Better than $66 million in ‘06
The St. Louis region has once again shown its generosity by contributing $66 million in a little more than two months to United Way. United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrated its victory at America’s Center on Wednesday, November 15 announcing its goal had been surpassed, raising: $66,0002,006 in gifts and pledges.
“As you know, this year’s campaign theme was based on big hearts,” said United Way Campaign Chair Steve Maritz, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Maritz Inc.
“And I am amazed at how big this community’s heart truly is. Because of you, United Way will help more than one million people through our region next year. I would like to thank each and every one of you for opening your heart and working so hard to make this year’s campaign a success. I said ‘Go for $66 in ’06’ and you did. Thank you.”
Maritz addressed nearly 1,000 campaign volunteers and contributors who attended the campaign victory celebration luncheon. Overall, several thousand volunteers worked on the 2006 United Way campaign which included employee groups, labor unions, businesses, corporations and government employees.
Along with the campaign volunteers, 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 David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, Inc., congratulated Maritz and the volunteers. “I know, from experience, what a tremendous task this campaign is. And I knew Steve was up for the challenge of leading this campaign and inspiring the volunteers to its $66 million goal. Congratulations – to each and every one of you – for your big heart.”
Maritz reminded those in attendance that “one never knows when he or she may need help. This is why each of you here work so hard for United Way – this is why you contribute to this campaign. To ensure that when someone needs help – it will be there.
“How do you or I know if we’ll have a need, or need relief – like from this past summer’s storm? You don’t, I don’t – none of us know. But, in these times and countless others, I know, because of the work you’ve accomplished with this campaign, that there’s a quality, United Way-funded organization out there ready to help.”
By the numbers
The St. Louis Regional Business Council, which represents more than 100 area firms, raised more than $8.9 million this year.
Thirteen 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.
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. had the largest team gift of more than $3,000,000 from its employees, labor unions and Anheuser-Busch Foundation.
The firms giving $2 million or more in team gifts were employees of: Edward Jones, Emerson Electric (new this year at this level), Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company and Monsanto Company.
At the $1 million or more level in team gifts from employees were: A.G. Edwards, Inc, AT&T along with the Communications Workers of America, employees of Ameren Corporation including labor unions and Ameren Corporation, Bank of America, The Boeing Company, Macy’s, associates and labor unions of Schnuck Markets, Inc., and U.S. Bank.