Collectively, Nelly and Ashanti have sold 60 million albums, earned four Grammy Awards and 20 Grammy nominations. But when they walked through the doors of Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club on Monday night, they didn’t enter as a music superstar power couple.
They were Boys and Girls Club alumni who proved what is possible when an institution pours into young people and helps them realize their potential.
“I remember sitting on those wood floors,” Ashanti told a group of anxious but well-behaved young people. They were filled with excitement as they waited to be gifted brand-new bikes just in time for Christmas, thanks to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis and Raising Cane’s restaurants.
“My first talent show was at a Boys and Girls Club,” Ashanti said with a huge smile. “Right in the gym. We built our own stage.”…