(St. Louis, Mo., March 5, 2024) Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)—a nonprofit that improves the lives of adults
with disabilities through employment opportunities—will honor Lincoln County resident Ralph Coose
with its 2024 Loving Hands Award. The ceremony will take place as part of BCI’s annual Derby After
Dark Gala on Saturday, May 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Mo.
Coose is a dedicated community leader known for his extensive involvement in various organizations. As
the former owner of CENTURY 21 Coose Realty, Ralph was pivotal in expanding real estate services in
Lincoln County. His contributions to the East Central Board of Realtors, including serving as Secretary,
Treasurer, President, and on the Board of Directors, have been instrumental in shaping Lincoln County’s
local real estate landscape.
Lincoln County resident and community leader Ralph Coose will be honored with the
2024 Loving Hands Award at BCI’s annual Kentucky Derby-themed gala on Saturday, May 4.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ralph has been actively engaged in community service, holding
memberships in organizations such as the Troy Elks Club, Troy Rotary, Troy Kiwanis Club, Troy
Chamber of Commerce, and Troy Fire Department. His commitment to philanthropy is evident through
his involvement in initiatives like the establishment of the Special Olympics in Lincoln County, for which
he was honored in 1998.
In 2011, Ralph’s dedication to serving the community led him to facilitate a meeting between BCI and
local stakeholders. This collaboration paved the way for BCI to open its Moscow Mills facility and offer
needed employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities residing in Lincoln County. Since the
facility opened, Ralph and fellow philanthropists at the Bank of Old Monroe and Berkshire Hathaway
Select Properties return each year to host a Thanksgiving luncheon for the BCI employees, exemplifying
his enduring commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
“Ralph Coose’s legacy of community leadership and philanthropy serves as an inspiration to all who have
had the privilege of working with him,” said BCI CEO Troy Compardo. “His unwavering commitment to
creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities has left an indelible mark on Lincoln County.”
The community is invited to help celebrate Ralph at the May 4 Kentucky Derby-themed gala by visiting
https://www.betterunite.com/BCI-derbyafterdark2024. Tickets are $185 per person and include an open
bar, dinner, live music, dancing, best-dressed contests, a live stream of the race, a silent auction, and
more. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All proceeds will benefit the development of BCI’s new pre-employment program, which will teach job skills and prepare individuals who need extra
assistance to enter the workforce.
Founded in 1959, BCI inspires and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
challenging personal growth and development through a continuum of innovative employment
opportunities. Headquartered at 200 Trade Center Dr. W in St. Peters, Mo., BCI currently employs more
than 230 adults with disabilities under its organizational employment program and serves dozens more
with employment services, vocational training, and follow-along services under its competitive
employment program and Skills Center.
For more information, call (636) 978-4300 or visit
https://www.boonecenter.com/.
