United Way of Greater St. Louis announced its 2013 campaign goal at a fundraising luncheon on Tuesday. Ron and Cheri Fromm, this year’s fundraising co-chairs, announced the largest campaign goal ever for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, $72,250,000. Ron Fromm is the chairman of Brown Shoe Company.
Last year the fundraising goal was $72 million – $250,000 less than this year’s goal – and United Way raised nearly $20,000 more than its goal.
The Fromms were instrumental in deciding to increase this year’s campaign goal.
“Ron and Cheri meet with a lot of partners from around the region. They look at the need,” said Orvin Kimbrough, the new president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “This year is a growth year because the need is tremendous.”
The United Way of Greater St. Louis contributes to more than 170 organizations that provide service to local residents. On top of providing service to St. Louis city and county, they partner with organizations in five other Missouri counties and nine Illinois counties.
The charitable organization has not seen a growth in the number of partners they work alongside, but they hope to meet more of the needs of people in the region compared to previous years.
“We’re steady in the number of relationships,” Kimbrough said. “Our partners are digging deeper.”
The Grand Ballroom at the Ballpark Hilton Hotel in downtown St. Louis was filled with an estimated 600 people attending the fundraising luncheon in business attire. But it was the younger guests, dressed in jerseys of their favorite Rams football players, that stood out. This is the fourth annual United Way fundraising luncheon hosted by the St. Louis Rams.
“The Rams have been a tremendous partner,” Kimbrough said.
“The NFL has a great relationship with the United Way across the country,” said Carrie Zukowski, United Way spokesperson.
Guests at the luncheon were also treated to a Rams season preview by Head Coach Jeff Fisher.
Two other collaborations between the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Rams will be held over the weekend. On Saturday, September 7 the Rams will host a 5K run to benefit the United Way. And at the Rams season opener on Sunday, September 8, fans will be able to donate to the United Way at every concession stand.
The campaign fundraising begins September 3 and continues through early November.
For more information, visit www.stl.unitedway.org.