The Simmons Employee Foundation recently achieved a milestone of donating more than $1 million to Madison County area charities and non-profit organizations. The foundation surpassed the benchmark by donating $81,000 throughout 2011 to several charities including the Joshua Chamberlain Society, the American Diabetes Association, Special Olympics, local animal shelters and more.
“We are excited to surpass such a substantial benchmark,” said John Simmons, Simmons Hanly Conroy founder and chairman. “It’s a testament to the dedication and commitment Simmons Hanly Conroy employees have made to their local communities in Madison County and the greater St. Louis region.”
The employee foundation’s most recent event was its 8th annual Adopt-A-Family program. Employee Foundation members bought, wrapped and delivered Christmas presents to more than 90 children through its partnership with Madison County shelters including the Community Hope Center, The Phoenix Crisis Center and the Oasis Women’s Shelter. Each adopted family also received a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart from the foundation.
Since the foundation started in 2004, its mission is to be an innovative resource dedicated to supporting the community and its individuals, families and organizations through charitable financial giving and volunteer programs. Members have donated, fundraised and volunteered for a wide variety of organizations in Madison County and throughout the greater St. Louis area. Notable donations and events that have helped the foundation reach this important milestone include:
- The SEF Dinner Auction event has cumulatively raised nearly $600,000, and benefited charities like the William M. Bedell Achievement Resource Center, Catholic Charities Children’s Home, Habitat for Humanity and more.
- The SEF Annual Golf Tournament, now in the 8th annual year, has cumulatively raised nearly $100,000 for charities like the Joshua Chamberlain Society, New Opportunities, Madison County Challenger Baseball, Make-A-Wish and more.
- The SEF Annual food drive which has cumulatively donated more than 100 tons of food to Madison County Pantries.
- Through its individual donation request program, SEF has awarded a cumulative total of approximately $350,000 to individuals and charities like the Beverly Farm Foundation, United Way Community Christmas Program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bethalto and Alton, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Metro East Humane Society, Toys for Tots, Alton Mental Health Center, and more.
About Simmons Employee Foundation
In late 2004, the employees of the Simmons firm came together to create a single, streamlined way for them to give back to the communities they are so proud to call home. As a result of their creativity and heartfelt commitment, the Simmons Employee Foundation (SEF), has provided over $1 million of financial support and countless volunteer hours to St. Louis-area charitable organizations.
