Mardi Gras Foundation Gives Back, Soulard Neighborhood Improvement Grants Top $100,000
SOULARD, Mo., 06 January 2009—The Mardi Gras Foundation has fulfilled its latest Improvement Grant to the Soulard community with the installation of historic lighting in Soulard Market Park. With the 2009 project, the Foundation has granted more than $115,000 to the Soulard neighborhood since its creation in 2003.
Previously, the Mardi Gras Foundation has installed wrought iron fencing around Soulard Market Park and PontiacPark, replacing the chain link fencing that had long been a source of complaints in the historic neighborhood. The Foundation has also funded landscaping for the Soulard School and a fence for the Old Frenchtown Dog Park, both significant additions to the neighborhood.
“These improvements are made possible by Mayor Francis Slay, who has so graciously hosted the Mayor's Ball for the last 6 years, Alderwoman Phyllis Young, and my colleagues at the Mardi Gras Foundation,” said Brian Wahby, chair of the Foundation. “Mardi Gras, Inc. and the Mardi Gras Foundation work hard to give back to our community. Mardi Gras, Inc. provides support and logistics for many other events in the community and supports neighborhood activities in other ways throughout the year. The Foundation was designed specifically to give something back on a continuing basis to Soulard.
In 2008, the Foundation issued a request for proposals to the community and again this year the Soulard Restoration Group and the Soulard Business Association jointly asked us to spend the 2008 funding for ornamental lighting forSoulard Market Park, which also serves as matching funds for the City, which can now install lights in Pontiac Park. The lights in Soulard Market Park first lit up the night sky on 12th Night, January 6, when they were powered on by Mayor Slay and Stacy Hastie, the 2009 Rex of Soulard Mardi Gras as part of the traditional 12th Night festivities.
Proceeds from the 2009 Mayor’s Ball will again fund neighborhood projects. The Foundation will issue a request for proposals in August 2009.
Mardi Gras Foundation 2006 RFP
Each year, the Foundation devotes a portion of the Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball proceeds to supporting projects within the greater Soulard and downtown communities. The community grants from the 2005 celebration were as follows:
- The Soulard Restoration Group -- $5,000 in seed money for a neighborhood wide trash pick-up initiative
- The Soulard Business Association -- $5,000 to provide permanent electrical power in Soulard Market Park for events throughout the year
- The Soulard School -- $5,000 to fund improvements on the grounds of this new neighborhood institution
- The Frenchtown Dog Park -- $5,000 to complete and open Soulard's only dog park, which has been many years in the making
The Foundation looks for projects that will have a substantial impact on the community. Where possible, the Foundation wants to either leverage additional funds through its grants, or provide funding necessary to complete a project.
To apply for a grant please click the application below and return it prior to the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on September 30, 2006.
Click here to download the RFP application.
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