Our Mission

THE R. WHITTINGTON FOUNDATION

The R. Whittington Foundation, founded by Rickey Whittington, is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and long-term stability for underserved communities. For more than two decades, the Foundation has operated with a philosophy rooted in sustainable impact rather than short-term relief. By prioritizing education, workforce readiness, economic dignity, and essential human needs, the Foundation has become a trusted pillar throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and surrounding regions.


The Foundation’s work is grounded in the belief that lasting change occurs when individuals are provided with consistent support, access to opportunity, and environments that encourage growth. Through strategic partnerships, community collaboration, and hands-on leadership, the R. Whittington Foundation continues to build pathways that empower individuals, strengthen families, and stabilize neighborhoods.

Mission & Vision

The mission of the R. Whittington Foundation is to create equitable access to education, employment, and essential resources for individuals and families facing systemic barriers. The Foundation emphasizes long-term community investment over temporary assistance, ensuring that support leads to independence, stability, and generational progress.

  • Create equitable access to education, employment, and essential resources
  • Focus on long-term community investment rather than short-term relief
  • Empower individuals while strengthening families and neighborhoods
  • Build sustainable partnerships across education, corporate, and civic sectors
  • Serve St. Louis City, County, and surrounding communities for over 20 years

Higher Education Access & Strategy

Higher education access is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s strategy for breaking cycles of p overty and expanding economic mobility. The Foundation works closely with colleges anduniversities to remove financial, social, and institutional barriers that often prevent studentsfrom completing degrees.


  • Strategic partnerships with Missouri State University, Lindenwood University, and Harris- Stowe State University

Scholarship Impact & Outcomes

The Foundation’s scholarship initiatives are designed not only to fund education but to support students throughout their academic journey. By pairing financial assistance withmentorship and accountability, the Foundation ensures students remain engaged,supported, and positioned for success.

Full-ride scholarships awarded across multiple higher education institutions


  • Academic mentoring and personal development support
  • Assistance through degree completion and career placement
  • Long-term objective of disrupting generational poverty through education

Signature Fundraising & Awareness Events

Signature events play a critical role in sustaining the Foundation’s work while also raising a wareness and fostering cross-sector collaboration. These events serve as both fundraisingplatforms and community engagement opportunities.


  • The Black & White Ball serves as the Foundation’s flagship fundraising and awareness e vent
  • High-profile partnership with artist and philanthropist Nelly
  • Collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation resulting in a granted Disney World wish
  • Events strengthen relationships between corporate sponsors, community leaders, and b eneficiaries

Youth & School Engagement Programs

Youth Engagement is central to the Foundation’s preventive approach to community d evelopment. By supporting students early, the Foundation helps build confidence,consistency, and academic success.


  • Service to more than 21 elementary schools across St. Louis City and County
  • Programs supporting attendance, academic performance, and student self-esteem
  • Back-to-school initiatives providing backpacks, supplies, uniforms, and shoes
  • Continuous mentorship and wellness-focused outreach since 2005

Bikes, Books & Literacy Initiatives

Meeting basic human needs is a critical component of community stability. The Foundation p rovides direct support to individuals and families facing hardship.


  • Distribution of more than 10,000 care packages
  • Provision of food, hygiene products, clothing, and seasonal necessities
  • Installation of 30 washer and dryer units in elementary schools
  • Service footprint spanning Missouri and Illinois

Black Girls Who Rock Awards

The Black Girls Who Rock Awards is a celebratory initiative dedicated to recognizing Black g irls and young women for excellence in academics, leadership, creativity, and communityinvolvement. This initiative reinforces positive identity, self-confidence, and visibility whilealigning with the Foundation’s broader mission of empowerment.


  • Recognition of academic excellence and leadership
  • Celebration of confidence, resilience, and cultural pride
  • Engagement of families, educators, and community leaders
  • Advancement of representation and mentorship opportunities

Dress Up & Suit Up Workforce Initiative

The Dress Up & Suit Up initiative addresses workforce readiness and economic dignity by preparing individuals to enter professional environments with confidence.


  • Hosted at Harris-Stowe State University
  • Distribution of 1,200 custom suits, 250 pairs of athletic shoes, and 100 Mac laptops
  • Integration of job fairs, employer engagement, and mentorship pipelines
  • Exposure to higher education and professional career pathways

Corporate Partnerships & Support

Corporate partnerships are essential to the scalability and sustainability of the Foundation’s p rograms.


  • Partnership with Nike focused on youth empowerment and equity
  • Distribution of more than 2,000 pairs of tennis shoes and backpacks
  • Public-private collaborations supporting long-term community outcomes

Feeding the Unhoused & Crisis Response

For more than 20 years, the Foundation has addressed food insecurity and homelessness through consistent outreach.


  • Origins tied to partnerships with the St. Louis Rams
  • Provision of meals, coats, tents, IDs, mobile phones, and referrals
  • Expanded services during holidays and periods of community crisis

Victims of Crime & Family Support Services

The Foundation provides rapid-response assistance to families impacted by violence or tragedy.


  • Collaboration with city and county police departments
  • Coordination with churches and community leaders
  • Long-term stabilization and healing support

Black & White Ball – Scholarship & Community Impact Program

The Black & White Ball is an annual scholarship event that has been making a t ransformative impact since its founding in 2007. Designed to support underservedcommunities, this elegant gathering does far more than celebrate—it invests in the future. At the heart of the event is a scholarship program that has provided full-ride scholarships tostudents attending Missouri universities, resulting in 440 college graduates to date. The event also features a collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and hosts a holidayfestival to bring joy and resources to local children during the season.


Together, these elements make the Black & White Ball a powerful blend of education,compassion, and celebration, driving real change across Missouri.

Winter Wonderland Extravaganza – A 20-Year Tradition of Giving

The Winter Wonderland Extravaganza is a heartfelt holiday event led by the R. Whittington Foundation, dedicated to bringing joy and support to children and families across Missouri.For the past 20 years, this annual toy drive and community outreach has been a cornerstoneof the Foundation’s mission.


Each year, the event provides toys and essential resources to underserved youth in St. Louis C ity, St. Louis County, House Springs Missouri, and Jefferson County. In its most recent year,the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza served over 3,000 children. To date, the R. Whittington Foundation has impacted over 50,000 lives through this and o ther initiatives.

Annual Turkey Drive – Fighting Food Insecurity, One Family at a Time

The Winter Wonderland Extravaganza is a heartfelt holiday event led by the R. Whittington Foundation, dedicated to bringing joy and support to children and families across Missouri.For the past 20 years, this annual toy drive and community outreach has been a cornerstoneof the Foundation’s mission.


Each year, the event provides toys and essential resources to underserved youth in St. Louis C ity, St. Louis County, House Springs Missouri, and Jefferson County. In its most recent year,the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza served over 3,000 children. To date, the R. Whittington Foundation has impacted over 50,000 lives through this and o ther initiatives.

Annual Washer & Dryer Drive – Clean Clothes, Clean Start

The Annual Washer & Dryer Drive is a unique initiative designed to support schools by addressing access to clean clothing and hygiene essentials. Through this drive, the Foundation has donated 30 washer and dryer sets to local e lementary schools in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, along with a six-month supply ofdetergent and fabric softener.


Each school also receives air mattresses, care packages filled with hygiene essentials, and backpacks with school supplies to ensure students are prepared and confident.

Services, Honors, Awards & Leadership Recognition

The Foundation’s impact has been recognized through numerous honors and leadership a ppointments.

  • 2005 – St. Louis Public Schools Award for Outreach and Community Service
  • 2018 – City of St. Louis Proclamation, former Mayor Francis Slay
  • 2018 – Harris-Stowe State University Outstanding Alumni Leader
  • 2018 – NAACP Freedom Fund Award Winner
  • 2019 – Hazelwood School District Community Partnership Award
  • 2023 – Resolution of Honor, St. Louis County Council – Black Girls Rock Celebration
  • 2023 – Lindenwood University, Doctor of Human Letters, and recognition of R. Whittington F oundation Scholarship
  • 2023 – Legacy Institute Award Winner Annual Turkey Drive – Fighting Food Insecurity, One Family at a Time Annual Washer & Dryer Drive – Clean Clothes, Clean Start Services, Honors, Awards & Leadership Recognition
  • 2024 – President’s Award, May Day Parade – Annie Malone Children & Family Services

Certificate of Community Service, State of Missouri Senate

The Betterment Road Inc. Award of Special Appreciation

Legacy, Impact & The Future

With more than two decades of measurable impact, the R. Whittington Foundation remains c ommitted to education, economic mobility, and equity. Through trust-based partnershipsand sustained investment, the Foundation continues to shape pathways toward long-termsuccess for future generations.