United Way of Greater St. Louis News & Events

Charmaine Chapman Society pledges record $1.76M to 2009 United Way campaign (St. Louis American)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:05:09 GMT

By Dionne D. Peeples

St. Louis American

July 2, 2009

The parking lot quickly filled to capacity at the Norwood Hills Country Club, leaving some to create their own parking spots as they rushed to the 15th annual kick-off of the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ African-American leaders’ philanthropic campaign.

The ballroom inside looked the same. Full.

More than 600 people packed the 500-seat capacity room to the point where the air conditioning system acted like a bad dance partner.

It could not keep up.

Michael Holmes, who is co-chair of the campaign along with his wife Gail Holmes, compared the high room temperature at the event to an old-school house party.

The Express Scripts senior executive was not wrong.

But nobody seemed to care because the evening was not about comfort or convenience. It was about caring.

A record number of citizens attended the kick-off of the 2009 Charmaine Chapman Society, whose members each give a minimum of $1,000 annually to the United Way – with a goal of $1.76 million for 2009. As of yesterday afternoon, $395,435 has been raised by the society.

David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology and co-chair of the 2001 and 2002 Charmaine Chapman Society campaigns, said the high turnout is due to the Holmes’ leadership – and to the recession.

“We all have family members who have been affected, maybe because of layoff or loss of job,” Steward said. “It makes us more conscious.”

‘It is really tough out there’

Queanna Jones’ giving will be more personal this year. Jones, who worked nearly 30 years in higher education, lost her job recently.

So did her husband LaVell, who is a business analyst.

“It was a surreal moment for us,” Jones said, as she addressed the crowd. “Guys, it is really tough out there.”

She turned to the St. Patrick Center’s “Go! Network” program to find a job. The center, which connects people to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, is a United Way agency.

“I have supported United Way for years, and you simply never know when you will need one of its member agencies,” she said, adding that she now works at Express Scripts.

When Jones announced her new job, Deborah Patterson yelled, “Yippee!” from the crowd, as if Jones were a family member.

As people turned to find the source of the excited outburst, it was Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund and former co-chair of the society in 2007 and 2008.

“I’m happy she got the job,” Patterson explained to Hugh Grant, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto and the 2009 campaign chair for the general United Way campaign.

“I am amazed by the support, enthusiasm and dedication,” Grant said of the society.

Throughout the room, attendees networked, reconnected with friends, congratulated each other on accomplishments and offered support. As Queanna Jones’ husband networked, she offered encouragement to Sibyl Stewart.

Stewart lost her job in accounting last year and is still unemployed. Yet, Stewart plans to contribute to the United Way financially and also volunteers at St. Patrick’s Center.

“As long as I’m giving, it’s fulfilling to me,” she said.

Orvin Kimbrough, senior vice president of major gifts and planned giving for the United Way, looked around the room where many people completed pledge cards. He lifted his voice above the roaring crowd and the music of Charles Hilliard.

“And they say there is a recession!” Kimbrough said, smiling and shaking his head.

Robyn Johnson said she will not let the recession deter her. “I’m going to always give,” said Johnson, who is director of client services for Express Scripts.

“I may be in need one day or it could be my neighbor.”

Her husband Tony Johnson said his family’s decision to give is built on the biblical principle of giving in order to receive. “To whom much is given, much is required,” he said.

This biblical phrase was quoted many times throughout the evening. Michael Holmes said it, too.

Holmes urged the crowd to be compassionate in their giving this year, asking that past givers increase their donation by five percent.

“There is a sense of job insecurity, which reaches from the least skilled among us to corporate executives among us,” Holmes said, adding that he has three friends looking for work.

“These are issues we cannot control. What we do control is how compassionate our response will be.”

His wife Gail Holmes agreed. “These are hard times, but we are coming out to get done what needs to get done,” she said.

Greater need

In a survey administered in April, 85 percent of local United Way member agencies reported an increase in demand for services. Services showing greatest demand were financial assistance, food, housing, counseling/mental health services and services for at-risk youth.

The St. Louis Food Bank, for example, has experienced a 20 percent increase in food requests, said Hugh Grant. Seven out of every 10 of those requests are from residents who never have used a food pantry.

Grant said the United Way funds about 200 agencies that impact other agencies. “I’d like to think of the United Way as an investment that has a great multiplier effect,” he said. He explained that the St. Louis Food Bank supplies food to more than 500 agencies.

“I am amazed at the level of support generated by the Charmaine Chapman Society,” Grant said. “You inspire this community and this world to excellence.”

Founded by St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs in 1994, the St. Louis group is the leading African-American philanthropic arm of any United Way in the entire country. It has raised nearly $20 million since its inception.

“This is a very, very caring community,” said Gary C. Dollar, president and chief executive officer of the United Way.

“This is an incredible turnout. In challenging times, this community continues to step up and help.”

For more information, contact Orvin Kimbrough atorvin.kimbrough@stl.unitedway.orgor 314-539-4249.

United Way awards $5,000 to five agencies to help with basic needs in Lincoln County

Kate Kromann — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:34:38 GMT

United Way media release

July 1, 2009

United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded five one-time Community Enhancement Grants, totaling $5,000, to non-profit agencies and organizations to help meet basic needs in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Medical Center, Lincoln/Pike Counties Drug Court Foundation, North East Community Action Corporation, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, and Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service were each awarded $1,000 grants.

“These grants for Lincoln County agencies enable United Way to partner with even more community nonprofits to build a stronger, healthier region,” said Mike Miller, chair of the Community Enhancements Grant panel. “We’re pleased to offer necessary funding to these organizations that will go toward improving their programs and increasing resources.”

The one-time grants were presented to both United Way-member and nonmember organizations and programs. Funding was carefully determined by volunteers who live in Lincoln County.

Grants monies for each agency will assist them in helping families with:

Lincoln County Medical Center – prescriptions, durable medical equipment, etc.
Lincoln/Pike County Drug Court Foundation – basic needs (food, prescriptions, personal care products, etc.)
North East Community Action Corporation – gas cards/ personal care kits
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery – basic needs (food, prescriptions, personal care products, etc.)
Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service – gas cards

$5,000 awarded by United Way to help with basic needs in Warren County

Kate Kromann — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:11 GMT

United Way media release

July 1, 2009

The United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded five one-time Community Enhancement Grants, totaling $5,000, to non-profit agencies and organizations to help meet basic needs in Warren County.

Agape Ministry of Warren County, North East Community Action Corporation, Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, Warren County Senior Center and Youth In Need were each awarded $1,000 grants.

“These grants enable United Way to partner with even more community nonprofits to build a stronger, healthier region,” said Allan Dreyer, chair of the Warren County Community Enhancements Grant panel. “We’re pleased to offer necessary funding to these organizations that will go toward improving their programs and increasing resources. We know these grants will go a long way in helping each program do more.”

The one-time grants were presented to both United Way-member and nonmember organizations and programs. Funding was carefully determined by volunteers who live in Warren County.

Grants monies for each agency will assist them in helping families with:

Agape Ministry of Warren County - food for Wright City food pantry
North East Community Action Corporation - gas cards/ personal care kits
Warren County Senior Center - food supplies for Meals on Wheels
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery - basic needs (food, prescriptions, personal care products, etc.)
Youth In Need - food for Head Start and early learning program

Arnold Donald to chair United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society in 2009

Kate Kromann — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:17:18 GMT

United Way media release

June 25, 2009

Arnold Donald, private investor and civic volunteer, has been named by United Way of Greater St. Louis as its 2009 Alexis de Tocqueville Society chair. The Society recognizes members of the community who annually invest $10,000 or more in United Way of Greater St. Louis. Last year, the Society raised more than $10 million toward the United Way campaign total of $68.4 million.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, named in honor of the man who recognized Americans’ generosity toward one another as one of our greatest strengths and shared that knowledge with the world, was formed in St. Louis in 1987.

“I have supported United Way of Greater St. Louis for many years and this is one more way to honor my personal commitment to an organization that does so much good in our region,” said Mr. Donald. “United Way provides an efficient and effective way to invest our resources in improving the lives of tens of thousands in our community.”

“Arnold is an inspiration to us all,” said Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way. “By leading the de Tocqueville Society this year he will strengthen United Way’s ability to help human service organizations that are helping thousands of people throughout our region in a critical time.”

About Arnold Donald

Arnold Donald, a private investor and small business owner, is the former president and chief executive officer of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, the largest charitable funder of diabetes research in the world. Other previously held positions include Chairman of Merisant Company and several positions within Monsanto Company in St. Louis, Missouri where he was for 20 years.

He was recognized by the agricultural industry as Agri-Marketer of the Year in 1996.

A native of New Orleans, Mr. Donald received a BA degree from Carleton College, a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. In 1997, Mr. Donald was named Executive of the Year by Black Enterprise Magazine; in 1998, he received the Washington University Distinguished Alumni Award; in 1999, he received the Eagle Award from the National Eagle Leadership Institute; and in 2000 he received the Black Engineers President’s Award. In July 2002, Fortune Magazine named Mr. Donald #17 on their list of “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America”.

Mr. Donald has an extensive history of involvement in local, national, and international organizations, both professional and civic. In November 1998, Mr. Donald was appointed by President Clinton to serve on the President’s Export Council (PEC) for international trade. President Bush re-appointed Mr. Donald to the PEC in February 2003. He currently serves on the boards of Carleton College; Dillard University; Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis Art Museum; Missouri Botanical Garden; St. Louis Science Center; Opera Theatre of St. Louis; St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association; Barnes-Jewish Hospital; Crown Holdings, Inc.; Oil-Dri Corporation of America; Carnival Corporation; Laclede Group; DHR International; Vertellus, Inc.; United Way of Greater St. Louis, and the St. Louis Sports Commission. He also serves on the National Advisory Council for Washington University School of Engineering. Mr. Donald is a past president of the Leadership Center of Greater St. Louis and a former member of the corporate roundtable of the Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Science and the Caux Business Roundtable. In November 2001, the Governor of Missouri appointed Mr. Donald to the Missouri Life Sciences Research Committee. He has served on the boards of The Scotts Company; Russell Corporation; Belden, Inc.; U.S.-Russia Business Council; Grocery Manufacturers of America; Eurasia Foundation; National Science Teachers Association; American Crop Protection Association (CropLife America); British-American Project; the FFA; and the 4-H among others.

Thank You: United Way’s FoodShare food drive collects more than 133,400 pounds of food

Kate Kromann — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:07:36 GMT

United Way media release

June 26, 2009

FoodShare photos:http://picasaweb.google.com/UnitedWayMedia/FoodSharePressConferenceAtStLouisAreaFoodbank

Between June 15-20, this community collected more than 133,400 pounds of food during United Way’s FoodShare food drive held at more than 100 companies and eight participating Schnucks stores. That equates to 106,720 meals for people in need in our region. The food is currently being distributed to the more than 500 food pantries supported by St. Louis Area Foodbank.

“What a great week,” said Ray Bernick, vice president, UPS. “The people in this community are so caring. They stepped up and helped people through United Way by donating more than 133,400 pounds of food. That is simply wonderful.

“We could not have accomplished this without all the help we received from our volunteers, the vehicles and drivers from UPS, UniGroup and Laclede Gas who transported the donations, union support and especially from the more than 100 companies that participated and the good people of this community who donated non-perishable items to United Way’s FoodShare food drive.”

United Way of Greater St. Louis held its FoodShare food drive to help meet the increasing demand of people using food pantries. The St. Louis Area Foodbank, a United Way partner agency, is reporting a 20 percent increase in food requests from people in the past several months due to unemployment. Seven out of every ten of those requests are from people who have never used a food pantry before.

07.28.09: Let's Get Started volunteer training and orientation

Kate Kromann — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:03:43 GMT

Tuesday, July 28

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

St. Louis Bread Company

5917 North Illinois Street

Fairview Heights, IL

Look for the St. Louis Cares sign on one of the tables inside the restaurant. Food and beverages are on your own.

Please call (314) 539-4063 for directions and to make your reservation for this upcoming St. Louis Cares "Let's Get Started" meeting.

07.16.09: Let's Get Started volunteer training and orientation

Kate Kromann — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:01:49 GMT

Thursday, July 16

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

United Way of Greater St. Louis - Missouri Room

910 North 11th Street

St. Louis, MO 63101

Park in C-9 garage at 10^th & Cole and bring in parking stub for validation

Please call (314) 539-4063 for directions and to make your reservation for this upcoming St. Louis Cares "Let's Get Started" meeting.

Charmaine Chapman Society kicks off 2009 campaign, Michael and Gail Holmes serve as co-chairs (St. Louis American)

Kate Kromann — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:02:17 GMT

St. Louis American

June 18, 2009

Pledging For Chapman- Carlotta Burton (left) and Carmen Merriweather fill out their pledge cards during Monday's kick-off of the Charmaine Chapman Society 2007 campaign. Photo by Wiley Price

It is time for St. Louis’ formidable African-American philanthropy to flex its collective muscles again. The United Way of Greater St. Louis’ African American Leadership/ Charmaine Chapman Society will host its 2009 campaign kickoff 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Norwood Country Club.

2009 Charmaine Chapman Society Co-Chairs Michael Holmes (executive vice president of strategy, human capital and emerging markets for Express Scripts) and Gail Holmes will announce the African American Leadership campaign goal at this event.

In 2008, the society raised a record $1.76 million for United Way of Greater St. Louis and topped 1,000 members.

Early this week, local United Way VP Orvin Kimbrough said 330 individuals from a wide range of local corporations had already registered for the June 25 event.

“It takes a lot to shock me – but I am actually pretty amazed with this response, considering we have sent out only one reminder,” Kimbrough said.

Membership in the society starts with a leadership gift of $1,000 or more to the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ annual campaign.

Founded by St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs in 1994, the St. Louis group is the leading African-American philanthropic arm of any United Way in the country.

It was renamed the Charmaine Chapman Society in honor of United Way’s first female and first African-American CEO. It has raised nearly $20 million since its inception.

Kimbrough noted that the co-chairs had already hosted one fundraiser netting 32 gifts at the leadership level.

“Most returning leaders increased their gift a minimum of 5 percent, and there were 17 new leadership givers!” he enthused.

Kimbrough said the three area employers with the largest numbers of leadership givers are Edward Jones, Monsanto and UPS.

“I expect to see the UPS numbers triple,” Kimbrough said. “Edward Jones is leading the charge so far.”

The numbers of givers and size of donations will need to increase, Kimbrough said, to keep up with increasing need during the current economic crisis.

The St. Louis Area Food Bank, for example, reports a 20 percent increase in food requests from households in the last few months. Of that 20 percent, 70 percent are first-time recipients.

More than 250,000 people in the St. Louis region are receiving food stamps, the highest ever, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Approximately 29 percent of those served through United Way are African-American, according to Kimbrough.

The June 25 Charmaine Chapman Society 2009 Kickoff will feature cocktails, appetizers and networking with some of the region’s most influential African Americans and friends. Registration is required. To register, contact Jerilyn Sinskey atjerilyn.sinskey@stl.unitedway.orgor (314)539-4125.

For more information about Leadership Giving, contact Kimbrough atOrvin.Kimbrough@stl.unitedway.orgor (314)539-4249.

http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2009/06/18/business/local_business/business01.txt

Food drives strive to meet increase in need (Belleville News-Democrat)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:20:31 GMT

Belleville News-Democrat

June 16, 2009

The United Way is holding a week-long food drive to help feed those in need in the greater St. Louis region.

More than 90 companies are holding food drives with their employees during the week but on Saturday, a community-wide event will be held.

Community donations of food for the FoodShare Food Drive can be dropped off at the Edwardsville Schnucks Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Schnucks is located at 2222 Troy Road in Edwardsville.

The donations of non-perishable food items will benefit the St. Louis Area Foodbank, an organization that distributes food to organizations supported by the United Way. The food bank gathers and distributes nearly 14 million pounds of food annually to more than 500 food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and emergency feeding programs throughout the Illinois and Missouri area. For more information about the food bank visitwww.stlfoodbank.org.

According to the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the United Way, there has been a 20 percent increase in food requests from people during the past several months due to unemployment and the economy. Seven out of every 10 of those food requests are coming from people who have never used a food pantry before, according to the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the organizations it serves

The need for donated food also increases during the summer months when students who depend on free breakfast and lunch programs at schools no longer have access to those free meals. Donations to food pantries during the summer months are typically lower, too, according to the United Way. Donations of peanut butter, soups, hot and cold cereals, baby formula and canned tuna or chicken are especially needed. Any canned good that can be considered a complete meal is also desired.

A list of companies holding food drives this week can be found on the United Way's Web site at www.stl.unitedway.org under the news and events link.

http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/810175.html

Everyone should join in the United Way’s FoodShare (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Kate Kromann — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:30:17 GMT

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

June 12, 2009

Growing numbersof our neighbors are having a hard time putting food on the table as our community confronts increasingly tough economic times.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank says demand at area food pantries is up 20 percent; of that, seven in every 10 requests come from people who never before have sought help from a food pantry.

The need is especially acute for children during the summer months. School is out and fewer breakfast and lunch programs are available. Children shouldn’t be punished if their parents can’t put food on the table.

This week, volunteers from the United Way of Greater St. Louis are making a strong commitment in response. Not content to wait for this fall’s annual fundraising campaign, the United Way has organized FoodShare, a region-wide food drive.

More than 100 area companies (including, we’re proud to say, the Post-Dispatch) are participating with work-site collections all week long. The food collected will be hauled by trucks volunteered by UPS, UniGroup and Laclede Gas.

Those who don’t work for a participating company can get involved by contributing food at eight area Schnucks grocery stores between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. next Saturday.

The pantries especially need canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups, peanut butter, dried beans, rice products, baby items, baby formula, hot and cold cereal and powdered milk.

It’s an effective, satisfying way to make a difference. Times are hard, but there are always those worse off than you. Please help.

Participating Schnucks stores:
St. Peters: Mid Rivers, 577 Mid Rivers Mall Dr.
Florissant: Cross Keys, 13987 New Halls Ferry Road
Chesterfield: Woods Mill, 1060 Woods Mill Plaza
Richmond Heights: Richmond Center, 6600 Clayton Road
St. Louis: South City,
3430 S. Grand Blvd.
Festus: 1181 Gannon Plaza
Fairview Heights: 625 Lincoln Highway
Edwardsville: 2222 Troy Road

For information on how to help or where to send check, call 314-539-4011.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/the-platform/published-editorials/2009/06/everyone-should-join-in-the-united-way%E2%80%99s-foodshare/

United Way investing more than $58.6 million into the region this year

Kate Kromann — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:13:24 GMT

Media release

June 12, 2009

Because of the community’s generous donations to its 2008 fundraising campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis is investing more than $58.6 million this year to help people in the region. Of that, $51,955,439 will be distributed to184 member agenciesthroughout its 16-county service area that includes Missouri and Illinois.

The remaining $6,683,475 will be invested through one-time grants, initiatives and special funding projects such as 2-1-1 to strengthen health and human services in Missouri and Illinois counties.

“We had an incredible fundraising campaign,” said Doug Yaeger, 2009 United Way board chair and chairman, president and CEO of The Laclede Group, Inc. “The support United Way receives from companies and people in this region is truly exceptional. This support allows United Way to ensure our nearly 200 partner agencies can continue to deliver quality programs and services to more than 1 million people each year. Thank you.”

Each United Way funded agency is reviewed yearly by a panel of volunteers in the four areas of finance, program, governance and administration. These nearly 400 volunteers then determine how the funding from United Way is distributed.

“We are grateful that we can take the generous support we receive and use it build a healthy community that benefits us all,” said Dorothy McMurtry, assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney's Office/U.S. Department of Justice and United Way community investment committee chair. “Every dollar given does make a difference and with your donations, United Way continues to provide invaluable help to people in need through the quality services provided by the partner agencies. We are committed to being efficient and effective with the dollars you entrust to us; and, in fact, more than 90 cents of every dollar goes back into the community to help people. That outstanding percentage could not be accomplished without the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to United Way and the community.”

Click to see all the agencies and their allocation amounts

09.12.09: UniGroup 5K for United Way

Kate Kromann — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:35:54 GMT

September 12, 2009

Race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Visithttp://www2.stl.unitedway.org/unigroup5k to register.

PACKET PICKUP
Friday, Septermber 11, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the UniGroup main lobby; OR
Race day, September 12, 7 - 8 a.m., UniGroup, Inc.

AWARDS: 5K awards to the overall top male and female finishers and the top three male and female in each of the following age groups:

- 19 and under
- 20 to 29
- 30 to 39
- 40 to 49
- 50 to 59
- 60 and over
- Team awards to be given to the top three teams with the lowest cumulative time

REGISTRATION: $20 per adult, $5 child age 4-12, ages 3 and under are free.

Teams must have a total of three members to qualify and each team member must submit a separate entry form.

Commemorative T-shirts will go to the first 500 adult entrants.

UniGroup 5k for United Way

Kate Kromann — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:03:21 GMT

Women’s Leadership Society of United Way kicks off with baby shower (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Kate Kromann — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:19:05 GMT

By Deb Peterson

June 5, 2009

A SUNNY SHOWER: Few women can resist a baby shower - and more than 400 of them turned out for the Women’s Leadership Society of United Way kick-off event on Thursday night at the offices of Wells Fargo Advisors, 2801 Market Street.

The women donated nearly 5,000 items — from diapers to baby formula to toys, socks, books and more - to the United Way’s “Biggest Baby (and kids) Shower.” The gifts will go to 23 United Way-funded agencies that work with children in the region.

The event also raised $186,800 for the organization’s efforts. UPS donated the manpower and trucks to deliver the gifts and Wells Fargo Advisors sponsored the event.

Deb Hollingsworth of AT&T was the event chair; Sally Lee of UPS and Kasey Bergh of Nestle Purina PetCare were the event co-chairs. Speakers were Margaret Donnelly, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services; Hugh Grant of Monsanto (this year’s United Way campaign chair); and Melanie Scheetz, executive director of the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, a United Way partner agency.

Among those spotted carrying shower goodies: Jan Holloway, Marilyn Bush, Zelema Harris, Merry Mosbacher and Kathy Osborn.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/deb-petersons-breaking-schmooze/uncategorized/2009/06/womens-leadership-society-of-united-way-kicks-off-with-baby-shower/

United Way Baby Shower (STLMoms)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:51:23 GMT

June 4, 2009

Visitwww.stlmoms.comto watch the video.