Clayton Century Foundation Launches Ralph Clayton Leadership Circle

February 25, 2011

The Clayton Century Foundation, a new 501c3 organization created as a private partner to the city of Clayton, hosted a gathering of the Ralph Clayton Leadership Circle to celebrate Ralph Clayton’s 223rd birthday on 2-23. 

Corporate, foundation and city leaders gathered at Ruth’s Chris Steak House to announce lead gifts for investment in Clayton’s cultural assets and review a wide variety of priority projects.  As the city prepares for its centennial in 2013, the Clayton Century Foundation aims to advance the city’s Parks Master Plan in the areas of arts, history, parks and sustainability.

“The initial response is overwhelmingly positive, with a number of individual and corporate leaders pledging support for projects that reflect their passions,” reports Gary Feder, President of the Clayton Century Foundation.

Feder and Mayor Linda Goldstein announced two major lead gifts, one from the Centene Charitable Foundation for a major art piece in the Century Garden at the entrance to Shaw Park and the other from Brown Shoe for a recreational trail in Shaw Park.  Two other lead gifts were announced from Washington University and Smith Moore and Co. for publishing a new Clayton Centennial Book.

Clayton Century Foundation invites wide community participation with gifts of all sizes to address priority projects for 2013 and beyond, including renovation of Clayton’s Civil War-era Hanley House and a year-round, multi-use venue to update the existing ice rink.  Private funding sources are often needed in the application to secure municipal grants.  Long after its centennial, Clayton seeks to maintain its excellence as a vibrant community and destination in the St. Louis region.