United Way supporter describes personal connection to the organization's work

As community development director Melissa Stickle said Thursday at the United Way of Southeast Missouri's annual leadership luncheon her organization is more than a "middle man."

Through its programs and outreach efforts, it's an organization with the ability to affect true change, she said.

Bob Dixon, director of the Southeast Missouri division of Ameren Missouri, is one of the many people in the community who knows exactly how much the United Way can change a person's life. Dixon was the keynote speaker at the luncheon, discussing why Ameren -- one of the organization's top corporate sponsors -- supports its work.

Like the United Way, Dixon said Ameren Missouri moves quickly to take care of areas in need, sending out crews to repair the damage from tornadoes, storms or other catastrophic events.

"It's a culture that's ingrained in us. It's what we do," he said.

Attending the luncheon were leaders from the top 20 workplaces that support the United Way of Southeast Missouri, said director of donor relations Nicholle Hinkle. The goal is to share United Way's message with these leaders and encourage them to reach out and share it with others.

"We invite them to come and sit at the same table to talk about our campaign and reflect on past work," she said.

Many of those leaders attending Thursday at Farraddays Steakhouse in Isle Casino Cape Girardeau likely found themselves sitting near business competitors, Dixon pointed out, yet all managed to set that aside to come together for a cause.

"That's what really makes this phenomenal," he said of the event.

He described the United Way's work like fire prevention: Its active engagement changes the course for many and likely helps save lives.

In one example, Dixon mentioned two young boys who lost their mother many years ago, just before Christmas. A holiday that to most represents cheer and happiness took on a different tone for the boys, he said.

"That Christmas Eve, their world was different," Dixon said.

But the United Way quickly stepped in to help, bringing in other groups for assistance.

Thanks to the help of so many, Dixon said, the boys are doing just fine today.

One grew up to join the medical field, he said. "His younger brother was hired by Ameren ... and is standing before you today."

His story shocked many of the people in attendance.

"We asked him to be our keynote speaker because we knew he would do a great job, but I was surprised. We had no idea [about his story] when we asked him," Hinkle said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.