BJC donates $25,000 to local charities nominated by employees

When BJC put out the call, employees answered in typically impressive fashion.

In commemoration of BJC’s 25th anniversary in 2018, BJC invited employees to nominate a charitable organization that had personal meaning to them to receive part of $25,000 set aside to support grassroots, local organizations with a shared mission of improving health, education, child/youth development, senior/disabled support or community-building.

BJC employees responded with more than 100 nominations, which were subsequently evaluated by the St. Louis Community Foundation. The Foundation made recommendations on how to allocate the $25,000 total funding opportunity among these deserving nominations.

Thirteen organizations were chosen to receive donations ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. Selected charities span the St. Louis region, outstate Missouri and the Metro East, and support health, wellness, basic needs, youth and child development, education, and behavioral health. The charitable organizations receiving donations are:

• Burns Recovered
• Christian Activity Center East St. Louis
• CJ’s Journey
• Every Child’s Hope
• Gateway to Hope
• Hayner Public Library District
• Inn from the Storm
• Jefferson County CASA
• Maggie Welby Foundation
• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation
• Shared Blessings Inc.
• Voluntary Action Center
• Whole Kids Outreach

“As a nonprofit organization and one of the region’s largest employers, BJC works to be a good neighbor and community member, including support of charitable organizations that share a similar mission,” says Rich Liekweg, BJC president and CEO. “We hope these donations to some unsung heroes among charities can help support our collective missions in the communities we serve together.”

Due to the resounding employee response and the quantity and quality of nominated organizations, the charitable donation will become an annual community commitment by BJC.

“The ongoing need in our communities for humanitarian services is great and will only continue to grow,” adds Liekweg. “We are pleased to pledge continuing support in future years to special charitable organizations that make such an impact on the lives of those they serve and which hold an important place in the hearts of our team members.”

All selected organizations and the employees who nominated them will be recognized at a reception in March. Watch for coverage of the event.

About St. Louis Community Foundation

With more than 100 nominations from caring team members, BJC turned to the St. Louis Community Foundation to evaluate and make recommendations on distribution of the $25,000 charitable donation. Located in Clayton, Missouri, the Foundation has been helping St. Louisans put charitable dollars to work since 1915. The Foundation works with individuals, nonprofits, corporations and community leaders to build a more equitable and vibrant region, making a difference through inspired charitable giving.

Meet the charities

• Burns Recovered
  • St. Louis County – Green Park
  • Provides support to burn survivors and their families, along with community outreach to increase burn awareness and prevention.
  • Nominated by: Emily Stichling, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation
• Christian Activity Center
  • East St. Louis, Illinois
  • Prepares children and youth in East St. Louis for future success academically, physically and spiritually; more children apply than can be accommodated currently.
  • Nominated by: Bethany Phillips, RN, Memorial Hospital Belleville
• CJ’s Journey
  • St. Charles, Missouri
  • Assists children, young adults and families facing childhood cancer, increases awareness and supports research.
  • Nominated by: Mandy Bare, BJC Medical Group, and Christine Kilian, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Every Child’s Hope
  • St. Louis County – St. John
  • Children, youth and family services including early education, child psychiatry, family crisis support, foster care, resources for teen pregnancy and parenting, assistance to homeless youth.
  • Nominated by: Laura Boyd, BJC Shared Services, and Tina Lewis, BJC Shared Services
• Gateway to Hope
  • St. Louis County – Creve Coeur
  • Securing comprehensive care and providing financial assistance for individuals in need who have been diagnosed with or are at a high risk for developing breast cancer.
  • Nominated by: Thuy Cannon, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Hayner Public Library District
  • Alton, Illinois
  • Public library offering lifelong learning opportunities, including health literacy programs for pre-school, children and youth.
  • Nominated by: Tom Morrissey, BJC Shared Services
• Inn from the Storm
  • St. Louis County – University City
  • Empowering women returning home from prison through supportive services, education, job readiness, vocational training, housing and employment.
  • Nominated by: Aja Colquitt, Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Jefferson County CASA
  • Hillsboro, Missouri
  • Volunteer-based child advocacy organization for children experiencing abuse and neglect; partners with the legal system to provide a voice for children in foster care.
  • Nominated by: Rachel Kappler, RN, St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Maggie Welby Foundation
  • Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
  • Provides grants for children and families with a financial need for a particular purpose, including help with bills, athletic opportunities, medical needs, or an opportunity that a child would not otherwise have.
  • Nominated by: Tina Menne, BJC Medical Group
• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation
  • St. Louis County – Webster Groves
  • Dedicated to lessening the impact of congenital heart disease through love, awareness and advancement of pediatric heart research.
  • Nominated by: Emily Barklage, BJC Shared Services
• Shared Blessings Inc.
  • Bonne Terre, Missouri
  • Volunteer-operated transitional housing ministry in St. Francois County serving the homeless of all ages.
  • Nominated by: Amber Black, Parkland Health Center, and Natalie Sparkman, Parkland Health Center
• Voluntary Action Center
  • Columbia, Missouri
  • Helps low-income individuals and families bridge the gap between crisis and stability through medical care cost assistance, transportation and other support.
  • Nominated by: Michelle Zvanut, Boone Hospital Center
• Whole Kids Outreach
  • Ellington, Missouri
  • Serves underserved infants, children, youth and pregnant mothers in rural southeastern Missouri, including education about good health habits and basic life skills.
  • Nominated by: Diane Pugh, Missouri Baptist Medical Center