ST. LOUIS, MO (November 12, 2009) — People in the St. Louis region have once again demonstrated their generosity and caring by contributing millions of dollars to help their neighbors and strengthen their community. United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrated its 2009 campaign victory at the St. Louis Zoo Thursday afternoon, announcing that, together, the community has raised $67,086,726 in gifts and pledges, surpassing its goal of $66.5 million. This means United Way will continue to help more than 1 million people by investing more than $1 million each week in local, quality agencies in 2010.

“The generosity of the people and companies of the greater St. Louis region is remarkable,” said United Way Campaign Chair Hugh Grant, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “Even during tough economic times, people understood the needs and stepped up to help those in our community who count on United Way and its member agencies for services and support. United Way plays a critical role in our region and your gifts enable its member agencies to continue to provide valuable assistance to our friends and neighbors, making our community even stronger.”

Grant addressed about 400 campaign volunteers and contributors who attended the campaign victory celebration. Thousands of volunteers worked on the 2009 United Way campaign which included employee groups, labor unions, businesses and government employees. More than 2,500 companies ran campaigns and more than 200,000 individuals contributed to the United Way campaign success in the 16-county region of Missouri and Illinois.

United Way Board Chair, Doug Yaeger, chairman, president and CEO of The Laclede Group, Inc., congratulated Grant and the volunteers. “It takes a community of people working together to make great things happen. I am impressed by what a terrific network of volunteers the United Way has, including the campaign coordinators, the campaign cabinet, Board members and everyone else who has committed time and resources to helping people.”

More than 90 cents of every dollar United Way raises goes into this community to provide services that help seniors have a place to call home, give parents a safe place to for their children to go after school, offer families a place to get food and much more.

By the Numbers

The St. Louis Regional Business Council, which represents more than 100 area firms, raised more than $9.5 million this year.

·         Twelve companies, their employees and participating labor unions were recognized for combined team gifts of more than one million dollars each this year. Team gifts combine the gifts and pledges of employees with the company’s corporate contribution.

·         At the $3 million or more level in team gifts were employees of: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Edward Jones and Monsanto Company. The Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. gift also includes pledges from its labor unions and Anheuser-Busch Foundation.

·         The firms giving $2 million or more in team gifts were employees of: Ameren Corporation, Emerson, Enterprise Holdings and Wells Fargo Advisors.

·         At the $1 million or more level in team gifts from employees were: AT&T Missouri, The Boeing Company, MasterCard Worldwide, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, and Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Regions

The regional offices of United Way of Greater St. Louis have raised more than $7.6 million.

·         The Tri-County Division which covers the Missouri counties St. Charles, Warren, and Lincoln has raised more than $3.1 million. Chair: Brenda Newberry.

·         The Illinois Division which covers the Illinois counties of: Clinton, Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair has raised more than $1.6 million. Chair: Ronald A. Buerges.

·         The Southwest Illinois Division which covers the Illinois counties of: Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, and Madison has raised more than $1.9 million. Chair: Jim Hoefert.

·         The Tri-Cities Division which covers the Illinois counties of Madison has raised more than $1 million. Chair: Joseph M. Juneau.

Leadership Giving Societies

Leadership Givers are generous community members who give $1,000 or more annually to United Way. They significantly deepen the impact for the community, and provide nearly 30 percent of United Way’s annual funds raised.

·         de Tocqueville Society for those who pledge $10,000 or more annually, raised more than $10 million. Co-chairs: Arnold and Hazel Donald.

·         African-American Leadership Society — Charmaine Chapman Society is the premier African-American Leadership initiative in the nation. The Charmaine Chapman Society raised $1.7 million. Co-chairs: Michael and Gail Holmes.

·         Created in 2009, the Multicultural Leadership Society creates a platform and familiarizes individuals with other key leaders in the region and prepares them for their role in serving our community. It raised more than $750,000. Chair: Aída Fuentes.

·         Created in 2009, the Retirees' Society is made up of individuals who recognize the importance that philanthropy and volunteerism play in building and strengthening the health of the greater St. Louis area. It raised more than $675,000. Chair: Joanne Cuddeback.

·         Women's Leadership Society ranks fifth in the nation in women's leadership giving and raised more than $5 million. Chair: Deb Hollingsworth

·         Young Leadership Society initiative is for those age 49 and younger. It raised more than $2.3 million. Co-chairs: Cory Boss and Anisha Morrell Charles.

high res photo(s)  available: http://picasaweb.google.com/UnitedWayMedia/2009UnitedWayVictoryCelebration#

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (November 11, 2009) —  More than 200,000 calls resulting in 222,730 referral requests have been handled by United Way 2-1-1 Missouri/Southwest Illinois help line since November 13, 2007. Calls to 2-1-1 are expected to exceed 120,000 in 2009.

This fast, free, confidential give or find help line for health and human services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Missouri and Southwest Illinois for those calling from a land line or AT&T and Verizon cell phones. Other cell phone users should call 800-427-4626 for the same service. Information and resources, including a searchable database of services available can be found at: www.211missouri.com or www.211southwestillinois.com. Missouri 2-1-1 covers 99 counties throughout the state. The remaining 17 Missouri counties are covered by United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 2-1-1. Southwest Illinois 2-1-1 covers nine counties in Illinois.

“2-1-1 has been a great success,” said Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Without the 2-1-1 service, a person makes 14 calls on average before finding the services he or she needs. We’re also hearing from people who have never needed to ask for help before. With 2-1-1, there’s someone to help people find their way through what can be a maze of services available and help them figure out where to start.”

“The biggest increase in calls has been for basic needs,” said Jeanene Harris, regional and administration officer of United Way. “Calls for food, utilities and shelter have increased about 16 percent since last year and calls for mortgage assistance have increased nearly 60 percent.”

Number and type of calls

Most of the calls made to 2-1-1, are from people looking for help with basic needs such as utility, rent and food assistance. Nearly 71,000 calls have come in between January and October 2009 for basic needs; that’s 10,000 more calls compared to the same period last year. Mortgage assistance calls also increased during this timeframe from 3,208 in 2008 to 5,130 this year.

The 2-1-1 call specialists can help people find health and human service assistance on everything from food and shelter to job counseling services, or health resources. It is also available for everyday and non-emergency needs, and offers easy access to community-based organizations and government agencies that provide services such as:

·         Basic human needs resource: food pantries, clothing, shelters

·         Mental and physical health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.

·         Employment support: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) filing assistance.

·         Support for older adults, people with disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, homemaker services.

·         Support for children, youth and families: quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

·         Volunteer/donor opportunities

Disaster response

·         Received 1,645 calls for disaster related assistance such as floods, tornadoes and ice storms.

·         During the 2009 summer, 2-1-1 received 675 heat-related requests.

Special programs

·         More than 2,800 requests for Earned Income Tax Credit free tax preparation locations throughout the state were received.

A total of $8.5 million was pledged for Missouri 2-1-1’s first five years of operation. MFH committed a total of $4.75 million to the project — $1 million for start-up costs and $3.75 million over five years to support annual operation costs. United Way of Greater St. Louis is providing an additional $3.75 million over the five years to support the remaining annual operation costs. United Way of Greater St. Louis is handling all Missouri and Southwest Illinois 2-1-1 administration and operating responsibilities.

The 2-1-1 Call Center is located at United Way of Greater St. Louis, with data collection hubs in Columbia, Rolla, Springfield and St. Louis. Data hubs focus on updating records about health, health-related and social services to ensure that callers are always receiving up-to-date information.

The 10 Missouri United Ways involved with United Way of Greater St. Louis in the Missouri 2-1-1 program are: United Way of Central Missouri, United Way of the Ozarks, United Way of Southeast Missouri, United Way of Adair County, Columbia Area United Way, United Way of the Mark Twain Area, Callaway County United Way, Carthage Area United Way, United Way of Southwest Missouri and United Way of St. Francois County.

Kansas City and its 16 surrounding counties have had a 2-1-1 service through the United Way of Greater Kansas City since March 2006, with call volume and service also exceeding expectations. That 2-1-1 service is not affected by or included in today’s announcement.

photos of Missouri/Southwest Illinois 2-1-1 call center: http://www.211missouri.net/pressroom.aspx

About Missouri/Southwest Illinois 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to find help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 call centers operate under national standards and are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Information is available on a broad range of services, including food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way of Greater St. Louis funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (October 20, 2009) —  United Way is reporting it has raised $45.1 million toward its goal of $66.5 million to help people in the greater St. Louis region. The campaign will close on November 12.

“The dollar goal simply represents the amount of help and support we can provide to people in our community,” said Hugh Grant, 2009 United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign chair and president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “Our real goal is to help people in need. As of today we’re at nearly 68 percent of our goal, which emphasizes the generosity of the people of this region.”

Grant continued to say, “We are seeing a very generous and giving attitude in the community even in this economy. We believe this is because the needs are so obvious this year as everyone knows someone who is impacted by the economy and needs help–many for the first time in their lives. Our major challenge this year is that although people are being generous, some people who have given in the past are unable to because they need help this year. For example, calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 help line for basic needs–food, utilities and the like–are up more than 20 percent from a year ago. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

That’s where United Way comes in. With the funds from its campaign, United Way of Greater St. Louis is able to invest more than $1 million each week in this region to help people through a network of nearly 200 local health and human service agencies it helps fund.

“Eighty five percent of agencies United Way funds have reported an increase in demand for services this year–agencies like St. Louis Area Foodbank that helps more than 500 food pantries in the area keep food on their shelves,” Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way said. “Those agencies and the people they help rely on United Way for continued support. A gift to United Way means seniors will find assistance to stay in their homes; parents will have a safe place for their children to go after school and families will have a place to get food. We are optimistic about the campaign despite the challenges because we know that we live in an extremely caring and generous community,”

To lend a hand and give a gift to United Way to help more than 1 million people in this community, please go online to www.stl.unitedway.org or call 314-539-4101. To find resources if you’re in need, please call 2-1-1 from a land line or 800-427-4626 or go online to www.211missouri.org.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than 1 million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (October 9, 2009) —  In its 5th company-wide trivia night on Sept. 25, Edward Jones raised more than $33,000 to benefit the community through United Way of Greater St. Louis. This was Edward Jones’ largest trivia night to date with 105 tables and nearly 1,000 people in attendance.

This support, joined with that of others, enables United Way to invest more than $1 million each week in the metro St. Louis region to strengthen health and human services that help more than a million people each year through the nearly 200 local agencies it funds.

United Way of Greater St. Louis is in the midst of raising $66.5 million to support its nearly 200 locally funded agencies. These agencies help prevent illness and promote wellness; protect children and strengthen families; meet basic and emergency needs; promote financial stability and independence; nurture children and youth; keep citizens safe; promote healthy minds and behavior; and build strong neighborhoods and communities.

Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones is slated to be the 2010 Campaign Chair for United Way of Greater St. Louis. This year’s Chair is Hugh Grant, chairman, president and CEO of Monsanto.

Edward Jones has supported United Way for more than 30 years. In 2008, they gave more than $3.4 million to United Way through corporate and employee support.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (September 15, 2009) —  Join the Blues Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. as they host the Los Angeles Kings to support United Way of Greater St. Louis. The night will include a special auction and mystery bag sale to benefit United Way, as well as an information booth. Discounts on St. Louis Blues tickets are available to fans and for each ticket purchased through this offer, $5 will be donated to United Way. Click on this link to purchase tickets.

Through its funding of nearly 200 local health and human service agencies, United Way helps more than one million people a year throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. For more information or to give a gift to United Way, please visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

**Club seats include in-seat service featuring complimentary salads, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, brats, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream, beer, soda and water 

To order tickets:

·         Click this link.

·         Click "Find tickets"

·         Enter "UW" in the Special Offer Code box

·         Enter your e-mail address under "Create an Account" to sign up.

·         Follow the instructions to purchase your discounted ticket.

There is a reduced handling fee of $1.25 per ticket. Tickets can either be printed at home or picked up at will call.

Group Incentives available:

Every group that orders a minimum of 20 tickets will receive two plaza center tickets to a future game and will be entered into a drawing to receive autographed merchandise! Plus, the following incentives are available for larger groups:

·         25 tickets – up to four members of your group can enjoy warm-ups from the penalty box

·         30 tickets – have your group’s photo taken pre-game with Louie

·         50 tickets – one member of your group can take a spin on an Olympia ice cleaning machine during period break

Larger packages with incentives should be ordered directly through Jennifer Nevins at jnevins@stlblues.com or 314-622-5452.

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Corporate Rockers Battle to Benefit the Community through United Way

Sept. 25 fund-raiser at Off Broadway to feature corporate bands

from Citi St. Louis, Fleishman-Hillard, Laclede Gas, and Safety National

ST. LOUIS, MO (Sept. 10, 2009) – Four of St. Louis’ premier corporate bands will duke it out in the Fourth United Way Battle of the Corporate Bands from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, September 25, at Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave. 

Tickets will be available at the door for a minimum donation of $8, or in advance from United Way or any of the four bands for a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds benefit United Way of Greater St. Louis. Call 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.com for more information. 

The corporate rockers will be trading their laptops and BlackBerrys for guitars and drums to raise money and awareness for the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ annual fundraising campaign. This year’s goal is $66.5 million. Nearly 200 diverse local agencies in the St. Louis region operate with funding from United Way of Greater St. Louis, providing vital health and human services to about 1 million people each year.

“This battle of the bands is becoming a great tradition,” said United Way of Greater St. Louis President Gary Dollar. “People living here are known for their generosity and support to help people in our community through United Way. This is one more way people can do that and have some fun at the same time. I look forward to seeing all this talent in one room each year.”

The show will feature four of St. Louis’ best corporate bands: Citi St. Louis’ The CitiBand, Fleishman-Hillard’s Pro-Bono and the Non-Billables, the Laclede Gas Flames, and Safety National’s Driven to Excess. Rick Wallace from 106.5 FM The Arch will serve as celebrity emcee.

The three previous battles raised more than $15,000 for the United Way. The CitiBand “won” last year’s battle by raising the most money. For the third year, Off Broadway is generously donating use of the venue for the event.

While some might consider the term “corporate rock” nearly as much of an oxymoron as “jumbo shrimp,” more companies across the St. Louis area, and the country, are forming house bands that play company events and fund-raisers. The trend has gotten big enough that FORTUNE magazine and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sponsor an annual national battle of the corporate bands.

“Our band specializes in charity events, and the United Way battle is always one of the best nights of the year,” said Pro Bono & the Non-Billables guitarist Marty Richter, a senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard. “It’s for a great cause, and the level of competition is very high – all four of these bands can really bring it.”

Ed Breight, guitarist with Safety National’s Driven to Excess, was in the audience for last year’s show and is looking forward to participating for the first time this year.

“We’re definitely bringing our ‘A’ game,” Breight, an assistant vice president at Safety National, said. “I can tell you from experience that these shows are great fun for a great cause, and we’re excited to get onstage this year and duke it out with the other bands.”

Members of the four bands include:

The CitiBand, comprised of employees of Citi St. Louis, includes:

Dave Batchelor of St. Charles, Mo.; unit manager; drums and vocals

Michael Baue of St. Charles, Mo.; mortgage consultant; bass and vocals

Aaron Belmer of Overland, Mo: mortgage consultant; keyboards and vocals

Chris Dierolf of St. Louis, Mo.; senior business analyst; guitar and vocals

The Laclede Gas Flames, comprised of employees of Laclede Gas Company, includes:

Linda Cotton of Florissant, Mo.; customer service representative; vocals

Debbie Jones of Black Jack, Mo.; assistant manager, customer accounting; vocals

Rick Kottemann of Affton, Mo.; superintendent, environmental engineering services; guitar and vocals

Darrell Martin of St. Louis; collector; vocals

Nesby Moore of Breckenridge Hills, Mo.; construction foreman; drums

Wil Peebles of Florissant, Mo.; assistant manager, labor relations; vocals

Ryan Rzadca of St. Louis County, Mo.; project engineer; bass and vocals

Angelo Shaw of St. Louis County, Mo.; customer support services supervisor; sax

David Williams of Belleville, Ill.; senior business analyst; lead guitar

Pro Bono & the Non-Billables, comprised of employees of Fleishman-Hillard, includes:

Danny Drabb of St. Louis; creative director; guitar

Jason Hillery of Godfrey, Ill.; senior vice president and partner; bass and vocals

Vijoy Rao of St. Louis, Mo.; managing supervisor; drums

Marty Richter of Collinsville, Ill.; senior vice president; guitar and vocals

Denise Turner of Crestwood, Mo.; Fleishman-Hillard alumna; lead vocals and percussion

More information on Pro Bono & the Non-Billables can be found at www.myspace.com/probonos.

Driven to Excess, comprised of employees of Safety National, includes:

Ed Breight of Manchester, Mo.; assistant vice president; lead guitar

Patrick Clough of Maryland Heights, Mo.; supervisor - quality assurance; lead vocals

Dan Flaschar of Ballwin, Mo; lead vocals

Conne Lyons of Creve Couer, Mo.; senior underwriting manager; vocals

Ryan McClure of St. Louis; communications manager; bass and vocals

Barb Seevers of Imperial, Mo.; underwriting operations manager; vocals

Stan Simek of Marine, Ill.; senior underwriting manager; sound

Joanna Pallardy of O’Fallon, Mo.; technical support specialist; keyboards

Monte Washburn of Eureka, Mo.; workers' compensation pricing actuary; drums

Don Wilson of Hazelwood, Mo.; director - government relations; saxophone

Photos from 2008: http://picasaweb.google.com/UnitedWaySTL/3rdAnnualCorporateBattleOfTheBandsNearly7300Raised#

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. CHARLES, MO (September 3, 2009) —  On Tuesday, September 29, from 4-6 p.m., women in Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren counties are invited to United Way’s Bloomer Bash. While the event, appetizers and beverages are free, women are asked to bring new women’s undergarments that will be donated to domestic violence shelters in the Tri-County region. Register by September 23 by going online to United Way’s website at www.stl.unitedway.org or calling 636-939-3300. The event will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza in St. Charles, MO.

The shelters the new undergarments will be donated to are: Robertson Center, Turning Point and Women’s Center. Donations in all sizes will be accepted, including children’s sizes.

The Women’s Leadership Society of United Way of Greater St. Louis is hosting the event. Sponsors are Bodine Aluminum, Inc. and Toyota.

The Women’s Leadership Society encourages and recognizes women who make gifts of $1,000 or more to United Way of Greater St. Louis. Since its establishment in 1996, the Women’s Leadership Society has raised nearly $35 million to help people in the region.

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 636-939-3300 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (August 24, 2009) —  What do items from Carlos Santana, Elvis, American Idol, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Zoo and Grant’s Farm have in common? Those items helped raise more than $58,000 for United Way of Greater St. Louis in its online auction at www.givebidwin.com between August 10-20. With more than 120 items available to bid on, from sports to fashion to sports experiences and more, the auction was a great success.

“The success of the auction means people will be helped through the agencies United Way supports,” said Jodi Overton, senior project lead at Monsanto and volunteer online auction committee chair. “And that is what United Way is all about, helping people in this community. Thank you to all the donors, bidders and winners of this year’s United Way online auction. Your generous support is making a huge difference in our community.”

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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ST. LOUIS, MO (August 19, 2009) — United Way of Greater St. Louis announced Wednesday the goal for its 2009 fundraising campaign is $66.5 million. The campaign starts September 9 and ends early in November.

“We all know the need,” said Hugh Grant, 2009 United Way campaign chair and chairman, president and chief executive officer of Monsanto Company. “It’s times like these that call on us as a community to come together with United Way for one common cause – helping people.”

Eighty-five percent of United Way of Greater St. Louis’ 184 member agencies are reporting an increase in demand for services. During 2009, United Way of Greater St. Louis is investing more than $1 million each week to support agencies that provide a range of services including basic needs.

“The thing that struck me is the need in our community for these agencies and how these agencies touch all walks of life and all ages. It’s really quite remarkable,” said Grant, reflecting on his time spent at some United Way funded agencies. “They’re working in times of crisis, but they’re also doing a lot of work that prevents crisis from ever happening. Many of these agencies are dealing with people who they’ve never seen before, so there’s people being helped and touched who are new to United Way.”

Queanna Jones, who attended the GO! Network, an employment program partially funded by United Way through St. Patrick Center, a United Way member agency, is one of people profiled in United Way’s 2009 campaign video. She remarked how “I always thought I was contributing to someone else in need [through United Way’s campaign]. And then I realized, ‘Wow. I’m in need as well.’”

Agencies funded by United Way of Greater St. Louis provide vital health and human services to 1 million people each year, approximately one of every three people in the region. In all, nearly 200 diverse agencies across the region operate with funding from United Way of Greater St. Louis, and more than 90 cents of every dollar raised is used to provide critical services that help people in our region.

“Every gift matters when giving to United Way,” Grant said. “For example, $5 provides a child in need with breakfast for one week or $50 provides a parent education class aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect.”

Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said, “We’re seeing people who have never needed help before need help now. There are families who are in danger of falling through the cracks and it will take a generation for them to recover. We can’t allow that to happen. People in this region have a rich history of helping one another, and I am optimistic this year will be no exception.”

Last year, more than 200,000 donors and 2,500 businesses donated to United Way. Individuals can pledge a donation by calling 314-421-0700 or visiting www.stl.unitedway.org.

The money raised for the local campaign will stay in the 16 Missouri and Illinois counties: St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Warren, and Lincoln in Missouri; Calhoun, Green, Macoupin, Jersey, Madison, Clinton, St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph in Illinois.

United Way logos (use option 3 please): http://www.stl.unitedway.org/uwlogos.aspx

About United Way of Greater St. Louis

The United Way funds nearly 200 health and human service agencies located throughout a 16-county area in Missouri and Illinois. More than one million people in our community receive services that strengthen families, help the elderly, keep children healthy and safe, and build stronger neighborhoods. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

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WHAT: Aug. 10 marks the opening day of the United Way’s 2009 Online Auction, and bids are open at www.givebidwin.com. To view the items firsthand, the public is invited to stop by the United Way’s Online Auction Kickoff at Blueberry Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Some of the auction items onsite for viewing will include:

• Carlos Santa autographed guitar

Bid on an autographed guitar from one of the world’s most legendary guitarists, 10-time GRAMMY® Award and two-time Latin Grammy Award-winner.

• NASCAR fire suit

This is the official NASCAR fire suit worn by Jeff Burton's pit crew in Fontana, Calif., during the Busch race on Sept. 3, 2005.

• Stan Musial autographed baseball

Collectors, here's a chance to get a baseball signed by the great Stan Musial. Baseball is in a protective plastic case.

• Boeing Leather Flight Jacket

This distinctive 100 percent leather jacket has a Boeing signature is embroidered on the left chest and logos from throughout Boeing history are custom-printed on the lining.

United Way will have computers available for eager bidders, and will be encouraging live bidding from the event at www.givebidwin.com. The auction runs from Aug. 10 at 7 a.m. to Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.

WHY: By bidding on items you’re helping people in this community through United Way. Give, bid, win at United Way’s online auction and do something good for the community and for yourself. You can give, bid, win at www.givebidwin.com

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 5 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Blueberry Hill: Dart Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO  63130-4501

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Photos of auction items, visuals of people bidding and a chance to demonstrate the bidding process, interviews with United Way staff and auction participants.

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