#KeeleyCares: Newest Additions to the Wall of Compassion
2020 was yet another record-breaking year for #KeeleyCares. While the need in many of our communities was at an all-time high, Keeley’ns came out in full force to donate over 20,000 hours of time to countless incredible charities and organizations. These tireless efforts by Keeley’ns across the nation have given us the opportunity to add seven new charities to our ever-growing Wall of Compassion.
1. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
2. Jaycee’s
3. American Red Cross
4. 5 P Minus Society
5. Randy’s Rescue Ranch
6. Bethel Colony
7. Batten Disease Support and Research Association
Watch the video below to learn more!
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has been serving St. Louis communities for over 102 years. Their mission is to empower African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality, and civil rights. They work to achieve this mission through economic opportunities, educational excellence, community empowerment, and civil rights and advocacy.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, #KeeleyCares knew we had to continue to give back to our community. During the summer, over 250 Keeley'ns gave their valuable time to serve over 60,000 families through the Urban League Food Drives. We even had one dedicated Keeley'n formally invited to join the Urban League Board. With over $2 million in donations and gifts contributed to this effort, we have witnessed firsthand that "Together We Make a Difference." Well, we couldn't just stop once the summer ended and we knew we had to get back together and help those in need during the holiday season. On November 21 and December 19, 50 Keeley'ns came out to serve 3,500 families and provide them with food and necessities for the holidays. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis throughout 2021 and beyond and can't wait to see how we can continue to make a difference together.
The Urban League has also taken on Operation Clean Sweep and we are so proud to support this event year over year. Our first Clean Sweep of 2020 took place on September 19th in the area around the Grand Ave. Water Tower and Peace Park. 42 Keeley’ns came out and worked alongside the Fred Weber construction crew to rehabilitate this area. Peace Park was renovated by the removal of 30 large trees and crumbled concrete throughout the park. Grand Tower was restored to its full glory with a new paint job and our incredible volunteers helped demolish and remove a large brick home. Our second Clean Sweep took place on October 17th in the Sherman Park neighborhood where the Urban League’s Headquarters is located. 55 Keeley’ns worked together with volunteers from the Fred Weber construction crew, the MAK Team, and the St. Louis City SC Ownership Group. These volunteers removed trees, brush, and trash from the new Urban League campus and demolished 14 dilapidated homes in one day! Thank you to everyone who supported Operation Clean Sweep in 2020.
“It is absolutely wonderful that the Urban League gets its own spot on the Wall of Compassion. The Urban League and L. Keeley have been working day in and day out to serve the community and to honestly do what we all should be doing.”
-Reid Chunn
Click here to learn more about the Urban League.
Jaycee’s
Founded in 1915, the St. Louis Jaycee’s is the founding chapter of the United States Chamber of Commerce and the JCI Movement worldwide, which exists in 120 countries and has a network of nearly 200,000 people across the globe. Jaycee members develop critical skills through learning and doing. The Jaycee’s offer opportunities for young people to develop leadership, project management, and communication skills. They empower their members with skills, knowledge, and understanding to make informed decisions and take action to create positive change across St. Louis.
Many of our ADB craftspeople are members of Jaycee’s. These dedicated team members help organize various events to raise money for charities in need and invite Keeley’ns to get involved in their fundraising efforts. We are proud to be a part of this organization that helps young people make a difference and get excited about philanthropy.
“I’m really excited to see something that I’m a part of, from my small town of Pacific, be put on the Wall of Compassion. It really shows me that Keeley cares.”
-Gary Nemec
Click here to learn more about Jaycee’s.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross proudly serves their mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross provides life-changing services to assist with disaster relief, in the United States and around the world, blood donations to help enhance and save lives, and helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service.
Keeley Companies is proud to support the American Red Cross. Throughout the year we host quarterly blood drives at our L. Keeley and ADB offices in St. Louis, as well as remote offices across the nation. Keeley’ns selflessly donate their time and blood to help those that need it most. In 2020, #KeeleyCares made generous financial donations to the American Red Cross and over 170 people donated their blood over four different drives at our St. Louis and Pacific offices!
“We are really excited to add our partner, the American Red Cross, to the Wall of Compassion. We have been working with them for years…and we are really looking forward to continuing our partnership in 2021.”
-Mary Sly
Click here to learn more about the American Red Cross and how you can get involved in your area.
5 P Minus Society
5 P Minus Syndrome is a chromosomal deletion disorder resulting in a wide spectrum of intellectual and developmental abilities. Each year in the United States, approximately 50 to 60 children are born with 5 P Minus Syndrome, also known as Cri du Chat Syndrome. These individuals will likely need a lifetime of support. The 5 P Minus Society is a support organization that works diligently to spread awareness of the syndrome and provides valuable information, education, and support for families, educators, and medical professionals in order to maximize the quality of life for those with 5 P Minus Syndrome.
The 5 P Minus Society is near and dear to our hearts as our very own Jason Myatt’s daughter, Delaney, was born with 5 P Minus Syndrome. Our team members have rallied behind Jason, Delaney, and their family to support them and the 5 P Minus Society through various fundraisers.
“The more people we can touch with what we know about the syndrome and the society, they can spread that word and who knows how far it can go.”
-Jason Myatt
Click here to learn more about the 5 P Minus Society
Randy’s Rescue Ranch
Randy’s Rescue Ranch is a place of healing for both animals and people using progressive programs. Located in O’Fallon, IL, the 20-acre ranch is home to various animals including, horses, donkeys, cattle, pigs, senior and challenged dogs, and many more. All of these animals have been rescued from abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Founded in 2017 by Randy Grim, the farm was established as a horse rescue and an assisted living and hospice home for dogs from Stray Rescue of St. Louis. However, their mission quickly changed and other suffering animals made their way to the farm. Upon arrival, the animals are vetted and then cared for by a small staff and volunteers who not only focus on the physical problems the animals may have, but also their mental health. Often, they arrive traumatized and fearful, but with proper care, quality food and water, and lots of love and patience, they return to good health and then find their forever homes through an adoption process.
Specialized programs have been established to connect special needs children and adults with the rescued animals. These programs have successfully integrated life skills training along with socialization development and inclusion leading to a win-win situation for all. Soon, there will also be a program to connect veterans suffering with PTSD with the farm and its animals.
#KeeleyCares is proud to support Randy’s Rescue Ranch by scheduling time at the ranch to help clean and care for the facility so it is sustainable and clean for the animals and team members. We also spent a day helping demolish a building on the property that was damaged in a fire. This demolition made room for a new, state-of-the-art building to house aging and disabled dogs and cats.
“We are honored to have Randy’s Rescue Ranch on the Wall of Compassion and to have all the Keeley’ns help us throughout the year.”
-Danny Heiple
Click here to learn more about Randy’s Rescue Ranch.
Bethel Colony
Bethel Colony is an intensive, six-month, residential substance abuse treatment program designed to provide a compassionate and caring therapeutic community for men and women to recover. Through an intensive educational/spiritual regimen, which combines traditional church services, classroom teaching, guided individual study, one-on-one counseling, work therapy, and volunteer community service projects, the programs facilitate complete and lasting recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.
Our team members in our ADB New Orleans office have adopted this inspiring organization and provided food, money, diapers/wipes, and personal Christmas gifts for 70 children. Now, our team members are working hard to remodel a room at Bethel Colony’s facility for the children to study and play.
“We are really thrilled to have a charity in New Orleans become a part of the Wall of Compassion. It’s amazing that it happened in such a short period of time.”
-Shelia Taquino
Click here to learn more about Bethel Colony.
Batten Disease Support and Research Association
The Batten Disease Support and Research Association is dedicated to funding research for treatments and cures, providing family support services, advancing education, raising awareness, and advocating for legislative action. Founded in 1987 by parents seeking to build a network for those diagnosed with Batten disease, BDSRA is now the largest support and research organization dedicated to Batten disease in North America. BDSRA believes that to effectively unravel the mysteries of Batten disease, the worlds of medical science, and research, families must work together toward a common goal: discover treatments and cures while assuring a better quality of life for those living with the disease.
ADB team member, Anthony Martin, has a three-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with this fatal, degenerative disease in 2020. #KeeleyCares and team members from across the companies continue to raise money and support the family as they navigate this difficult time.
Adam Porter, Senior Foreman at ADB, has been directly involved with “Ava’s Army”. Ava is a young girl affected by Batten Disease and Adam has worked directly with her father to raise awareness and raise money. Adam and his wife are passionate about service and wanted to help Anthony Martin’s family over the holidays, so they decided to sell baked goods and give all of the proceeds to the Martin family so they could have an amazing Christmas.
“I’m really excited that this organization is on the Wall of Compassion because it directly affects someone we work with every single day.”
-Adam Porter
Click here to learn more about the Batten Disease Support and Research Foundation.