Celebrating Connection & Holiday Fun at BFT’s Annual Team Holiday Party!

The Bringing Families Together team gathered at the beautiful River Camp at the Saint Louis Zoo for our Annual Team Holiday Party on December 6 — a favorite tradition and a chance to relax, laugh and enjoy time with one another outside of our day-to-day work for our children and families.

This year’s theme was animals, and our team truly delivered. From playful animal prints to creative costumes (including a few show-stopping onesies), the room was filled with personality, color and plenty of smiles.

A White Elephant Exchange Full of Laughter

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the classic White Elephant “Rob Your Neighbor” gift exchange.

Animal-themed gifts filled the tables, and the competition was lively. There were strategic steals, surprised reactions, and lots of good-natured laughter as gifts changed hands again and again.

As always, it was less about the presents and more about the shared experience.

Costumes, Contests & Big Winners

With so many creative outfits, the costume contest was especially fun  — and judging was no easy task! We’re excited to officially recognize this year’s winners:

• 🏆 Best in Show: Dawn Mathes, Lead Family Support Specialist on our Home Visitation team, for her unforgettable donkey costume — equal parts clever and confident.

• 🎀 Best Accessories: Angel Crawford, TLSS Coordinator for our Transitional Living Scattered Site team, whose thoughtful details took her look to the next level.

• 🐢 Best Animal Impersonation: Chad Baker, Family Development Specialist on our Resource team, who fully committed to his turtle costume and performance, much to everyone’s delight.

In addition to the costume contest, several other games and mini-competitions took place throughout the afternoon, adding even more opportunities for fun, prizes and friendly rivalry.

Good Food, Great Company

Guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and open bar (drinks enjoyed responsibly), providing plenty of time to connect, share stories and unwind. Whether chatting with teammates, meeting a colleague’s +1, or simply taking in the Zoo setting, the afternoon offered space to slow down and enjoy one another’s company.

Grateful for Our Team

Events like our Annual Holiday Party are a reminder of the people who make Bringing Families Together what it is. We’re thankful for our dedicated team and for the compassion, care and commitment they bring to their work every day.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — and to those who helped make this celebration such a success. We’re already looking forward to the year ahead.