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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