Fundraiser held at Lakeside Cafe at St. Louis Zoo
More than 200 people attended the kick-off for United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society Wednesday evening, September 20. Held at the Lakeside Cafe at the St. Louis Zoo, the event was appropriately called “The Nature of Giving.”
Guests, which included a virtual who’s-who of St. Louis African Americans, were treated to an elegant evening with music provided by jazz band Cojo, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Speakers included Larry Thomas, chair of the Charmaine Chapman Society and partner at Edward Jones; David Steward, chair of the board of United Way of Greater St. Louis and founder of World Wide Technology; Bruce Flemming of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a United Way funded agency; Cheryl Polk, COO of United Way; and Gary Dollar, CEO and president of United Way.
“I want tonight not to be just another party, but a night of careful consideration for what we – each of us in this room – can do for our community,” said Thomas.
“This year we have set a goal of $1.6 million for the Society. If we reach this goal, we will not only have raised more money for our community through United Way than ever before, but we will also show our strength as community leaders to the entire region.”
Bruce Flemming told the crowd that “without the funding we receive from United Way, our ability to run our mentoring programs to help children overcome the many obstacles they face such as self-esteem issues, would be greatly hindered.”
A fundraiser for the Charmaine Chapman Society of United Way of Greater St. Louis, the evening helped raise $307,089 toward the overall goal of $66 million for the 2006 United Way campaign.
The Society helps United Way raise funds for its annual campaign and recognizes African Americans who donate $1,000 or more to the campaign. More than $19.8 million of United Way funds are given to agencies that primarily serve African Americans, which is about 40 percent of allocated dollars.
“I believe we are all touched by the United Way,” said Steward.
“I believe we’ve all been the beneficiary of the good work that can only happen because of the efficient and effective way our dollars are used by United Way.”
Seventeen new Society members joined at the event. They, along with members who increased their gift to the next recognition level, will receive the opportunity to claim two tickets to one of United Way’s partner arts organizations. Those organizations include: The Black Rep, Circus Flora, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Sheldon Concert Hall, and Stages St. Louis.
Some of those in attendance at the event were:
Wayman Smith III, Dr. Nathaniel and Sandra Murdock, Henry Givens, Roland and Rona Williams, Duane Bailey, Queen Fowler, Keith and Ericca Willis, Ruth and Floyd Lewis, Francella Jackson, and Drs. Kenneth and Consuelo Wilkins.
