on a mission to raise the visibility of the Saint Louis Art Museum locally, nationally and globally. She’s a visionary who knows that the Saint Louis Art Museum is worthy of international acclaim, and she’s working to bring more attention to the museum and, by extension, the region as a whole. Sowell and his team at the Missouri Historical Society are taking the lead in telling St. Louis’ story, fostering deep connections between St. Louisans and the city. Working methodically, diligently and with great determination, Sowell speaks, educates and evangelizes about this town.

Spark Grant

This year, the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation introduced the annual Spark Grant, 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 2023:

  • Cbabi Bayoc, artist
  • Nick Bognar, Indo and Sado
  • Simone Faure, La Pâtisserie Chouquette
  • Kris Kleindienst, Left Bank Books
  • Julio Zegarra-Ballon, Zee Bee Market

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.

Name of Nominee(Required)
In 250 words or less, please tell us why your nominee is deserving of this award and how he/she embodies the characteristics of the Heart of St. Louis
Name of Nominator(Required)