---
title: "Giving Back Where It Matters: How One Foundation Connects Neighbourhood Roots to STEM Futures"
description: Rock Hill Turner Foundation’s fundraiser unites St. Louis in support of women, STEM education and community impact–inspiring local action for change
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2025-09-16T12:04:56.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T22:05:37.331Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/giving-back-where-it-matters-how-one-foundation-connects-neighbourhood-roots-to-stem-futures
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/2q3ivd-hsam.jpg
categories: Philanthropic Minds
content_type: News
region: St. Louis
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

St. Louis has always been a city where exploration meets community pride. From the Gateway Arch reaching towards the sky to the historic neighbourhood parks where children first discover their love for learning, this city understands that meaningful change begins close to home. On 20 September, the [Rock Hill Turner Foundation](https://www.rockhillturner.org/events) will host its inaugural fundraiser – a perfect example of how local passion can spark real support for women and young people in STEM fields.

The foundation represents something special: three founders who chose to [give back](https://richwoman.co/article/what-drives-you-to-keep-giving-the-heart-and-hope-behind-philanthropy-s-champions) exactly where they found their own inspiration. Brigadier General (BG, USA, Ret.) C. David Turner serves as CEO, bringing his mathematical sciences background and military leadership experience to the cause. His local roots run deep – so deep that [Turner Park in Rock Hill](https://www.stlamerican.com/news/local-news/park-in-rock-hill-renamed-for-brig-gen-c-david-turner/) was renamed in his honour in 2018, acknowledging his community contributions. Alongside him, Ms. Jeri L.W. Turner, Esquire, serves as President, whilst Mr. Ronald (Ron) Moore, President of Synergy Construction Group and Chief Operating Officer, completes the leadership trio.

Their connection to place matters deeply. As Ron Moore explains: ‘We are delighted to host our inaugural fundraiser in the vicinity of the Rock Hill Turner Park which is surrounded by the neighbourhood that inspired the creation of this foundation. Just as St. Louis represents the intersection of exploration, industry and the complexities of American history, we are motivated to make the foundation a supporter of environmental exploration and education so that American industry can fashion a better future for all.’

## Why STEM Support Feels Personal Here

For many St. Louis families, supporting STEM and environmental education isn’t an abstract cause – it’s about addressing real challenges their children face every day. Recent research reveals that [less than 25% of youth maker space experiences](https://www.npr.org/2024/07/04/nx-s1-5026815/one-shop-class-at-a-time-a-st-louis-group-is-getting-young-girls-interested-in-stem) in STEM fields involve girls, with participation dropping sharply after eighth grade. Meanwhile, the city grapples with environmental justice issues, including [lead exposure in predominantly Black neighbourhoods](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/sustainability/urban-vitality-ecology/index.cfm) and urban ecology challenges that directly affect families’ daily lives.

BG David Turner understands these stakes personally: ‘The vision of the RHT Foundation is to offer experiences and resources for individuals to have access to STEM professional opportunities, and provide monetary gifts for natural resource environments, including but not limited to improved and unimproved land, water and animal concerns.’ His military background in mathematical sciences gives weight to his commitment – this isn’t charity from a distance, but investment from someone who knows what doors STEM education can open.

Jeri Turner focuses on the human stories behind the statistics: ‘Through our website, the Foundation will highlight the impact of our support, as we aim to raise awareness about the importance of STEM education, accept contributions to further our cause, and inspire others to join us in shaping a brighter future.’ In a city where [Black students have STEM talent but lack adequate exposure](https://www.stlpr.org/education/2024-03-27/new-report-finds-black-students-need-exposure-to-stem-careers) to career possibilities, this practical approach to showcasing real outcomes could make all the difference. Like [other educators who champion youth development](https://richwoman.co/article/teaching-kids-that-kindness-counts-tracy-drost-s-mission-as-mrs-illinois-america-2025), the foundation believes early exposure builds confidence that lasts.

## An Event Designed to Welcome

The inaugural fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday 20 September from 1.00pm to 5.00pm at The Lucas Schoolhouse (1220 Allen Avenue), promises an afternoon that feels more like a community celebration than a formal fundraising event. Musical entertainment by Mr. Julius Williams, ‘Man of 1000 Voices’, will set a lively tone, whilst a silent auction and sumptuous appetiser buffet give guests plenty to enjoy whilst supporting the cause.

The venue choice reflects the foundation’s community-first approach – The Lucas Schoolhouse connects naturally to their educational mission whilst remaining accessible to local families. For women considering attendance, the format offers multiple ways to engage: browse auction items that support STEM initiatives, enjoy quality entertainment and connect with others who share concerns about their children’s educational futures. [Community fundraising events](https://richwoman.co/article/how-a-glass-of-lemonade-brings-hope-the-people-behind-boyd-homes-community-fundraiser) like this one often become the foundation for lasting connections between families who care about similar causes.

This year’s major donor recognition goes to MacDonald-Bedford LLC, an architectural and engineering firm from North Carolina. The company’s credentials – Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business offering specialised expertise in architectural, engineering and environmental services – align perfectly with the foundation’s values. This isn’t about corporate sponsorship for publicity sake; it’s about people who understand the mission getting personally involved.

## Building Something That Lasts

By establishing this as an annual tradition, the Rock Hill Turner Foundation signals its commitment to sustained impact rather than one-off gestures. In a city where organisations like [Blackrock Consulting](https://blackrockconsulting.org/) already work on environmental justice education and where initiatives like Black Girls Do STEM address the participation gap through mentorship, the foundation positions itself as part of a growing network of local solutions.

The founders’ decision to root their work in the neighbourhood that inspired them offers a model for others wondering how to make meaningful contributions. Rather than seeking the biggest stage or the most visible platform, they’re proving that lasting change often happens when people invest deeply in places they know well. Women across the country are finding similar ways to [support classroom needs and educational equity](https://richwoman.co/article/beyond-art-how-a-brush-brings-hope-to-a-classrooms-in-need) in their own communities, showing that local action creates real results.

### Where Home Leads to Hope

As September approaches, the Rock Hill Turner Foundation’s inaugural event represents more than fundraising – it’s a reminder that giving works best when people remember where they came from and choose to expand opportunities there. STEM education can feel distant from daily life, but these three founders show how [neighbourhood roots can nurture futures](https://richwoman.co/article/planting-the-seeds-of-hope-the-heart-of-back-to-school-jamfest) that reach far beyond any single community boundary.

For anyone questioning what ‘[giving back](https://richwoman.co/article/honouring-three-decades-of-making-youth-sports-possible-and-the-power-of-creating-a-better-fu)’ really means, this foundation offers a compelling answer: start where your heart connects to place, support what you understand matters most and trust that others will recognise authentic commitment when they see it. Sometimes the most meaningful work begins not with grand gestures, but with neighbours deciding their community deserves better – and doing something concrete about it.