09/29/2026
For 25 years, the mission of The Little Bit Foundation has been powered by people. At our Join the Journey Gala on October 9, a celebration of our 25 years, we will honor those who represent the very best of what makes Little Bit special--our people.
Join us in congratulating this year's Spirit Award winners, and make plans to join us on October 9th if you haven't yet registered. Tickets are still available! https://e.givesmart.com/events/PwM/?isOrderFormActive=true
Maureen Bahn: Legacy Award for Spirit of Volunteerism
From Little Bit’s humble beginnings operating out of a basement, Maureen has volunteered in nearly every capacity, from working in the warehouse to helping with special events to serving as a school rep at several schools, touching the lives of countless students.
Ameren Missouri, Spirit of Giving
“Powering quality of life” is a mission that Ameren lives by in its work and community outreach. For more than a decade, Ameren has supported The Little Bit Foundation through drives, event sponsorship, volunteer groups, and generous grants, believing “education is foundational to driving better outcomes for everyone.”
Dr. Tanya Patton, Superintendent, Riverview Gardens School District, Spirit of Excellence in Education
Under Dr. Patton’s leadership, the Riverview Gardens School District has built vital community partnerships, enhanced leadership training, and experienced decreased suspension rates, increased student attendance, and steady academic growth. She has been a strong advocate and partner of Little Bit in her six years with the district.
Kristen Wild and Operation Food Search, Spirit of Partnership
Since 2013, Little Bit and Operation Food Search have partnered to bring the Sunny’s Closet program to Little Bit partner schools, providing more than 650,000 meals to students. Kristen Wild leads OFS as President and CEO, with a strategic focus on ending childhood hunger.
Shirley Wayne, Spirit of Volunteerism
In 2020, Shirley was introduced to Little Bit by her niece Colbi Wayne and has been a regular volunteer ever since, volunteering weekly at Walbridge Elementary, every month at the Patrick Henry food market, and wherever else needed. Why? Because “I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, encouraged, and hopeful,” she says.
Colbi Wayne, Little Bit Liaison, Confluence Academy - Old North Campus, Spirit of Little Bit
Colbi Wayne has spent 17 years in education, including the past 10 as a school counselor. In 2016, she became the school liaison for the partnership between Confluence and Little Bit, a role she describes as a “truly meaningful part of my journey in education.”
THANK YOU TO ALL for embodying the enduring spirit of Little Bit!
