Good evening, everyone. It’s truly wonderful to see so many people here tonight as we celebrate twenty years of the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund.

When we started SOS back in 2006, I don’t think any of us imagined that one day we would be celebrating a twentieth anniversary. I certainly never expected to be here 20 years later so grateful for what you all have accomplished over the years.

At the time, we weren’t thinking about milestones or long-term strategy. We were simply a group of women who cared deeply about St. Louis and believed that the nonprofits doing important work in our community deserved thoughtful support.

What we had was a simple idea: what if we pooled our resources, learned together about the needs in our region, and made careful decisions about where our collective giving could make the greatest impact?

It wasn’t complicated.

It was just a group of women who believed that together we could do more than we could individually.

Over the years, that simple idea has grown into something pretty remarkable.

Clearly the idea of women coming together, learning together, and giving together turned out to be a very good one. And the collaborative process, the learning, the discussion, and sometimes the lively debate — is exactly what has made SOS so strong

Three point eight million dollars later, the impact is quite clear. Since our founding, SOS has awarded nearly $4 million in grants to 106 nonprofits across the St. Louis region.

Now when we started, I’m not sure any of us would have confidently predicted that number. Those numbers are impressive, but they only tell part of the story.

Behind every grant is an organization working tirelessly to make life better for others — often with limited resources but extraordinary dedication. And behind every grant is also the thoughtful work of the women of SOS, who take the time to learn about the issues facing our community, listen to nonprofit leaders, and work collaboratively to decide where our support can make the greatest difference.

What makes SOS special is that this isn’t just about writing checks.

It’s about engagement.

It’s about learning.

And it’s about community.

Over the years I’ve watched members visit organizations, ask thoughtful questions, and really dig into the work happening across our region.

And occasionally I’ve also watched us discover just how passionate we can be when we care about something.

But that passion is exactly what has made this organization such a powerful force for good.

Another thing that has always meant a great deal to me is the way SOS has supported smaller nonprofits — organizations that may not always have the biggest budgets or the loudest voices but are doing incredibly meaningful work in our community.

For many of those organizations, an SOS grant is more than financial support.

It’s encouragement.

It’s recognition.

It’s a signal that their work matters and that people in this community believe in what they’re doing.

However, organizations like SOS don’t thrive for twenty years because of one good idea. They thrive because of the people who continue to nurture and sustain them.

So tonight I want to thank the many women who have shaped this organization over the years — our current and past board members, – please stand; our Founding Members (stand) and all of the members – please stand who have all given their time, insight, and energy to making SOS what it is today. THANK YOU!

And I also want to thank the nonprofits who share their work with us. Your dedication and passion inspire us and remind us why this work matters.

Twenty years ago, we believed that by giving together, we could create greater impact than we could alone. And the past two decades have proven that to be true.

SOS has become a community of women who are curious about philanthropy, engaged in the needs of our region, and committed to supporting the organizations that are helping St. Louis thrive.

That is something all of us here can be proud of.

Our motto says it perfectly: Turning good into greater good.

That’s what this organization has been doing for twenty years.

And I feel incredibly fortunate to have been there at the beginning — and even more fortunate to see what all of you have built since then.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable community.

And here’s to the next twenty years. Cheers!