St. Louis area law firm makes commitment to match up to $25,000 in donations for second year
ST LOUIS – Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, the St. Louis area’s largest personal injury law firm, has announced it will match any and all donations made to the “$5 for the Fight” campaign up to $25,000 in hopes of again raising $50,000 for local union families facing financial hardship. The “$5 for the Fight” Emergency Relief Fund was established by the Greater St. Louis Labor Council.
“We were impressed by the outpouring of support last year and are excited to renew the campaign for 2013,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Shareholder Chris Guinn. “We hope others will again consider giving when they know their donation will go twice as far to help local St. Louis union families.”
The fund, established in 1996, helps union members and their families facing financial hardships. In 2012, more than 476 families from 77 different locals received help paying their mortgages, utilities, medical bills and more through last year’s fundraising efforts. The $5 for the Fight donated funds reached a total of $138,000 including contributions from other local funds and charities and the nearly $53,000 resulting from the firm’s match campaign.
“The “$5 for the Fight” Emergency Fund is only possible because of generous donations made by caring businesses like the Firm, union organizations and dedicated individuals. Without them, many of these families would have nowhere to turn for help,” said Robert A. Soutier, president of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. “Thanks to the leadership of the Firm, we hope it will be possible for us to help even more unemployed union workers with mortgage payments, rent, utilities, medical bills and more in the coming year.”
The nearly $53,000 raised from the Simmons campaign last year marked the largest corporate donation the fundraiser received since it started. This year, Guinn said he hopes the match campaign will at least replicate that amount.
The labor council and United Way of Greater St. Louis cover administration costs for the fundraiser, allowing all donations to directly benefit St. Louis-area families.
Donations can be made by check or online. Mail a check or money order to “$5 for the Fight,” c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 and include your union affiliation if applicable. To make an online donation, visit www.labortribune.com and click “$5 for the Fight” Donations in the left hand column. An option to create a reoccurring automated donation is also available.
