STL’s Charmaine Chapman Society leads nation in giving
By Meliqueica Meadows
Of the St. Louis American
In a banner fundraising year for the United Way of Greater St. Louis – led by David L. Steward, who helped the local United Way to surpass its 2005 fundraising goal of $65 million by $501,220 – the Charmaine Chapman Society raised nearly $2 million of the impressive total. The local African-American leadership giving initiative outpaced all its sister organizations, even those in cities like New York.
At a celebration held Friday at the Anheuser-Busch Corporate Theater, Charmaine Chapman Society members lauded chairs Minga and Johnny Furr Jr. for their leadership in reaching and beating the $1.3 million fundraising goal.
“We have exceeded our goal by $100,000 and raised $1.4 million,” Johnny Furr Jr. said. “This means that in 11 years the Charmaine Chapman Society has grown from 35 members giving $81,000 to 561 members giving $1.4 million.”
The Charmaine Chapman Society, founded by Donald M. Suggs, was later named for the former head of the local chapter of the United Way who passed away in July 2001. Chapman served as president and CEO of the organization from 1994 until her death in 2001.
Furr Jr. said this year’s donations by the society represent 16 percent of the new dollars raised by the local United Way.
“Charmaine Chapman would be so proud,” David L. Steward said.
“I’m proud of being a part of the St. Louis community and the African-American community and knowing that we’re the greatest and the largest African-American Leadership Giving Initiative in the country.”
Furr Jr. said that the Charmaine Chapman Society has the largest number of Alexis de Tocqueville Circle members (those who donate upwards of $100,000 to the annual campaign) among the nation’s leadership giving initiatives.
United Way president and CEO Gary Dollar said the leadership of the Furrs is a major reason for the success of the society in achieving its fundraising goals.
“Johnny and Minga are wonderful leaders and have just done an incredible job and have really moved us forward in the last two years,” said Dollar. “They have committed their time, energy and resources to making sure this is successful.”
Of the society, Dollar said, “It demonstrates the great support and the great commitment of African Americans to the community and that they live that out through their giving.”
Dollar said that nearly $20 million of United Way funds benefit African Americans. Minga Furr said the society is a visible representation of African Americans reaching into their pockets to help those in need.
“It is a statement that we are leaders in building this community. We are not a community of takers, we are a community of givers and a community of leaders,” Minga Furr said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to give to those in need and to know that your money is going to help people not only with their short-term needs, but with their long-term needs, because the United Way supports such wonderful developmental programs.”
“Minga and I are very pleased to have been able to lead the Charmaine Chapman Society. This is only the beginning,” Johnny Furr Jr. said.
“I see it growing and getting bigger. That number is going to go from $1.4 to $1.5 to eventually $2 million and more, because we believe it has the potential to be a viable organization in St. Louis.”