Page 12 - SPIRIT-Fall2016

WomanofHeart

Parties.” The group collected $20,700
Empowered intellectually, spiritually and morally, graduates worth of coupons, as well as food,
serve as responsible members of the global community. blankets, shoes, textbooks, luggage,
school-supply items and more to ben-
Tina Steck ’92 efit homeless youth, troubled teens,
nursing-home residents, military
“Not all of us can do great things. But Society. Since she began volunteering families overseas, low-income schools
we can do small things with great love.” with the organization in 2002, Tina and water wells in Africa. Tina has
–St. Teresa of Calcutta has participated in six marathons as also sponsored a child in Honduras
Living those grace-filled words is exact- a runner, fund-raising mentor and through Unbound for the past 15
ly how Tina Steck ’92 approaches life. coach of 20-plus teams to raise over years. And when she turned 40, in
“It’s eye-opening to see how small $19,000 for the organization. lieu of gifts, she collected $6,170 in
gestures can mean so much,” Tina Then there is Special Olympics donations to build two homes for
acknowledged. “We can all do some- Missouri. Throughout the past six desperate families in Honduras and
thing for others. For example, I love years, Tina has taken her dedication Jamaica.
to travel, and when I have leftovers “Over the Edge” – rappelling seven This past August, Tina’s efforts
that I can’t take back to a hotel, I get times down 19- and 17-story St. Louis were recognized by her parish, when
them to-go and offer them to a person downtown buildings – to raise money she received the Archdiocesan Mir-
who is homeless. When visiting less- through the Special Olympics’ annual ror of Justice Award. The award is
developed nations, I bring a big bag of fund-raiser. “It’s exciting to rappel bestowed upon women who “actively
crayons, pencils, erasers, stickers and down the building, but what’s more work to change systematic injustice
small toys to give out to children. exciting,” Tina said, “is knowing that and promote human dignity; who live
“If I have made someone smile, I’m making it possible for our athletes justly and leave people uncomfortable
whether directly or indirectly, it’s a to have their own incredible experi- in their own complacency.”
good day,” she added. ences in the pool or on the field, court As a person who is the antithesis
For Tina, who works full-time as or track.” of pride, Tina doesn’t serve others for
Advancement Associate of Marketing Tina also has served the organiza- recognition. “I just do it because it’s
and Publications at Ursuline Academy, tion as a venue coordinator of spring the right thing to do,” she stated. “I
there is a joy to be found in giving. games in St. Louis and as a Planning was very humbled to receive the Arch-
“Giving your time, talent or treasure Committee member. And in 2012, diocesan award.”
doesn’t take Special Olympics Missouri recognized Tina credits her passion for doing
anything away her commitment with the St. Louis the right thing with her parents, who,
from you,” she Area Outstanding Volunteer Award. today, are still involved in parish and
said. “Rather, But the “small things” that Tina community activities. That instilled
it fills you does with “great love” don’t end there. desire to give back then blossomed as
with the joy of As a member of Curé of Ars Parish, she a Cor Jesu student, when Tina started
knowing that currently serves as the Parish Pastoral working toward the Bronze and Silver
you have made Council president, annual shoe-drive Congressional Awards and when she
a positive im- coordinator, editor of the parish news- joined the C.A.R.E. (Christian Action
pact on some- letter, co-chair of the Christmas party Reaching Everyone) Club.
one’s life. ” and a Eucharistic Minister. In 2012, “I always remember that the love
Take Tina’s in an effort to inspire philanthropic of the heart of Christ is in me,” Tina
work with the involvement, she launched “Tina’s 12 stated humbly. “We all have been
Leukemia & in ’12,” asking 28 friends to support tasked to share that love.”
Lymphoma various charities through monthly “T- It is a “great love” at that!