Edward Jones Raises $1 Million For Arts And Education Council For Second Year

The Arts and Education Council (A&E) announced today that Edward Jones and its associates raised more than $1 million to A&E's annual campaign for the second consecutive year. Over 2,500 associates contributed more than $702,000 toward the campaign through Edward Jones' workplace giving initiative. The firm made a corporate gift of $350,000, an 8% increase over 2017, bringing the campaign total to more than $1 million. The 2018 campaign marks the 40th anniversary of the firm's first gift to A&E. Since 1978, Edward Jones and associates have contributed nearly $11 million to A&E in support of the arts across the St. Louis region.

"Because we believe the arts enrich our lives, we support the A&E annual campaign to help ensure they remain accessible to families and schools in the St. Louis region. I'm proud that so many of our associates gave of their time and their money to help us support the incredible agencies and organizations that bring the arts to the St. Louis area. As a firm, we value the opportunity to make a positive difference to our clients and our communities," said Jim Weddle, Edward Jones managing partner.

For two weeks in May, associates were encouraged to support the arts in St. Louis by making gifts to A&E. Associates contributed to the firm's overall campaign goal by making gifts via payroll deduction, cash or online donation. The campaign committee, steered by partner chair Brian Donaldson and associate chair Denise Ruebsam, included nearly 300 associates who organized activities such as the second annual Lip Sync Battle, which raised more than $25,000, and performances from A&E grantees.

"A&E believes a region rich with arts and cultural experiences is critical to creating and sustaining vibrant communities, so we are truly grateful to Edward Jones and all 2,500 individuals giving to A&E through this campaign," said Cynthia A. Prost, A&E president and CEO. "Workplace giving campaigns are increasingly powerful drivers of employee engagement that harness the strength of numbers to shape a more vibrant arts community for all."

Edward Jones will continue its fundraising efforts for A&E this fall when more than 500 financial advisors and branch office administrators across the region host workplace giving campaigns for A&E.

Edward Jones's campaign is the largest workplace giving initiatives to raise funds for the Arts and Education Council's mission to keep art happening throughout the bi-state region. For more information about hosting an A&E workplace giving campaign, visit KeepArtHappening.org/workplace-giving.