The Central West End Association’s 2025 Awards Party was held on Friday, October 10, at the ultra-hip Maryland House, for the second year.
There are usually two awards that are presented at the annual event, The Polk Award, which was initiated in 1991, and the Renaissance Award, which was begun in 1993. This year, special recognition was also given to four extraordinary volunteers who have played an ongoing part in tornado relief efforts.
The Polk Award, which is named after the late William Julius Polk (aka “Polky”), recognizes the leadership and impact of an individual who has contributed to the welfare of the Central West End.
The 2025 Polk Award was given to Jim Whyte, middle, who has served as Executive Director of the CWE’s Neighborhood Security Initiative since 2012. Whyte is surrounded by CWEA board members from left, Shari Whay, President Lindsey Tsvetanov, Secretary Celeste Vossmeyer, V. P. Becca Vossmeyer, Chris Peimann, and Treasurer Dan Boccabella.
In his remarks, Whyte noted that he appreciated the support and generosity of the residents of the Central West End for enabling the work that the Neighborhood Security Initiative does for the community, and that the award is really a tribute to everyone on the staff at the NSI office at 447 N. Euclid. “It’s definitely a team effort,” he said.
The Renaissance Award recognizes organizations that have made a positive economic or social impact on the Central West End. The inspiration for the Renaissance Award comes from its inaugural recipient, Leon Strauss, a prominent urban pioneer and preservationist responsible for developing the CWE’s DeBaliviere Place and Kingsbury Square, in addition to many revitalization efforts throughout St. Louis.
2025’s Renaissance Award was given to three adjacent businesses in the 360 block of North Boyle: St. Louis Actors’ Studio, Blue Strawberry, and Black Mountain Wine House.
St. Louis Actors’ Studio Board Member Laura Stefacek, above, accepted the award on behalf of Executive Director William Roth, who was out of town.
Jim Dolan, above, proprietor of Blue Strawberry, located at 364 N. Boyle, expressed his gratitude for the Renaissance Award. Blue Strawberry opened just before Covid shut everything down, but survived that challenging time and in the years since has attracted an audience eager to see musical talent Dolan brings to the venue from all over the country. Here is the calendar of upcoming events, and a look at the menu too.
Black Mountain Wine House’s Proprietor Joe Baker, was not able to attend the event. Here is a post reporting the opening of the wine bar at 354 N. Boyle in 2023.
CWEA Treasurer Dan Boccabella recognized 5 volunteers, Ali and Justin Rand, Wesley Klaus, Carol Lehnhoff-Bell, and Danni Eickenhorst (photographed below). who have been assisting the community in recovery efforts since the devastating tornado struck on May 16. See his remarks below.
“In the immediate aftermath of the May tornado, Ali Rand transformed from a concerned neighbor into the heart of a powerful community-led recovery movement. For almost 5 months, she has been the central force organizing volunteers, coordinating vital resources, and providing unwavering support to countless families, inspiring an entire city with her incredible resilience and leadership. Alongside his wife Ali, Justin Rand was on the ground from the very first day. He made the crucial initial connection with fellow honoree Wes Klaus, a moment that sparked the incredible volunteer effort that has been instrumental in the neighborhood’s ongoing rebuilding process.”
“Affectionately known as the “Angel of Enright,” Wesley Klaus has been a constant presence and a beacon of hope for over 140 days. Arriving as a mason, he immediately became the community’s most valuable player, doing everything from tarping roofs and removing debris to protecting residents from predatory contractors. Wes has been the cornerstone of both the physical and emotional rebuilding of the neighborhood.”
“A true MVP of the recovery efforts, Carol Lehnhoff-Bell has been an exceptional leader in mobilizing and guiding volunteers. She has tirelessly organized teams for the essential, hands-on work of rebuilding, from cleaning every last brick to restoring landscapes, demonstrating the profound impact of dedicated, grassroots action.”
“As the CEO of HuSTL Hospitality and the visionary co-owner behind beloved establishments like Steve’s Hot Dogs and The Fountain on Locust and Fountain on Delmar, Danni Eickenhorst, above, is a true champion for St. Louis. When the May tornado struck two of her own restaurants, she immediately turned her personal challenge into a community lifeline. From her damaged locations, she served over 750 meals, distributed hundreds of bags of groceries, and raised more than $100,000 for other impacted businesses. Her tireless work continues to bring hope and beauty back to the area, proving that true hospitality is about serving the community in its greatest hour of need.”
I am happy to share this information with those of you who could not attend the event. It’s important to recognize the many contributions people have made to this wonderful neighborhood. Thanks to the board of the Central West End Association for continuing the award ceremony tradition.