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The Bloodworth House

The Designing Women Foundation

The Designing Women Foundation was created with a powerful purpose: to invest in the education, confidence, and future leadership of young women. We believe that when a young woman is given the opportunity to pursue her education, she gains the ability not only to transform her own life—but also to uplift families, strengthen communities, and inspire generations that follow.

Education has always been one of the most powerful tools for change. Through the Designing Women Foundation Scholarship Program, promising young ladies are given the financial support and encouragement they need to pursue higher education and reach their full potential. For many students, these scholarships mean the difference between a dream that remains distant and a future that becomes possible.

But the foundation is about more than financial assistance. It represents a commitment to empowerment, mentorship, and opportunity. Each scholarship symbolizes the belief that young women deserve to be supported, celebrated, and equipped to become the innovators, educators, professionals, and leaders of tomorrow.

Every year, talented and motivated young women stand ready to continue their education—but many face financial barriers that make that journey difficult. The Designing Women Foundation works to remove those barriers, opening doors to colleges, universities, and career paths that allow these young ladies to build bright and meaningful futures.

This life-changing work is made possible by individuals who believe in the power of education and the importance of investing in the next generation.

When you donate to the Designing Women Foundation, you are doing far more than contributing to a scholarship fund. You are placing confidence into the hands of a young woman who is ready to change the world. You are helping cultivate intelligence, ambition, and leadership that will echo throughout our communities for decades to come.

Education creates independence. Opportunity builds confidence. And together, they shape the future.

Become part of this legacy of empowerment.
Help educate, inspire, and uplift the next generation of extraordinary young women.

Donate today and join us in building a future where every young lady has the opportunity to succeed.

The Charlie Classics Reading Program

The Charlie Classics Reading Program was founded on a simple but powerful belief: a love of reading can change the course of a person’s life. Books open doors to imagination, knowledge, and confidence—giving students the tools they need to dream bigger, think deeper, and shape their own futures.

Named in honor of LBT’s grandfather, Charlie, the program was created to inspire a lasting appreciation for literature and learning. Through this initiative, every Poplar Bluff student in grades 7–12 is offered the remarkable opportunity to read and explore the one hundred greatest novels ever written—a challenge that expands both intellect and imagination while introducing students to some of the most influential stories in human history.

For more than three decades, the program has been sustained through the dedication of the community. To date, 357 volunteer community mentors, along with dozens of English teachers, have worked together to guide and encourage students through this extraordinary literary journey. Their mentorship helps young readers not only understand these classic works, but also discover the joy of thoughtful discussion, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

The Charlie Classics Reading Program is more than a reading list—it is a community tradition and a legacy of education. Each book read represents curiosity awakened, confidence built, and a young mind strengthened through the power of literature.

For many students, these books become milestones—stories that stay with them long after graduation and continue shaping how they see the world. Through the encouragement of mentors and teachers, generations of young readers have achieved what once seemed impossible: completing a journey through one hundred of the greatest works ever written.

But a legacy like this can only continue with the support of people who believe that education, mentorship, and great literature still matter.

Your generosity helps sustain this extraordinary program—supporting mentors, resources, and opportunities that allow future students to take part in this life-changing challenge.

When you donate, you are not simply giving to a program—you are helping preserve a reading tradition that has strengthened young minds in Poplar Bluff for more than thirty years.

Become part of the legacy.
Help turn pages into possibilities for the next generation of readers.
Donate today and keep the Charlie Classics tradition alive.

Designing Kids Program



At the heart of our mission is a simple belief: every child deserves encouragement, opportunity, and someone who believes in them. The Designing Kids Program was created to support underprivileged youth up to age 21, including those living in foster care and group homes. While based in Poplar Bluff, the program proudly serves children and young adults throughout Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, providing meaningful support during some of the most formative years of their lives.

Through mentorship and stewardship, the Designing Kids Program helps young people discover their potential and build confidence for the future. We actively encourage healthy lifestyles and personal growth by supporting participation in a wide range of sporting activities. Many children face barriers that prevent them from joining their peers in sports, so the program helps remove those obstacles by sponsoring athletic shoes, uniforms, and equipment.

Recognizing that emotional well-being is just as important as physical opportunity, the program also maintains a crisis support network of licensed psychologists who provide guidance, encouragement, and professional care for youth facing difficult circumstances.

Throughout the year, Designing Kids works to make everyday milestones meaningful and memorable. Each fall, the program provides back-to-school supplies for approximately 375 children, helping ensure they begin the school year prepared and confident. On the grounds of The Bloodworth House, monthly birthday celebrations are held so that every child can feel recognized and celebrated.

The holiday season is one of the most special times of the year for the program. Every child is invited to create a personal Christmas wish list, which is fulfilled through the generosity of donors and supporters. These gifts are presented during the beloved annual Christmas Eve celebration, a joyful event that brings children, volunteers, and community members together in the spirit of hope and generosity.

The Designing Kids Program is more than a charitable initiative—it is a commitment to uplifting young lives, strengthening families, and investing in the future of our community.

Through compassion, mentorship, and meaningful experiences, we are helping children grow into confident, capable adults who know they are valued and supported. 

Be part of something bigger than today.
Join us in shaping brighter futures for the children who need it most. Your generosity helps provide opportunity, encouragement, and hope to hundreds of young lives each year. Become part of the legacy—make a difference and donate today. 

The Bloodworth House Museum & Gardens



Nestled in the heart of Poplar Bluff, The Bloodworth House Museum & Gardens stands as more than a historic landmark—it is a living symbol of community, heritage, and hope. This beautifully preserved English manor and its surrounding gardens serve as a gathering place where history, culture, and compassion come together to inspire meaningful change.

The house and grounds were established with a vision that reaches far beyond preservation alone. At The Bloodworth House, history is not simply remembered—it is used as a force for good. Through thoughtful restoration, community events, and educational programming, the property provides a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate our shared story and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.

The gardens themselves are deeply rooted in gratitude and remembrance. One of the most beloved spaces on the grounds is the English Teacher’s Rose Garden, created to honor the educators who have dedicated their lives to shaping young minds and building a stronger future for our region. Throughout the gardens, special spaces recognize individuals who have served our community with compassion, leadership, and commitment. These living tributes ensure that the legacy of those who have given so much continues to bloom for generations to come.

What makes The Bloodworth House truly unique is that it is not only a museum—it is a mission. The historic venue is thoughtfully used to host weddings, celebrations, and community gatherings. These events help fund the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the house and its gardens, ensuring that this treasured landmark remains vibrant and welcoming for years to come.

Just as importantly, the success of the venue also helps fund three charitable initiatives dedicated to strengthening the lives of children and families in our region. By supporting The Bloodworth House, you are not only preserving history—you are helping create opportunity, mentorship, and hope within our community.

This work is made possible through the generosity of those who believe in the mission. Donations to the Claudia Foundation directly support the preservation of the house and gardens while also helping sustain the charitable programs that serve hundreds of individuals each year. Quite simply, these efforts would not be possible without the continued support of people who care deeply about the future of our community.

The Bloodworth House Museum & Gardens belongs to everyone who believes that history should inspire progress, beauty should bring people together, and generosity should shape the future.

By becoming a patron of the house and English gardens, you help ensure that this special place remains open, welcoming, and impactful for generations to come.

Your support keeps the doors open, the gardens blooming, and the mission alive.
Join us in preserving history, uplifting our community, and building a legacy that will endure for generations. Donate today and become part of The Bloodworth House story.