Associates and principals of Edward Jones raised $673,382 for the Arts and Education Council through its 2012 Workplace Giving Campaign.
The campaign at Edward Jones is the largest and most successful Workplace Giving Campaign in A&E’s history with 2,857 of the firm’s associates and partners – representing 73 percent of its workforce – contributing to this year’s effort.
The funds will support arts and arts education organizations throughout the 16-county, bi-state St. Louis area.
The campaign management team included Principal Chair Dave Mayo and Associates Co-chairs Brian Mathus and Deanna Taylor. They led a team of 35 Edward Jones associates who coordinated the campaign that was launched on May 11 with events on Edward Jones’ campuses.
Edward Jones hosted two leadership-giving receptions prior to the campaign with entertainment provided by members of the Jazz St. Louis Jazz All-Stars, a group of talented high school musicians that receives funding from A&E.
Prior to the campaign’s official kickoff, Rick Dildine, executive director of the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, and Timothy O’Leary, general director of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, spoke to Edward Jones associates about how A&E funding is critical to the success of their organizations.
Kickoff events included remarks by A&E President Cynthia Prost and Edward Jones Managing Partner Jim Weddle.
An outstanding array of performers from several of A&E’s grantee organizations also participated including Circus Flora, featuring the St. Louis Arches; Center of Creative Arts (COCA), featuring COCAdance; Dances of India; Jazz St. Louis, featuring Gene Dobbs Bradford and the Blues Inquisition and a performance by Brian Owens, St. Louis Symphony community programs coordinator, program manager of the IN UNISON choir and lead singer of the 571st Air National Guard band, Sidewinder.
Kickoff attendees also enjoyed a short scene from Cruel to Be Kind, an anti-bullying initiative that is a key component of Shakespe are Festival St. Louis’ education programs, introduced by Christopher Limber, education director.
Edward Jones associates tapped into their own artistic creativity by hosting a flash mob designed to inspire giving to A&E inside a company cafeteria along with other activities throughout the two week campaign.
“Our friends at Edward Jones demonstrate incredible generosity and enthusiasm for the Arts and Education Council’s annual campaign,” said Cynthia A. Prost, president of the Arts and Education Council.
“Their efforts ultimately strengthen the neighborhoods and communities where they conduct business. By supporting the St. Louis arts community, Edwards Jones helps ensure the area’s legacy of artistic excellence and provides children and adults with opportunities to explore and experience exceptional art and culture throughout the region.”
Edward Jones has consistently conducted A&E’s largest Workplace Giving Campaign for many years.
Campaign chairs rotate from year to year and associates serve on events, prizes and communications committees.
Committee assignments enable associates to grow professionally and showcase their leadership skills to their leaders – playing a major role in the larger corporate goals for professional development and training.
“Serving on the Workplace Giving Campaign Committee provides many of our associates a unique opportunity to develop skills and competencies outside of their day-to-day responsibilities with the firm,” said Associate Co-Chair Brian Mathus.
“Our committee members know they are making a difference, and they’re learning and having fun in the process.”
Edward Jones has donated more than $5.5 million to the Arts and Education Council since 1978 with more than $3.3 million coming from its workplace giving efforts. Edward Jones substantially increased its 2012 giving by donating $30,382 more than was raised in 2011.
An additional campaign among the firm’s St. Louis-area branch offices will be held in the fall of 2012.
Edward Jones has a long history of support for the Arts and Education Council, beginning with former Managing Partner John Bachmann, who chaired A&E’s board from 1994 through 1996. Edward Jones Principals Jim Krekeler and Eric Koestner are both members of the Arts and Education Council’s board of directors. Edward Jones Principal Bob Ciapciak and Krekeler are former A&E board chairs.
In the past 49 years, the Arts and Education Council has raised and distributed more than $100 million to arts and arts education organizations throughout the 16-county, bi-state St. Louis region.
