One of our favorite events from this year was our #CoopStrong March to the Arch for charity. Not only did we get some exercise before a long day of sessions and witness an incredible sunrise by the St. Louis Arch, but we got to support two local organizations whose mission is to help children in the St. Louis area.

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is an independent, not-for-profit agency which provides a short-term, safe haven for children, birth through age 12, in the St. Louis area. The Crisis Nursery is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and takes in children whose families face an emergency caused by illness, homelessness, domestic violence or overwhelming parental stress. Since their founding in 1986, the Crisis Nursery has helped more than 114,000 children in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Birthday Joy, founded by Cindy Lander Wallach, is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides birthday gifts to children in need. The organization works with social workers, case managers and children’s agencies such as Ronald McDonald House and Salvation Army to provide gifts to children who otherwise may not receive them and help make their birthday a memorable and joyous day.

In addition to registrations from March to the Arch, Members also had the opportunity to purchase #CoopStrong items in the Swag Stop over the course of the MIC, with all proceeds going toward these two organizations.

We’re excited to announce that more than $11,000 was raised for these organizations! Thank you to all who helped show that we are #CoopStrong by supporting children in the St. Louis area.

Check out this video to learn more about our #CoopStrong charities.