United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) brings together people, resources, and funding to help build strong, resilient communities where our neighbors overcome challenges, and everyone can thrive, and our safety net of nonprofit partner agencies are the source of our strength. The need for immediate and long-term help for our neighbors is ongoing and ever-changing, and that is why our safety net is so important.
Witnessing firsthand the power of partnership between UWGSL and our partner agencies is an eye-opening experience, and recently, two of the St. Louis region’s top business leaders got a chance to see how we work together to empower and inspire hope in our local communities.
Lal Karsanbhai, President and CEO of Emerson, and Andrew Davidson, Managing Partner for KPMG’s St. Louis Office, took a tour of four of UWGSL’s 160 partner agencies – The Community Care Center, Peter & Paul Community Services, Home Sweet Home, and Father & Families Support Center.
They will serve as chair and co-chair of the UWGSL annual community campaign, and this tour left a transformational impression on them as they grasped the magnitude of our collective impact.
“Seeing the frontline work of the United Way safety net agencies brought everything into perspective,” said Lal. “These organizations aren’t just providing services, they’re providing stability, dignity, and hope. The experience was powerful and humbling.”
“Witnessing the dedication and impact of United Way’s safety net agencies was truly moving,” said Andrew. “The collaboration and support provided by United Way empowers these organizations to extend their reach and effectiveness, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.”
Support for UWGSL’s campaign helps us provide funding to these agencies so they can continue to provide vital services to help local individuals and families. Our community campaign is a coordinated fundraising effort we are incredibly proud of, and it takes all of us working together, donating, and being involved to spark real lasting change.
Because of the tremendous generosity of our community, UWGSL is able to raise enough to help 1 million people each year, which has made UWGSL the #1 United Way fundraising campaign in the nation. We look forward to this continued generosity to ensure we can be there for our neighbors when they need us.
“United Way in collaboration with our nonprofit network partners play a critical role in keeping our local safety net strong to provide assistance to neighbors, especially through times like these that have been unprecedented, including the recent tornadoes,” said Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “We want to thank Lal and Andrew for stepping into this year’s chair roles and look forward to raising as many dollars as possible to continue helping people across our region.”
The campaign chairs will be tasked with uniting companies, unions, and foundations behind UWGSL’s mission to help people live their best possible lives. By giving to UWGSL, you join a powerful collective force, amplifying impact and helping to build a brighter future for our entire region. Collective giving keeps our safety net strong.
“It was such an honor to provide a tour and welcome the campaign chairs to Community Care Center,” said Melanie Foster, Executive Director of Community Care Center. “United Way is such a wonderful financial resource and allows organizations like mine to thrive. United Way makes it possible for Community Care Center to feed approximately 1,400 individuals and 600 families a month in our food pantry and that is such a blessing.”
“Visiting these agencies reminded me of the individual lives at the center of it all, and how we can change lives through United Way,” said Lal.
Everyone throughout our region has the power to make a difference. Every dollar you contribute directly supports nonprofits, programs, and initiatives that will ensure the health and vitality of our neighbors.
Together, we can make an immediate and lasting impact on our local communities.
Take action now:
- Learn more about our 2025 campaign chairs.
- Find out how much of an impact you are making through a gift to UWGSL.
- Share this story with family and friends.
