The May Department Stores Foundation and Edward Jones each have pledged $1 million toward the Siteman Cancer Center’s Emerson-Busch challenge grant.
The challenge grant, a $10 million gift from Emerson’s Charitable Trust and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, will expand research space at Siteman and support and help ensure that patients have access to the most advanced cancer treatments.
This gift is being used as a challenge to generate $20 million in additional matching support.
“These gifts from May and Edward Jones will benefit efforts to lessen the burden of cancer on communities in the St. Louis area, the Midwest and beyond for years to come,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said.
“We extend our gratitude for their support of the Siteman Cancer Center.”
Emerson’s Charitable Trust and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation are contributing $6 million and $4 million respectively.
The challenge grant will further St. Louis’ role as home to a nationally recognized cancer research and treatment program.
“The Siteman Cancer Center is a tremendous resource for the St. Louis community and the nation,” said Gene Kahn, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of The May Department Stores Co. and University trustee.
“The center is quickly becoming an international leader in patient care, cancer research, prevention and education.
“We feel honored to be among its major supporters and are very proud that our pledge is the first commitment toward the $10 million challenge grant funded by Emerson and Anheuser-Busch.”
First priority for funding through the Emerson-Busch challenge grant is expansion of cancer research space and programs in a new cancer research facility.
The basic and applied research supported by this gift are crucial in finding new treatments and diagnostic techniques for cancer patients.
“We are excited to be helping this well-known leader in cancer care by supporting its cutting-edge cancer research efforts and helping to ensure the best possible patient care programs are available for members of our community, our region and beyond,” said Douglas E. Hill, managing partner of Edward Jones.
“And we are pleased to continue our partnership with the Siteman Cancer Center through this new commitment.”
Based in St. Louis, The May Department Stores Co. is one of the country’s leading department store retailers.
May operates more than 440 department stores and 680 Bridal Group stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Edward Jones, also headquartered in St. Louis, is one of the fastest-growing financial services firms in the nation.
It serves more than 6 million clients from more than 9,000 offices in the United States and through its affiliates in Canada and the United Kingdom, offering a variety of investment services.