Ameren Corporation have raised $112,318 through its The Arts and Education Council 2012 Workplace Giving Campaign, PARTICIPATE – Keep Art Happening, to support arts and arts education organizations throughout the 16-county, bi-state St. Louis area.
This year’s campaign theme, “PARTICIPATE – Keep Art Happening,” resonated with Ameren employees. “Each year we stress to our employees how important this campaign is,” said Shawn Schukar, senior vice president of trading and marketing, A&E board member, and Ameren’s campaign chair. “This year was no different; Ameren continued to focus on campaign awareness and participation from our employees.” Samantha Hager, campaign coordinator for
many years, helped lead the team, with assistance from Sherry Radae and a team of volunteers.
Ameren’s involvement with the Arts and Education Council is far-reaching. Chairman, President & CEO Thomas R. Voss recognizes A&E’s valuable contribution to the St. Louis community. “As a corporate leader, I recognize how support of the arts contributes to our success in recruiting and retaining a talented and innovative workforce. Years of research show that exposure to the arts is closely linked to an individual’s academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement, and equitable opportunity,” stated Voss. “Ameren proudly participates in A&E’s annual fundraising efforts through Workplace Giving Campaigns, corporate giving and by supporting the organization’s signature fundraising event, the St. Louis Arts Awards. For the past two years, my wife Carol and I had the pleasure of co-hosting this event that honors individuals and organizations who achieve a legacy of artistic excellence and businesses that enrich St. Louis’ arts and cultural community.”
According to Cynthia A. Prost, president, Arts and Education Council, “The business community’s support of the arts helps make St. Louis a more desirable place to live, work and raise families. Because of the generosity of employees like Ameren’s who donate to A&E, we are able to fund outstanding arts education programming for children and adults of every demographic living in urban, rural and suburban communities. The St. Louis arts and cultural climate would not be as diverse, accessible or vibrant without the critical support of our friends at Ameren,” noted Prost. “Our region’s exceptional arts community is vital to our continued growth and economic development. In fact, the arts support 10,000 jobs here and generate more than $582 million for the local economy annually.”
Ameren’s campaign began with a coordinator kickoff luncheon, hosted by Schukar and Hager, and included speakers from the Arts and Education Council’s leadership team and Christopher Limber, education director at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, a recipient of an A&E operating support grant. In addition to its annual three-week season of performances in Forest Park, Shakespeare Festival also tackles the timely social issue of bullying with theatrical adaptations for students of all ages with support from A&E.
Ameren’s campaign was conducted during a three-week period this spring. Several unique events were held for employees during the campaign, and helped generate enthusiasm for multiple art forms. Events included performances by the Black Rep, an A&E sustaining grant recipient, and magician Josh Routh. Southwest Airlines, the official airline of the Arts and Education Council, donated round-trip airline tickets and Cardinals baseball tickets were offered as incentive prizes to encourage participation.