Standing Taller because of MiriamSubmitted by Kelly Brunsma

When I think of my seven-year-old son, Cole, I think of a spirited kid who has not allowed his challenges to steal his joy. He is sweet, bright, funny, and altogether

interesting. When he is not busy being a second grader at Miriam School, Cole loves playing with his dad – be it baseball, wrestling or video games – or vibrantly singing along to his favorite songs or drawing the blueprint of his future city.

The spirited kid Cole is today did not come so easily. Only in the safe learning environment that is Miriam has he truly begun to blossom. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a little more than a year ago, communication and social interaction has been a challenge. At an early age, Cole showed no interest in his peers and never wanted to play or frequent “typical” kid places. During his toddler years, we attributed several unsuccessful attempts at childcare and preschool to his comfort of being at home with me. In retrospect, we realized that although he could speak, he lacked the ability to process and express language necessary for effective interaction.

We could not have imagined what a struggle school would be for Cole. Our district’s “least resistance” approach landed him in a classroom of twenty kids, despite his language and social challenges. The idea was to start with as few accommodations as possible and add others as deemed necessary. However, going from not interacting with any kids at all to being one of twenty was predictably overwhelming. And, although the district had the resources to eventually accommodate some of his needs; it wasn’t able to do so in a timely manner. After one semester of kindergarten we pulled Cole out in favor of homeschooling, with the goal of finding a more fitting school.

Cole attended Miriam’s summer programming prior to starting first grade at Miriam School. It was rocky at first, but with deep pressure hugs from caring staff to get him in the building, a small class size, and a therapeutic environment, he progressed quickly.

Gone are the days of trying to explain the intricacies of our son to general educators. My husband and I feel a great sense of relief with Cole at Miriam because everyone gets it! Just one small example: Cole’s teacher, Ms. Angie (Lavin), had the other students turn their backs to Cole every time he did morning meeting last year so he

Unlocking your child’s potential.

V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 3 — 2 0 1 4

matters

could avoid eye contact because it made him so uncomfortable. This year he is able to do the same task with everyone looking at him.

In less than a year, Cole went from not having one friend to having his first birthday party at seven years old with seven new friends. From being terrified to start school last year to counting down the days until the first day of school this year. From needing that deep pressure hug and assistance to get to class to hopping out of the car in the drop-off line and zipping to class all on his own. And, his ability to express himself more effectively with language is coming along quite nicely. He stands a little taller and lets the outside world in a little more.

When I think of my son, Cole, I think of the essence of Miriam – a school where learning disabilities don’t define kids, or take away from their true potential. Where specialized staff and educators meet kids where they are, teach them how they learn best, and destigmatize differences in a safe environment. Miriam has become a partner in our family’s effort to guide Cole in becoming his best self. And, while he has a ways to go, we are so very proud of how far he has come. m

my miriamstory

He went from being terrif ied to start

school last year to counting down the days

until the f irst day of school this year.

Helping Miriam Reach Growth Goals

When Suzie and Bill Florent were looking for a school for their daughter, Casey, Suzie often said they would know they had found the right place when they didn’t cry after the first meeting. Miriam School turned out to be the right place for Casey.

Casey began attending Miriam in third grade and was a member of the first eighth grade graduating class in 2003. Miriam was where she learned to read, write, and believe in herself.

“The individual attention delivered by a very seasoned and dedicated staff made and still makes the difference at Miriam,” Bill said. “Today Casey is a happy, social 26 year-old with a job and friends. She loves to bowl and knows the birthdays of all the St. Louis Cardinals players,” he added with pride.

It was Bill’s up close and personal experience of seeing how Miriam fulfills the needs of children with learning disabilities coupled with his passion for the mission that drew him to get involved with the organization’s Board ten years ago. Since that time he has held various positions including treasurer, served on the finance and scholarship committees, and endowed the “Suzie and Bill Florent Scholarship Fund” with his wife.

On July 1, 2014, Bill became Miriam’s Board 62nd President. “The organization is on the cusp of a significant growth opportunity, supported by our strategic plan. In my business career I have been blessed to be part of companies with growth strategies. With that background, I feel that I can help Miriam reach their growth goals,” Bill explained.

32 M I R I A M M A T T E R S

Scholarship Campaign Donors 2014-2015 June 1, 2014 through November 23, 2014

EMERALD$75,000-$99,999Crawford Taylor Foundation

SAPPHIRE$10,000-$24,999Episcopal Presbyterian Health TrustThe Mildred, Herbert & Julian Simon

Foundation

PEARL$5,000-$9,999Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. LouisThe Webb Foundation

AMETHYST$1,000-$4,999Dr. and Mrs. Arthur AuerGeorge L. DiederichJennifer & Dustin GajBarbara E. Geno, Ed.D.Mr. and Mrs. Norman GilbertJennifer & Thomas Hillman,

Suzie, Casey and Bill Florent

Hillman Family Foundation of the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation

Karen & Fred WolffJames H. Woods Jr. Foundation

TOPAZ$500-$999Nanette & John BouchardJoan & Marcus Sessel

OPAL$1-$499Melissa BrandtKay & Leo DreyYvette FobianTami KiemDr. & Mrs. John J. LangDrs. Todd & Cynthia LucasDiane MandleHelen McLaughlinRachel MillerMary Mills

Miriam PessinErica PfeifferBetty B. SchwartzMrs. Frances SiegelJoseph B. SilvermanThe Frank & Bessie Spielberg FoundationDr. Arlene StiffmanLisa & William Stover Dale & Stanley WaldNancy and Steve WeinreichChris WheelerWilliam B. WilsonMr. & Mrs. Michael Zaccarello

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIESThe Boeing CompanyMonsanto TIAA-CREF Financial Services

3

IN MEMORY OF

DANNY BLUESTONEJeanne & Aron Katzman (AG)

DR. ROBERT COHENJeanne & Aron Katzman (AG)Laurie & Lee Wielansky (AG)

LOUIS S. DENNIG JR.Mary & Phil Marblestone (MS)

MARVIN DUBAJames Tabor (AG)

FRED EPSTEINJeanne & Aron Katzman (AG)

DAVID FRANKAnn & Stan Abrams (FF)Jean Agatstein & Les Loewe (FF)Robin & Scott Alton (FF)Susan Arenberg (FF)Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Arkin (FF)Maureen & Tom Armstrong (FF)Mary & Jeff Ayers – The Ayers

Family (FF)Kathy & Terry Bader (FF)Selma & Blair Balk (FF)Barbara Barenholtz & Milton Hieken

(FF)Mr. & Mrs. Clarence C. Barksdale

(FF)Norma & Morton Baron (FF)Susan & Scott Baum (FF)Andrea & Bob Bauman (FF)Becker & Rosen CPAS LLC (FF)Wendy Bell & Steven Werdel (FF)Peg & John Bischof (FF)BJC Healthcare (FF)Gail & Jim Breaugh (FF)Marcia Broddon (FF)Elissa & Paul Cahn (FF)Doris J. Cheng (FF)Class of 1954 at Amherst College

(FF)Carol & Ed Cohen (FF)Boo & Chuck Cook (FF)Anne & Marty Epstein (FF)Donna & Rob Epstein (FF)Alison & Joe Falcone (FF)Julie Forb & Bob Bowman (FF)J.R. Frank (FF)Sally & Don Friedman (FF)Carolyn Furfine (FF)Amy Gallant (FF)Diane & Paul Gallant (FF)Helene & Dick Glass (FF)Gail & Larry Glenn & Alyssa Fritz

(FF)Judith S. & Joseph Glik (FF)Harriet & Barry Goldberg (FF)Susan Goldberg (FF)Lanie & Milton Goldenberg (FF)Marilyn & Arnold Goldman (FF)Ralph Goldsticker (FF)Carolyn & Adam Goodman (FF)Judy & Keith Grosz (FF)Maxine & Louis Heyman (FF)Sam Heyman (FF)Mr. and Mrs. M. Myron Hochman

(FF)Janice & Whitey Holt (FF)Celia & Tim Hosler (FF)Leslie & Peter Jacob (FF)Nancy Kalishman (FF)Jeannine & Alan Kaufman (FF)Lynne Kipnis & Steve Rothman (FF)Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kramer (FF)Berry & Thomas Lane (FF)Elayne & David Lieberman (FF)Patty & Larry Malashock (FF)Ann Mandelstamm & Children (FF)Mary & Phil Marblestone (FF)Joyce & Art Margulis (FF)Phyllis & George Markus (FF)Lisa Mechele (FF)Debi & Mark Mehlman (FF)Donna Moog & Leonard Landsbaum

(FF)Elizabeth Morrison (FF)Darcy & Bill Muchnick (FF)Bobbie & Jesse Myer (FF)Marita & Fred Perlak (FF)Bernice & Bob Riley (FF)Bettye Rosen (FF)Caryn & Bruce Sandweiss (FF)Claire Schenk (FF)

Leanne & Harvey Schneider (FF)Judy Schwartz (FF)Esther & Hank Schweich (FF)Judi Scissors (FF)D.J. Serkes & Herbert Ribstein (FF)Audrey Shanfeld (FF)Mary & Kenneth Shapiro (FF)Karla & Peter Shelton (FF)Jenny & Walter Shifrin (FF)Barbara & David Smith (FF)Elizabeth Smith (FF)Ruth Sobel (FF)Harriet & Bruce Spain (FF)Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Spitzer (FF)Don Steele (FF)Lynette & Jim Stelzer (FF)

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert M. Talcoff (FF)

Lisa & Andy ThorpAnne & Joe Tolan (FF)Robert Tucker (FF)

Ellen & Sanford Weiss (FF)Shirley Weiss & Allyn Aach (FF)Westwood Country Club Women’s 18

Hole Golf Group (FF)Laurie & Lee Wielansky (FF)Judy & Jerry ZafftMarlene & Gene Zafft (FF)Robin Zwick (FF)

LOUIS GILULAKarla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

JACK GOLDENBERGDallas & Rich Mange (MS)

BEN GOLDMANZelda & Ron Brown (MS)

SELMA GOLDSTEINJackie Bergmann (MS)Toby & Colman Kraus (AG)Phyllis & George Markus (AG)Miriam Board & Staff (AG)Joyce Schneiderman & Family (MS)Judi Scissors (AG)Sally & Al Shapiro (AG)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)Amy & Brad Worth (AG)Judy & Jerry Zafft (AG)Marilyn & Chaim Zimbalist (AG)

SIDNEY GREENBERGGladys Barker (SF)

DR. BYRON GROSSSusan & John Murphy (AG)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

DR. KARIN GUBINCarol Lasker (MS)Karla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

CAROLYN JACOBSCarol Margolis (MS)

SHEILA KAMENETZKYEleanor Rosenbaum (AG)Karla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

CAROL LITTMANNJean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS)Gladys Barker (SF)Susan & John Murphy (AG)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

RALPH LOWENBAUMKarla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

ALBERT MELMANShirley & Larry Schermer (AG)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

ABE PERSKYKarla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

ART POGERJeanne & Aron Katzman (AG)

LESLIE RICHSally & Don Friedman (MS)Jeanne & Aron Katzman (AG)

MAHLON RUBINSuzanne Lasky (AG)

I want people to know that

children with learning

disabilities can be successful

and Miriam is a big part of

that success. – Bill Florent

Honors and MemorialsJune 1, 2014 through November 23, 2014

Bill brings with him 30 years of accounting, finance, and commercial real estate experience. He is the former CFO at Cassidy Turley and is currently launching his own commercial real estate investment business.

“Among my top priorities over the next two years are to complete the growth analysis for the organization and determine how that plan impacts the current property,” he said. “Another goal is to leverage The Miriam Learning Center’s relationships with its Charter School partners and others to continue to establish Miriam as the Learning Disability Experts.”

“I want people to know that children with learning disabilities can be successful and Miriam is a big part of that success. As Board President, I will make sure that Miriam continues to succeed and reach even more students and families who have a need for our very special education services.” m

M I R I A M S T L . O R G | M I R I A M M A T T E R S 4

ALVIN SACHARGladys Barker (SF)Sis Mange (MS) Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

PAUL SELIGSOHNBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

GEORGE SERBENNicholas Serban (AG)

DAVID SHERMANLaurie & Lee Wielansky (MT)

SANFORD SHIFRINBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

CELESTE SINGERSusan Rich (AG)

MARVIN STEINBERGZelda & Ron Brown (MS)

BARBARA JEAN TAECKENS Zelda & Ron Brown (MS)

HERBERT TALCOFF Carol Lasker (MS)

BEVERLY TOBERSally & Don Friendman (MS)

RONALD UNELLZelda & Ron Brown (MS)

KAY WILSONJane Wilson (AG)

RICHARD SCOTT WINFIELDZelda & Ron Brown (MS)

MICHAEL WORTHMiriam Foundation, Board & Staff

(AG)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

GENE ZAFFTJean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS)Elaine & Rick Bender (MS)Barb & Dan Bindler (MS)Radine & Ben Borowsky (MS)Edie & Harvey Brown (MS)Nadia Danett (MS)Pat & Jim Fogle (MS)Gail Frapolli (MS)Lois & Bob Friedman (MS)Julie Frohlichstein (MS)Nancy & Bob Gellman (AG)Ruth Goldberg (MS)Lanie & Milton Goldenberg (AG)Sheilah Gross & Sanford

Wertheimer (MS)Rita Horwitz (MT)Barbara Karant, Joyce Karant &

Krystyna Miguel (AG)Joan & Jerry Kaskowitz (MS)Lois & Ed Kent (MS)Dianne & Thomas Klein (AG)Susie Knopf (AG)Linda & Jerome Kraus (MS)Sharon Joseph (AG)Honey & Larry Langsam (MS)Hadassah & Buddy Lebman (AG)Rita Levis (MS)Adele & Arthur Litz (MS)Carolyn & Joseph Losos (TW)Susie & Sam Luten (FF)Linda & Scott Malin (MS)Mary & Phil Marblestone (MS)Shelley Marglous (MS)Sharon & Allen Mariam (AG)Renée & Bruce Michelson (AG)Barbara & Michael Newmark (MS)Merle & Marty Oberman (AG)Marilyn Oglander (AG)Suzanne Pass (MS)Bernice & Bob Riley (MS)JoEllen & Leonard Rubenstein (MS)Phyllis & Marvin Sandweiss (MS)Helen & Julian Seeherman (MS)Karne & Mark Seigel (MS)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)Marcee, Jill, & Karen Silverstein

(MS)Myrna & Jerry Sokolik (MS)Harold Tzinberg (AG)Lisa Mach Wetzel (MS)

Nina & Edgar Wolff (MS)Scott Zaft (MS)David Zafft (MS)Judy & Jerry Zafft (AG)

MIKI ZIMRINGAudrey & Leonard Adreon (JG)Jean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS)Martha & David Aronson & Family

(AG)Barbara Barenholtz & Milton

Hieken (AG)Susan & Roger Berent (AG)Barbara & Dan Bindler (AG)Ellen Bluestone (AG)Barbara & David Boxer (ML)Joyce & Charles Brandt (AG)Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Burstein (MS)Laurie & Joe Caro (AG)Nancy & Howard Chudacoff (AG)Jackie & Carl Conceller (AG)Diane & Edward Deutch (AG)Beverly Ehrich & Carl Freedman

(AG)Linda Estell (AG)Jill & Danny Fox (AG)Marilyn & Sam Fox (AG)Cheryl & Larry Franklin (AG)Sharon & Barry Friedman (AG)Dr. & Mrs. Dan Frissell & the

Moloney Family (AG)Katie Gewirz (AG)Carol & Byron Goldenhersh (AG)Carolyn & Edward Goldenhersh

(AG)Dorothy B. Gould (AG)Laura & Ted Greenberg (MS)Growing Green, Inc. (AG)Mahendra Gupta (AG)Judith & Harvey Harris (AG)Terry & Harvey Hieken (MT)Michelle & Michael Isserman (AG)Paula & Jerry Jennings (AG)Bobby & Guy Jester (AG)Jeanne & Aron Katzman (MS)Dr. & Mrs. Allan Kolker (AG)Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kramer (AG)Honey & Larry Langsam (AG)Julie & Bill Lawson (AG)Hadassah & Buddy Lebman (AG)Nancy & Harvey Lehrer (MS)Sondra & Norman Levenson (AG)Dottie Levin (MS)Deborah & Peter Lipman (AG)M&A Real Estate Partners LLC

(AG)Meadowbrook Country Club (AG)Renée & Bruce Michelson (AG)Merle & Marty Oberman (AG)Personal Touch Cleaning LLC (AG)Laurie & Todd Platt (AG)Rochelle Popkin (AG)Dr. Al & Marsha Postar (AG)Professional Equities, Inc./Bob

Rives (AG)Joan Quicksilver (AG)Geri & Mel Rich & Family (AG)Nancy & Al Rose (AG)Sheryl Rosen (AG)Eleanor Rosenbaum (AG)Karla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)Dianne & Bob Ross (MS)Peggy Ross (AG)Linda & Bob Saltman (AG)Judi Scissors (AG)Avery Seidel & Beverly Friedman

(AG)Sentient Jet (AG)D.J. Serkes (MS)Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)Marcee Silverstein & Family (AG)Ruth & Alvin Siteman (AG)Barbara & David R. Smith (ML)Shirley Snitzer (MS)Ruth & Don Solomon (AG)Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Spitzer (MS)Rosalie & Morris Sterneck (AG)Nan & Mike Suffian (AG)Karen Suroff (AG)Sue & Jerry Tessler (MS)Lisa & Andy Thorp (AG)Jane & Mark Tucker (AG)Beverly Turner and Family (AG)Joan & Howard Wittner (AG)Dr. June Wolff (AG)Judy & Jerry Zafft (AG)Karen & Mark Zorensky (AG)

IN HONOR OF

JEAN AGATSTEINSpecial BirthdayBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

MARTHA & DAVID ARONSONSpecial Occasions Barbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

BARBARA & DAN BINDLER50th AnniversarySharlene Wasserman (AG)

HARLYN BORTNICKSpecial BirthdaySis Mange (MS)

MARY COGNATAHappy BirthdayKay Calcaterra Hoelting (AG)

MARILYN FOXSpecial BirthdayPeggy Ross (AG)

DR. BYRON GROSS100th BirthdayBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

ELLIE & MOLLY KATZMANLaurie & Lee Wielansky (MT)

HENRY KRUSSELNew StudentDolores Lada (AG)Linda Magre (AG)

HONEY & LARRY LANGSAM2014 GalaLaurie & Larry Badler (GF)Virginia & John Eichhorn (GF)Jody Garber (LF)Betsy Newman (GF)Carl & Fay Simons (AG)Fredda, Ralph & Mindy Trehub

(GF)Judy & Jerry Zafft (GF)

ELLEN LEVINSONSpeedy RecoveryBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

CAROLYN & JOE LOSOSMarriage of Louise Losos & Beth

WigginsJean Agatstein & Les Loewe (MS)

ELEANOR MANDELSusan Murphy (AG)

BERNICE “SIS” MANGE100th BirthdayMaury & Michael Weinrobe (MS)

101st Birthday Dallas & Rich Mange (MS)Ken Mange & Family (MS)Mike Mange & Family (MS)

EVELYN PORTNOFF90th BirthdayDorothy Meyerson (MS)

MR. & MRS. MARVIN RICHMAN60th AnniversaryZelda & Ron Brown (MS) KARLA ROSENBLUM Special Birthday Sharyn & Ron Kessler (AG)

STEVE ROSENBLUMSpeedy RecoverySaundra & Bill Peck (MS)Eileen & Larry Schechter (AG)Donna & Robert Cohen (GF)

KARLA & STEVE ROSENBLUM40th AnniversaryDr. and Mrs. Edward Cohen (AG)Phyllis & Steve Kamenetzky (AG)Ricki & Neil Marglous (MS)Barbara & Mark Rosen (AG)

CHARLOTTE SCHNEIDER80th BirthdayKarla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

MR. AND MRS. BARRY SCHNURMAN

Daughter’s WeddingKarla & Steve Rosenblum (AG)

SUSAN SEWELLHappy RetirementSylvia Schulte (MS)

ARTHUR SILVERSpecial BirthdaySusan & John Murphy (AG)

Speedy RecoveryMarilyn Werner (AG)

BARBARA SILVERYvonne & Charles Selcer (GF)

SANFORD SPITZERHappy BirthdaySam Heyman (AG)

JAY STRAUSS100th BirthdayJenny & Walter Shifrin (AG)

NANCY WEINREICHSpeedy RecoveryRon Glazer (MS)Ann & Ashley Loiterstein (AG)Sharry & Steve Solomon (AG)

MARILYN WERNER Special BirthdayBarbara & Arthur Silver (AG)

ANTHONY “TONY” WILLIAMSSpecial Interest in Special EducationJenifer & Craig Strohbeck (AG)

GENE ZAFFTSpeedy RecoveryJoyce Schneiderman (AG)

MARLENE AND GENE ZAFFT60th AnniversaryChildren & Grandchildren (AG)Judy & Jerry Zafft (AG)

MORRIE AND MIKI ZIMRINGBat MitzvahJeffrey & Elaine Korn (AG)

2014 GalaBarbara & Dan Bindler (GF)Edith & Harvey Brown (GF)Eleanor Rosenbaum (GF)Judy & Jerry Zafft (GF)

IN MEMORIAMDavid FrankSemon Frelich

Funding Key: Miriam School Tribute Fund (MS)General Operating Fund (MT)Jeffrey Scott Gall Memorial Scholarship Tribute Fund (JG)Tesse B. Werner Educational Fund (TW) Stella M. Freund Educational Equipment Fund (SF)Annual Giving/Scholarship Campaign (AG) Hannah and Larry Langsam Scholarship Fund (LF)Margie and David Frank Family Scholarship Fund (FF)Miriam Library Fund (ML)An Evening for Our Stars Gala Fund (GF)

Tara’s 11 year-old son, Clayton, had a rough start in school. Diagnosed with ADHD and a sound system disorder that impairs his fluency and articulation of speech sounds, Clayton had trouble sustaining attention in

the classroom. Although he received special services at the school in his north St. Louis

neighborhood, the demand for those services in his district was so high that Clayton got only a fraction of the help he needed and quickly fell behind his peers.

“Clayton was suffering,” Tara recalls. “He was just going through the motions. He was overwhelmed by school and didn’t want to go.”

Tara brought Clayton to Miriam School at the start of his third grade year and saw an immediate improvement in his self-confidence and performance. “I noticed the change in Clayton in the first year,” Tara says. “He could not read a single sentence when he started, but by the end of that first year he was reading—and reading fluently!”

“He doesn’t want to miss one day at Miriam. He really feels like he has a place here…like he belongs. I was worried he was going to have difficulties succeeding in life but I no longer have those. He’s going to be okay.”

Clayton now aspires to follow in the footsteps of his mother and receive two advanced degrees. He is driven by his curiosity and desire to help others, and aims to achieve his goal of becoming a police officer or firefighter. He demonstrates this ambitious spirit at Miriam School every day.

“Clayton is very compassionate and has tremendous leadership qualities,” says Mary Cognata, Associate Head of Miriam School. “He came to me last year with the idea to host a candy sale to raise money for Miriam’s scholarship fund. He said, ‘this is like the best school ever and I want to make sure all kids can come here.’ ” The first candy sale raised $262.00 and plans are already underway for the second one. m

Driven by Curiosity and Desire to Help Others

5 M I R I A M M A T T E R S

Clayton Harmon

Giving for Generations

I am a f irm believer

that it’s not how you start,

it’s how you f inish.” – Tara Campbell

FINANCIAL TOOLS MAKE DOLLARS AND SENSE

Gifting Appreciated SecuritiesBenefits:Donating appreciated securities to Miriam has many tax advantages. First, the amount of the deduction the donor receives is equal to the full value of the security at the time of the donation, not the donor’s cost. Second, the donor is never taxed on the appreciation in the security, and… Third, Miriam can sell the appreciated security and pay no tax on the donor’s gain.

Donating appreciated securities makes much more sense than first selling the security, paying the taxes and then donating the remaining proceeds. It saves the donor money on taxes, allows the donor to receive the full benefit of the tax deduction, and it allows Miriam to receive the full value of the appreciated asset.

Named Scholarship Endowment Funds

Miriam’s Named Scholarship Endowment Fund (NSEF) provides a meaningful way for donors to help financially needy students through the scholarship program. The NSEF allows donors to personalize their contributions of $25,000 or more while also honoring or memorializing a person(s).

Arthur & Helen Baer Foundation Scholarship FundFred & Elsie Block Endowment FundCaro-Ritter Scholarship FundCPH Scholarship Fund in Honor of Dr. Kathie Pontikes*Dancy Family Educational Fund*Chester M. Flegel Trust in Memory of his Mother, Esther Flegel,

Scholarship FundDiane Goldsmith – Simon Cohen Scholarship FundKatherine S. Cook Memorial Scholarship FundGeorge N. & Myrtle B. Diederich Memorial FundSuzie & Bill Florent Scholarship FundMargie & David Frank Family Scholarship Fund*Stella M. Freund Educational Equipment FundJeffrey Scott Gall Memorial Scholarship Tribute Fund

Sidney Goldenberg, M.D. Technology FundLois E. Kendis Scholarship FundEleanore T. Kenney Memorial Scholarship FundHannah & Larry Langsam Scholarship FundTimothy & Michele Liebman Scholarship FundHazel Loewenwater Scholarship FundStanley & Lucy Lopata Scholarship FundClarence Mange Endowment FundMichael & Noémi Neidorff Scholarship FundBarbara & Art Silver Scholarship FundTesse B. Werner Educational FundAlan A. & Edith L. Wolff Endowment FundZimring Family Scholarship Fund*

*established in 2014

How to:The simplest way to donate appreciated securities to Miriam is to set up a donor advised fund through a brokerage house (e.g. Charles Schwab, Fidelity), and deposit the securities you would like to donate into the account (set up as the John & Mary Doe Charitable Fund, for instance). Once this has been done, the donor receives the deduction for the total value of the securities deposited in that year, even though the donor may decide to spread donations out over a period of years. Donations are made online on your behalf. m

Note: It’s always a good idea to check with your tax advisor if you’re contemplating making any charitable donations.v

A win-win

Miriam Foundation501 Bacon AvenueSt. Louis, Missouri 63119

OfficersPresident Bill Florent

Immediate Past PresidentJudi Scissors

Vice-President of ProgramsLynda Higbee

Vice-President of DevelopmentBerry Rounds Lane

Vice-President of AdministrationHarry Witte

SecretaryLaurie Caro

At-largeMichele Liebman

Board Members

Paul Belfer Barbara Bindler Lloyd Bruce Christopher Elliott Linda Estell Matt Fisher Todd Gentry Lanie Goldenberg Raymond Kleeman, PhD Larry Langsam Susie Luten Phil Mainquist Kim Nazaruk Lynn Reid Steve Rosenblum Barbara Silver Don Steele Anne Tolan Angela M. Vitale Sandy Washington Trish Winchell Harry Witte Judy Zafft Morrie Zimring

Executive DirectorAndrew Thorp, MPA

Advisory Committees

Professional Advisory Committee

Community Advisory Committee

Tiara Abu L. Louis Albert Lee Bascom, MSW,

LCSWKathy Bingley Lynn Christopher Trina Clark James Jean Deasy Steve Doll Ann Dunn Ben Essenburg Elisha Ferguson Kathy Fitzgerald Bill Florent

Gery Gremmelsbacher, MA, NSCP

Dennis Guilliams David Kaufman Bill Kent, Jr. Dr. Patricia Kopetz,

EdDKari Kraichely Belinda Leatherwood Ed Maggart Mike Malone Susan Marino Kevin Navarro Terri O’Daniel Dr. Sunny Pervil, PhD

Phil Pusateri Christina Rapp Rev. John Roberts Dr. Jim Russell, PhD,

LPC Dr. Paul Simons, MDDr. Zinia Thomas, MDAnne Tolan Mary Tovar Jodi Turley Katie Uldall-Welch John Viser John Yunker, MS, LPCarolyn Zacarian, MSW,

LCSW

Gladys Barker Jacquette Bergmann Marcia Broddon Gretchen G. Davis Marilyn Fox Julie Frohlichstein

Judy Gall Bettie Gershman Kathy Hartmann Mary Ann Lee E. Bry Lefton Bernice “Sis” Mange

Bert Melchior Noémi Neidorff JoEllen Rubenstein Marlene Zafft

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

314.968.3893www.miriamstl.org

Our MissionMiriam improves the quality of life for children with learning disabilities and their families through innovative and comprehensive programs.

inside:My Miriam Story: Cole Brunsma Bill Florent Clayton Harmon Giving for Generations Gifting Appreciated Securitites