ST. ANDREW’S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION RECEIVES CONTRIBUTION FROM THE STEWARD FAMILY FOUNDATION

The St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation recently received a boost thanks to the generosity of David Steward, CEO of St. Louis-based World Wide Technology, Inc., and the Steward Family Foundation.  The special donation was made in honor of Steward’s mother-in-law, Dorothy Willis, of Chesterfield, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday.

Mary Alice Ryan, President and CEO of the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System, announced details of the contribution during a special birthday party held for Willis on Sept. 28 at Bellerive Country Club, which was attended by more than 250 of Willis’ family members and friends.

“The donation announcement came as a great surprise to me,” said Willis. “I wanted to jump up and shout, and I was also trying hard not to cry. Our family loves to give, and I’m just thrilled that we’re able to use our blessings to help bless the lives of others.”

For Willis, giving has always been a way of life, even during her days as a single mother struggling to raise three children. While working full-time with St. Louis-based California Manufacturing, Willis says she would often take on additional work to help pay the bills. But through it all, she notes, she still found ways to help out others in need.

“I would often cook big dinners on Sunday, just so I had plenty of food to share,” said Willis. “And one Christmas, I used my holiday bonus to help a friend get her electricity turned back on. I didn’t have much, but I gave what I could.”

The donation made in Willis’ honor will be used to provide financial assistance designed to give less fortunate seniors the opportunity to remain living at Brooking Park Retirement Community.  Brooking Park has become home for these seniors, with some residents living there over 10 years.  Through no fault of their own, they have outlived their resources.  In a world where seniors are living longer and health care costs are constantly on the rise, millions of seniors have discovered that their savings just are not enough.  St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation assists in bridging the gap between what seniors and their families can afford and what seniors need to live healthy, secure and fulfilled lives.

“We are so incredibly grateful to World Wide Technology, Inc. and the Steward Family Foundation for this generous gift,” said Mary Alice Ryan. “Not only was it a wonderful way to honor Dorothy Willis on her 80th birthday, but the contribution will play a critical role in helping us continue to serve the ever-growing population of underprivileged seniors in the St. Louis community. We thank the Steward Family Foundation for opening their hearts in such an amazing way.”

Gifts to the St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation support the provision of housing and supportive services to low-income and at-risk seniors in the St. Louis area, as well as the extension of financial aid to residents who have exhausted their resources. Each year, the organization serves over 5,000 people and provides more than $1.5 million in charitable care.

To learn more about the St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation, the Ageless-Remarkable St. Louis Gala or for information on how to make a contribution to St. Andrew’s, call 314-726-0111 or visit www.standrews1.com/giving.

Created in 1961, as a non-profit partnership of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Andrew’s is non-sectarian, faith-based and an expert at serving both older adults and their caregivers.