The statistics show that one in three people in the bi-state region is aided by a United Way-funded program at some point in his or her life.
Which means that most people reading this know someone who has received help.
Just ask Dirk Killen, Ph.D., assistant dean in the College of Arts & Sciences. Shortly after moving to St. Louis from the East Coast, Killen and his wife, Kristin Daly, learned that their son Conor had leukemia.
Enter the American Cancer Society, which helped the family.
“The American Cancer Society was there for us when we needed it,” said Killen at the University’s 2006 United Way of Greater St. Louis’ kickoff campaign breakfast Sept. 6 at the Whittemore House. “What does charity really mean? It means love — it’s what brings people and communities together.”
Conor’s leukemia is now in remission.
At the kickoff breakfast, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced that this year’s goal is $540,000.
University faculty and staff members should have already received pledge cards in the mail.
“One of the great things of the St. Louis United Way is that it is one of the most efficient programs in the country in terms of how much money actually goes into the programs of the United Way,” Wrighton said. “Ninety cents of every dollar given to the United Way goes into the hands of those in need.”
A gift of $100 can provide any of the following: five days of food for a family of four; 14 hours of after-school tutoring for high-risk youth; eight hours of elderly personnel care; or 15 books for a lending library.
The region is on top in another area, too. Despite being just the 18th-largest metro area in the nation, St. Louis is in the top five in terms of support for the United Way for at least the past four years.
Through its support of more than 200 health and human-service organizations, the United Way provides a wide range of services to a highly diverse population, helping many accomplish day-to-day responsibilities, assisting those in need of counseling and shelter, providing opportunities for exercise and recreation, and supporting people facing life’s unexpected challenges.
W. Stephen Maritz, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Maritz Inc., is the chair of this year’s St. Louis campaign.
“We all, I believe, have a responsibility to help people,” Maritz said. “People are generous, people want to help, but they need to be asked. That’s just human nature.
“We want people to look at this year as the single most important campaign ever. Because it is — until next year. Our community needs our help, and we should feel good about helping the community.”
The campaign officially ends in late October, but the Office of Human Resources will accept pledge cards up to the end of the calendar year and beyond.