NewsAndEvents

New York Life makes corporate gift

Kate Kromann — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:43:14 GMT

Thanks to New York Life Insurance Company for their generous 2010 corporate gift to the United Way campaign! Below, Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way, accepts the check from Mike McCann, managing partner at New York Life.

Five East St. Louis agencies receive total of $127,200 from United Way in grants for youth

Kate Kromann — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:39:57 GMT

United Way media release

August 23, 2010

United Way of Greater St. Louis awarded five East St. Louis Youth Fund grants, totaling $127,200, to five non-profit organizations in East St. Louis to help with youth programming and outreach.

Employment Connection, Griffin Center, Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House and Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois were each awarded a grant for $25,440.

“It’s wonderful to see these agencies receive this funding to help youth in East St. Louis,” said Francella Jackson, director of community programs, East St. Louis Police Department and United Way board member. “With these grants through United Way, these agencies are going to be able to do even more to help the youth in the community, and that’s what United Way is all about – helping people. It’s an honor to be a part of the process that makes this possible.”

These grants were presented to both United Way-member and nonmember organizations and programs. Funding was carefully determined by volunteers.

Grants monies for each agency will assist them in helping youth with:

Employment Connection – Life skills, personal development, and job placement activities for 25 youth ages 16 - 18.
Griffin Center – Summer camp program for youth residing in housing developments.
Hoyleton House – Summer recreation and education opportunities and community service projects.
Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House – Structured after-school and summer program for at-risk youth.
Violence Prevention Center – Domestic violence prevention and education services to East St. Louis youth through school-based presentations.

Anheuser-Busch gives $2M to United Way (St. Louis Business Journal)

Kate Kromann — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:28:28 GMT

St. Louis Business Journal

August 20, 2010

Anheuser-Busch announced a $2 million gift Friday to the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ 2010 annual campaign.

This year’s donation brings the brewer’s total giving to United Way in St. Louis to more than $32 million since 1985.

Dave Peacock, president of Anheuser-Busch, plans to be the United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign chairman in 2013.

At Friday night’s St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, the Budweiser Clydesdales will join Peacock as he presents the $2 million check to United Way Campaign Chairman Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones.

In addition to the $2 million gift, Anheuser-Busch will formally begin its annual internal employee giving campaign Sept. 30.

United Way of Greater St. Louis serves people in 16 Missouri and Illinois counties, and donations help United Way reach nearly 200 health and human service agencies each year. United Way provides job counseling and training, child care, help for the elderly and disabled, health-care assistance, disaster relief and violence prevention.

Anheuser-Busch InBev of Belgium owns Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis.

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2010/08/16/daily56.html

2011-2013 board and campaign chairs for United Way announced

Kate Kromann — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:12:40 GMT

United Way media release

August 18, 2010

Noting high quality volunteer leadership has always been a hallmark of United Way of Greater St. Louis, David Steward, founder and chairman, World Wide Technology and United Way nominating committee chair introduced upcoming United Way board and campaign chairs.

Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones and the 2010 campaign chair, will serve as chair of the board in 2011 – 2012.
Danny Ludeman, president and CEO of Wells Fargo, will chair the 2011 campaign.
Greg Boyce, chairman and CEO of Peabody Energy, will chair the 2012 campaign.
David A. Peacock, president of Anheuser Busch Companies, Inc., will chair the 2013 campaign.

“It’s with excitement that I announce our future leadership at United Way,” said Steward. “The leadership we have lined up will help us continue our tradition of success in helping people. It is committed volunteer leadership at all levels of United Way that enables us to be one of the leading United Ways in the nation.”

“We want people to know United Way has an ongoing commitment to helping people in our community,” said Gary Dollar, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “We may be in the beginning of our 2010 campaign, but we’re also looking forward. I know, with the strong leadership United Way has in Jim, Danny, Greg and David, United Way will remain a strong, viable organization committed to helping people.”

United Way campaign set to begin in Granite City area (Suburban Journals)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:02:34 GMT

Suburban Journals

August 18, 2010

After more than 30 years of giving to the United Way, Mark Holshouser has decided to take the lead this year as chair of the annual fundraising campaign in the Tri-Cities Area Division.

"It is one of the few positions with the United Way that I hadn't filled," said Holshouser, president and CEO of GCS Federal Credit Union. "I really felt the desire to lead the charge this year and I am very eager to do it."

Thirty years ago, when Holshouser first came to GCS Federal Union then named Granite City Steel Employees Federal Credit Union, there was not a United Way campaign.

"I thought it was important to support United Way, so I started a campaign at the credit union," he said. "Now we have nearly 95 percent of our employees participating in the campaign each year and we have continued to see an increase from year to year."

Through the credit union's campaign, he said many employees have witnessed firsthand what benefits their charitable donations have done for the community.

"You never know who is going to be touched by these dollars," he said. "It could be a friend, a neighbor or even a coworker."

Holshouser has served on the Tri-Cities Area Division Auxiliary Council for 13 years in total over two terms. He once served as council chair for Tri-Cities. He also served on a United Way allocation panel, which is responsible for the amount of funding an agency receives each year.

"Everybody gets approached by organization after organization," he said. "I feel that United Way is a good organization because they do all the work to make sure that the money is going to the right places and being spent wisely."

As for this year's campaign, Holshouser remains optimistic in large part to the overwhelming support and excitement from his campaign team.

"We've created a new type of structure to our campaign team this year and created committees to help ensure we are using people's talents where they are best suited," he said. "This has already proven to be very beneficial. I think this will translate into a more successful campaign."

Holshouser is another example of the many outstanding volunteers that have committed their support to United Way.

"Hundreds of volunteers give their time to United Way each year," said Missy Churchman, Illinois region vice president for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

While this year's campaign may be a challenge, Amy Sutherland of United Way said she remains positive because Holshouser and the members of the Tri-Cities Area Division campaign team are committed to reaching its goal, which will be set next month.

"Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated goes directly to provide services to help our families, neighbors and coworkers become safer, healthier and more self-sufficient," said Sutherland, who serves as the resource development associate for the Tri-Cities Area Division. "We know these dollars are helping people in our communities."

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/08/18/madison/news/0818gcj-uwholshouser.txt

Campaign set for a 'positive' year (Suburban Journals)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:58:02 GMT

Suburban Journals

August 18, 2010

Five years after getting involved with the Illinois Division of United Way, Keith Cook is leading the charge with the 2010 annual fundraising campaign.

"We are optimistic about this year's campaign," said Cook, who serves as community president of the metro east for Regions Bank. "We have a wonderful and supportive community. United Way has distinguished itself as being a premiere organization that really impacts the lives of those in need." Cook is serving as the 2010 campaign chair for the Illinois Division.

"We also believe this year's campaign will be positive," he said. "We have a really strong campaign committee. The current and past presidents have been an active and tremendous resource." Cook said the campaign team has been quite active.

"Our focus is on thanking past contributors and identifying companies that are willing to run new campaigns," he said.

"We feel good about the number of appointments we have had with potential new campaigns. The campaign committee is having frequent meetings focused on specific business development strategies and daily feedback." Cook was first introduced to United Way by his boss, who was passionate about United Way.

"The more you know about United Way, the more you appreciate what it does for the community," he said. "United Way is so efficient with their dollars. It gives you a great comfort to know that your contributions are being spent wisely," Cook, who served on a United Way allocations panel, said participating with this panel or through committee meetings, a person can truly understand the level of sincerity and seriousness of United Way's approach to its mission.

"All communities have people who need a helping hand every now and then. United Way allows you to help those people in an organized, accountable and efficient method," he said.

He is also involved with the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Protestant Memorial Medical Center, Belle-Scott Committee, Leadership Council of Southwest Illinois, Belleville Community of Character, Southwest Illinois Council of Mayors and Southwest Illinois Community Development Center.

Cook is another example of the many outstanding volunteers that have committed their support to United Way.

"Hundreds of volunteers give their time to United Way each year," said Missy Churchman, Illinois region vice president for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

"It is because of these volunteers that United Way can continue to be successful from year to year. They also make it possible to provide funding to local agencies that help more than a million people in this area." While this year's campaign may be a challenge, Charlie Merker of United Way said he remains positive because Cook and members of the Illinois Division campaign team are committed to reaching its goal, which will be set next month.

"Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated goes directly to provide services to help our families, neighbors and co-workers become safer, healthier and more self-sufficient," said Merker, who serves as the director of the Illinois Region of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. "We know these dollars are helping people in our communities."

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/08/18/monroe/news/0818cla-uwcook.txt

Chair sees value in giving back to Collinsville area community (Suburban Journals)

Kate Kromann — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:56:19 GMT

Suburban Journals

August 18, 2010

The positive energy of this year's United Way campaign team for the Southwest Illinois Division has Campaign Chair Claudia Herndon optimistic.

"Team members are enthusiastic about inspiring people to give so that our agencies can continue to help people," said Herndon, civic leader. "We have several new people with creative ideas on the campaign team this year, and they, along with existing team members, are adding to that enthusiasm." Herndon's first experience on the Campaign Team was last year as vice chair.

"Without previous campaign experience, I didn't know if I was the right person for this position," she said.

"But the positive energy with this year's campaign team keeps me inspired. We are all aware that the economy is still in the process of rebounding, but we have faith in our community's desire to help those in need." Dedicated volunteers such as Herndon make it possible for United Way to help more than a million people each year, said Missy Churchman, Illinois region vice president of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

"Claudia's enthusiasm and compassion will contribute to us reaching our goal and in turn continue to support United Way-funded agencies," Churchman said.

Earlier this summer, Herndon, along with other campaign team members, began calling on company presidents and school superintendents to get an idea of where they feel their giving levels will be this year.

"We know that the schools and area businesses want to continue to support the United Way and are hopeful of maintaining or increasing their previous level of giving," she said.

Herndon first came to United Way as an allocations volunteer after a friend suggested she become a panel member.

As an allocations volunteer for over 10 years, Herndon is one of the many other volunteers who are responsible for reviewing each United Way funded agency every year.

"I was impressed by each volunteer's commitment to the agencies. Every volunteer thoroughly reviews the agencies on their panel and makes recommendations based on the financial and program information," she said. "The volunteers feel a responsibility to the United Way to make sound judgments, but also care about the people and the agencies they review. It's a very enlightening and rewarding experience." Herndon has previously served as the Allocations Chair for the Southwest Illinois Division, which funds 42 local agencies.

United Way represents agencies that help people of all ages and walks of life, she said.

"The broad spectrum of people helped by United Way has been eye-opening for me. The many and varied needs that exist in this community has further instilled the desire to and true value of giving back to our community," she said.

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/08/18/madison/news/0818cvj-uwherndon.txt

Bank of America invests in young student leaders (USA Today)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:07:18 GMT

USA Today

August 9, 2010

"I know a lot of teens that want to get involved in philanthropy, but need a mobilizing force," says Simone Bernstein, 18. "I'm working to help them have a voice at a large organization this summer."

Bernstein is a participant in Bank of America's Student Leaders program this summer, which placed a select group of 230 "civic-minded" teens in eight-week-long internships at more than 90 partner non-profits nationwide. Bernstein was matched with the United Way of Greater St. Louis where she lives.

"I'm working with their staff to create a larger program to support teen volunteers in the St. Louis area," says Bernstein. "I'm trying to develop a junior board to help these teens have a voice."

Not only did the Great Recession of 2009 impact corporate charitable donations, as you may have read on the cover of Money today, it also affected teens' ability to find employment. The national teen unemployment rate is currently around 26%. To address this issue, Bank of America's Student Leaders program provides teens with hands-on work opportunities while filling resource gaps at non-profits -- yet another way corporate America went beyond the dollar to make a difference last year.

"Our nation's high unemployment rate disproportionately affects teens, many of whom face financial challenges while preparing for higher education and their future careers," explains Kerry Sullivan, president, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, in a news release. "At Bank of America, we feel the Student Leaders program represents an important investment in the next generation of leaders who will address the issues facing our communities. The program initiates a ripple effect that leads to higher levels of civic service, a greater understanding of how non-profits work and additional positive impact in the communities we serve."

The internship program culminated with a week-long Bank of America Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., July 18-23, featuring educational seminars and the participation of several special guests, including Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Since its inception in 2004, Bank of America has invested $7 million into the Student Leaders program, providing over 1,400 students like Bernstein with the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.

"This has been a great opportunity to get hands-on experience that I can take back to my own project," says Bernstein, who created a website atwww.stlouisvolunteen.com that helps kids and teens connect with volunteer opportunities in the St. Louis area. "I hope to show teens that you can have an impact at any age."

For more information on Bank of America's Student Leaders program, visitwww.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

And be sure to check back tomorrow for the next installment of how corporate America is going beyond the dollar to make a difference.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/08/bank-of-america-invests-in-young-student-leaders-with-charitable-internship-program/1#uslPageReturn

Kathryn Zellich has made a difference 162 kids at a time (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:31:19 GMT

By Eddie Roth

July 28, 2010

Kathryn Zellich can’t be considered a St. Louis mover and shaker, not by conventional standards.

Ms. Zellich runs the Cornerstone Center for Early Learning at the corner of Russell Boulevard and 39th Street in St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood.

Fifteen years ago, she helped to take a long-vacant, nuisance-prone sporting goods store and turn it into a bright enclave for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

To walk through this immaculate facility, with its shaded and sheltered playground and to peek into its nurseries and classrooms is to wonder how children possibly could do better.

I stopped by Cornerstone because I learned that Ms. Zellich will be retiring sometime after Labor Day.

I was curious to hear her personal reflections. She mainly talked about others:

Cornerstone wouldn’t be what it is today were it not for work begun more than 40 years ago when it got its start in an area church, she said.

Cornerstone has a splendid facility, she said, but that’s thanks to the neighborhood itself, which sold the property for a nominal sum, and to private givers who helped bring improvements through the years. And, she added, Cornerstone has been sustained by the United Way for more than 30 years.

Then there are Cornerstone’s employees, nearly half of whom, she proudly notes, have been with the agency for more than 10 years.

Don’t ask Ms. Zellich about volunteers, unless you have an extra half hour or so. There were 240 last year — many from high schools throughout the region, as well as from adults from major employers.

Micah House at St. Louis University has been a big source of volunteers. Donald Stump, its director, marvels at how, with “paints, musical instruments, ingredients for Silly Putty, and boxes of other supplies,” Ms. Zellich could “soon have the students laughing, smeared with paint and goop and very impressed at what a first-rate teacher can accomplish with children in an hour of creative play.”

This collaborative hasn’t solved all of the problems confronting young children in the neighborhoods that Cornerstone serves.

But it helps 162 children at a time, nearly two-thirds of whom last year lived in households with income of less than $20,000 — with many less than $10,000.

Cornerstone provides them with a safe, caring and stimulating environment in which to learn to solve problems and develop positive social behaviors. It helps their parents, who must work or attend school full time, become self-sufficient. It provides them with formula and baby food to help ensure thattheir children receive good nutrition at home, and diapering supplies to ensure children aren’t forced, for economic reasons, into early toilet training.

Ms. Zellich calls herself an “unlikely executive,” having earned a degree in fine arts as a painter. She talks about how successes with young parents and their children creates momentum that “ripples across generations.”

“Kathryn’s leadership has created an atmosphere at Cornerstone that focuses on quality,” said Kathy Gardner, senior vice president of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“Her vision and professionalism have ensured that children enter kindergarten with the skills needed to succeed in school and in life.”

That kind of legacy quietly moves a community.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/columns/the-platform/article_a24dccd0-9a9c-11df-a065-00127992bc8b.htm

True to teaching: Director finds strength in disabled students (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:29:44 GMT

Debi Lyons is the executive director of the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. The center serves developmentally disabled individuals 18 and older who reside in Macoupin County.

The Telegraph

July 31, 2010

Since the third grade, Debi Lyons has volunteered with the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled.

Now in her late thirties, Lyons said she feels privileged to be the executive director of the center and a teacher to the adults who attend the center five days a week.

The center serves developmentally disabled individuals 18 and older who reside in Macoupin County.

"My sister has Down syndrome and is a student here," Lyons said. "When I was old enough to volunteer, my mother started bringing me to the center."

Her mother, Peggy Hart, continues to volunteer regularly at the center and her sister, Julie, 45, still attends as a student from time to time.

For Lyons, teaching remains her true joy when it comes to the center.

"Each student challenges me in a different way. Everyone learns in different ways," she said. "We're like a family here. It's an awesome feeling to know you have helped someone."

The center helps those adults who have passed the age to be educated in the public school system. Lyons said some of the current students were coming to the center when she was a child.

"Often times, I find myself calling them my kids. And then I'll have someone say, 'I'm older than you,'" she said, laughing.

She said she admires her students' strength and courage.

"Even if I'm struggling one day in my own life, I can walk through the center's doors and the first 'hello' erases it," Lyons said. "They help remind you what's most important in our lives. Many of these students have been through so many struggles and it helps you remain thankful for everything, even the little things in our lives."

Lyons' two children, ages 1 and 3, sometimes visit the center.

"The students love to play with the kids," she said. "The students welcome everyone with open arms and treat everyone as a good person. They don't know a stranger."

The center operates five days a week during the nine months of a regular school year. During summer, the center holds a two-week camp in July, coordinated by Lyons' mother, for the developmentally disabled. The center runs a summer session in June and August, when funding is available.

"I always leave here feeling like I've accomplished something," Lyons said.

Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled is one of 42 agencies funded by the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis. Funding from United Way supports the agency's day learning center.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/center-43057-lyons-students.html

UPS has given $1 billion nationwide since 1982 to United Ways, locally more than $9.4 million

Kate Kromann — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:30:20 GMT

United Way news release

Nationwide, UPS just hit the remarkable milestone of contributing $1 billion to United Ways across the country since 1982. UPS is the first company to reach this level of giving with United Ways. UPS has been the top corporate giver to United Way Worldwide for nine of the last 10 years.

Locally, UPS and its employees have given more than $9.4 million since 1982 to United Way of Greater St. Louis. The St. Louis location of UPS (Central Plains District) has been contributing to United Way for more than 40 years.

In turn, United Way of Greater St. Louis has carefully invested those donations in the community to help people through a network of locally funded agencies.

“UPSers are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work,” said Judy Henry, president, Central Plains District. “We are extremely proud of our long-standing relationship with United Way of Greater St Louis."

To show appreciation, United Way is thanking UPS drivers the week of August 2-6. Find out how you can thank your UPS driver at:http://liveunited.org/thanksUPS.

“To my knowledge, UPS is the first company ever to have contributed $1 billion through one organization, a tremendous accomplishment both for our employees and the communities that benefit from United Way services,” said The UPS Foundation President Ken Sternad. “Wherever there is a stop light or stop sign in America, there is likely a UPS driver passing by; they are part of the community, they see the needs, and they have been a key part of the $1 billion story.”

“UPS has been and continues to be an outstanding corporate citizen with United Way,” said Gary Dollar, CEO and president, United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Every employee in UPS is engaged in helping people in our community at some level and that’s inspiring.”

Much has changed since the early ’80s with UPS. Parachute pants have been replaced by cargo shorts, ledger books have been replaced with Excel files, and UPS transitioned from being a small package delivery company to being a major player in the global supply chain.

Some things however, haven’t changed at all:

UPS drivers still wear brown, and
UPS’ commitment to United Way has never wavered

Christmas in July: Sisters take charity campaign seriously (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:21:41 GMT

Taylor Freer, 6, and her sister, Lilly Freer, 3, will play host to a Kool-Aid stand with sloppy joes for sale from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Freer Auto Body shop at 4512 North Alby in Godfrey. Proceeds will be donated to Community Christmas, a campaign jointly sponsored each year by the United Way and The Telegraph.

By Dan Brannan

The Telegraph

July 29, 2010

Taylor Freer, 6, and her sister, Lilly Freer, 3, are already doing their parts for the Community Christmas campaign, even though it is the middle of summer.

The Freer girls will play host to a Kool-Aid stand with sloppy joes for sale from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Freer Auto Body shop at 4512 North Alby in Godfrey. Community Christmas is a campaign jointly sponsored each year by the United Way and The Telegraph.

Taylor said she wants to do the fund-raising event to help other children.

"I really like to help people," the 6-year-old said. "I am doing it because I want everyone to have a good Christmas."

Lilly Freer also wants to help children who otherwise wouldn't have Christmas presents later in the year.

Taylor and Lilly have been working with their parents, Tim and Carrie Freer, and the rest of the Freer family in the Community Christmas campaign their entire lives. The Freers work on Community Christmas throughout the year, and it is their pet project.

Margaret Freer, one of the owners of Freer Auto Body in Godfrey, and Taylor and Lilly's grandmother, said she was proud of her two grandkids for coming up with the idea to raise money for Community Christmas in July.

"Taylor even said she wanted to break open her piggy bank to help," Margaret Freer said. "I guess we don't realize what an impression this makes on little ones."

Taylor and Lilly will be standing out by the Freer Auto Body sign selling their Kool-Aid and sandwiches on Friday and they encourage everyone to attend. The two are hoping to raise $500 from their efforts.

Taylor will be a first-grader at Evangelical School in Godfrey. Taylor enjoys soccer and gymnastics. Her sister, Lilly, enjoys gymnastics.

Carrie Freer said she was so proud of her two children coming up with the idea to do the July Community Christmas fund-raiser.

"I am sure they will grow up being involved in the community," she said.

Margaret Freer said she would always remember Taylor volunteering to give her all her money in her piggy bank for children who need help at Christmas.

"That brought grandma to tears," she said.

For more information, contact the Freers at (618) 466-6151. Cash donations for the event will be appreciated.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/freer-43091-christmas-taylor.html

Focused on fitness: Trainer tackles new position at YWCA (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:57:25 GMT

The Telegraph/DAN BRANNAN
Debbie Laux was named fitness director at the YWCA of Alton earlier this month. Laux worked as a personal trainer at Nautilus until accepting the YWCA position.

Over the years, helping people achieve health and fitness goals has kept Debbie Laux happy to be a personal fitness trainer.

"I love working with people," Laux said. "I feel very blessed to be able to motivate and educate in fitness."

Earlier this month, Laux was named fitness director at the YWCA of Alton.

"I may be fairly new to the YWCA organization, but I am not new to personal training and fitness," she said.

Originally from the St. Louis area, Laux has a grown son and daughter who reside in the area along with three grandsons, Christian, Connor and Collin.

"Yes, grandmas can be personal trainers too," she said.

In 1999, Laux moved to south Florida, where she first became a personal fitness trainer, certified through the International Fitness Association along with being certified in sports nutrition.

"I felt that I had finally found my niche and a passion that I truly enjoyed," she said.

In Florida, she worked under John Defendes, Mr. USA 1998, at World Gym until 2005. She then moved to Nashville, where she continued working as a personal trainer at the YMCA, along with selling real estate and songwriting.

In 2007, Laux returned to the Alton area for the birth of her twin grandsons. She continues to sell real estate, write and perform music and personal training.

"My strong belief in the formula of weight training and proper nutrition equal results and success has given me many clients over the years who are now living much healthier and productive lives," she said.

Among the success stories she has witnessed, Laux remembers one woman who lost 135 pounds over 12 months and became a personal trainer herself.

"I am really looking forward to helping everyone at the YWCA attain their own personal goals and to offering new programs that serve the needs of all our clientele, whatever their ages and fitness levels," she said.

Laux was a personal trainer at Nautilus until recently accepting the position with YWCA.

"I am very excited to be a part of the fitness team at the Alton YWCA," she said.

"I hope to incorporate my business and marketing background along with fitness to build classes, personal training and membership to help make the YWCA an even better experience for everyone."

YWCA of Alton is a United Way-funded agency. Established in 1918, the YWCA's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/fitness-42760-personal-laux.html

'Joe Boss': Volunteer puts skills to use at food pantry (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:54:03 GMT

Joe Kane, 19, who has Down syndrome, is a regular weekly volunteer at the center with his mother, Joan Kane. His responsibilities include packing breadboxes and restocking pantry shelves, while his mother is an intake person who works with the clients.

"Joe Boss Kane," his nametag reads. Staff and other volunteers describe him as a volunteer with a good heart and a sense of humor.

"He is the official second boss around here," said Susan Jolley, executive director at Crisis Food Center Inc.

Joe Kane, 19, who has Down syndrome, is a regular weekly volunteer at the center with his mother, Joan Kane.

The pair started coming together to the center shortly after Joe's younger brother, Jack, finished his service hours at the center for confirmation about three years ago.

"Joe loves to help other people," Joan Kane said. "This gives him a sense of accomplishment and makes him feel good about himself."

Joe Kane said jokingly that he keeps coming back for the brownies.

"Sometimes I eat two, maybe three," he said, laughing.

"On Thursdays, Joe will wake up and put on his green Crisis Food Center volunteer T-shirt and be ready to go," Joan Kane said.

Joe Kane said he enjoys working with food and people.

His responsibilities include packing breadboxes and restocking pantry shelves, while his mother is an intake person who works with the clients.

Restocking shelves and packing boxes is something he already knew how to do. He has worked at Schnucks in Godfrey for the last four years, bagging groceries, getting carts and putting away overstock.

Joe Kane attends Lewis and Clark Community College's College for Life program; swims with the Tri-City Area YMCA Tidalwaves; competes in the Special Olympics in swimming, track and field, and bowling; is a server at St. Mary's Church in Alton and loves the St. Louis Cardinals, especially Albert Pujols.

In June, Kane competed in the Special Olympics in Bloomington and won a bronze medal after taking third place in his division for the 50-meter run.

Crisis Food Center Inc. is one of 42 agencies funded by the Southwest Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. The funding received by the center helps for the continued operation for the food pantry.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/joe-42519-kane-center.html

Taking control: Youth of Year overcomes circumstances (The Telegraph)

Kate Kromann — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:45:49 GMT

Qur'an Clanton, 17, was chosen as Boys and Girls Club of Alton's Youth of the Year. This week, he will travel to Chicago for the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year Competition.

For Qur'an Clanton, taking control of his life was the only thing he could do to keep from going down a road so many in his neighborhood chose to travel.

Clanton, 17, was chosen as Boys and Girls Club of Alton's Youth of the Year. This week, he will travel to Chicago for the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year Competition. Clanton will be one of about 13 other youths representing other Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the Midwest.

"Being named Youth of the Year has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life," Clanton said. "I'm just happy that my story was heard and could possibly have an impact on other people's lives in a positive way."

As a child, Clanton was sexually abused and ridiculed for his obesity. During his freshman year in high school, his motivation to do well and excel in school was lacking. But after moving in with his father, Clanton was introduced to football, which became his new love.

Through this love for football, Clanton was determined to maintain his grades and succeed in school.

He said he was born again during his sophomore year.

"I think not doing well in school my freshman year was part of my rebellious phase, which I know now wasn't smart on my part," Clanton said. "But after I came back to my senses, all the support of my family, the club and my friends got me back to where I needed to be."

At the club, he is continuously involved in activities. He trains youth volunteers and assists staff with programs. At the club, he also provides cleaning services, helped with the sound and video for this year's Christmas Bash and mentors youths.

For the last 10 years, Clanton has been involved in community service activities through the club's park beautification project at a nearby park, along with several blocks surrounding the Catholic Children's Home.

"I really enjoy helping kids. I just hope to be a positive example for other kids to follow," he said. "Giving back to the club is important to me because everyone there helped me when I needed it most at a critical point in my life."

Clanton has plans to attend Parkland College for two years with hopes of transferring to University of Illinois, studying multimedia/programming. He said he hopes to one day run his own multimedia business.

No matter where Clanton's life takes him from this point forward, he said he will always make sure that he gives back to the Boy and Girls Club of Alton because the club and the people have been so essential in his life.

"Likewise, seeing a previous club member graduate from college and give back to the club, he will inspire many more to walk his path. Qur'an leads by example. He is a remarkable young man," said Al Womack, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Alton.

The Boys and Girls Club of Alton is one of 42 agencies funded by the Southwest Illinois Division of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. United Way funding is used for the club's general program and its Camp Blackhawk.

http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/club-41983-clanton-year.html