McKelvey Homes Raises Nearly $38,000 for Circle!

McKelvey homes has a passion for helping others and they’ve always believed that building homes means more than constructing houses. With their community support, they continue to strengthen the communities in the St. Louis Region. From April 1 through June 30, we were fortunate to partner with McKelvey Homes to be a recipient of their generous 1898 Giving Program.

As part of this initiative, McKelvey Homes donated $1,898 for every home sold during that time and raising almost $38,000 to support Circle of Concern’s vital work.

Why $1,898?
The donation amount was a tribute to their founding year, 1898, and a reflection of our long-standing commitment to giving back. Every home sale during this campaign directly contributed to helping local families access food, stability, and hope.

Building a Legacy Since 1898

Founded in 1898, McKelvey Homes holds the distinction of being St. Louis’ oldest residential home builder. From its inception, the company earned a reputation as a pioneer in the industry—constructing commercial buildings, industrial facilities, multi-family developments, and single-family residences. McKelvey Homes is even credited with building St. Louis’ first gas station, a testament to its innovative spirit.

After decades of homebuilding throughout the St. Louis region, third-generation owner Bob McKelvey sought a forward-thinking leader to carry the company into a new era. He found that leader in Jim Brennan, a highly respected figure in the local homebuilding industry. As President and Owner of McKelvey Homes, Brennan brings over 40 years of experience and previously served as President of the Home Builders Association.

Under Brennan’s leadership, McKelvey Homes has continued to grow—expanding into many of the region’s most desirable neighborhoods and offering a refined portfolio of home designs. Guided by the belief that “only quality endures,” the company remains focused on exceeding customer expectations through timeless craftsmanship, innovative architecture, and superior construction.

With more than a century of experience, McKelvey Homes continues to evolve by blending tradition with modern design, advanced materials, and state-of-the-art building techniques. This unwavering commitment to excellence has solidified McKelvey Homes as one of the most trusted and enduring names in St. Louis homebuilding.

Thank you McKelvey Homes!

Volunteer Spotlight – Greg Howard

Today’s spotlight is on a volunteer whose dedication and commitment have made a real difference at Circle.
Like most of our volunteers, Greg Howard volunteers at Circle to serve our clients and help the community. While he’s not in it for the accolades, he is a fan favorite amongst the volunteers and one of many wonderful volunteers we have in the warehouse.

Volunteer Spotlight: Greg Howard

Greg has been a warehouse volunteer at Circle for over 8 years, coming to us through his church, Living Word, and our connection with their congregation. After learning more about Circle, he knew this was somewhere he could contribute while increasing his faith at the same time.

Not only does he work two shifts in the warehouse, but he and his lovely wife, Margaret, are also Shift Leaders at the Ballwin Post Office for our Stamp Out Hunger event in May. Greg recruits a foursome each year to play in our Golf Tournament, and this year even helped round up a few great baskets for the silent auction. He will also jump in sometimes to help with a special pickup when we need an extra driver.

With the busy pace we often see in the pantry, it might be easy to overlook the good things happening in the warehouse. This small but mighty team is not only sorting, stocking, and keeping tabs on our inventory, but they are often the only face of Circle a donor meets. That’s one aspect of the role that Greg enjoys. He looks forward to seeing repeat donors, developing that relationship, and “getting to see all the good we have in our community.”

Greg has a great sense of humor to go with that big smile, but says he is often inspired by the positive attitudes of other volunteers (and maybe even the staff). The people at Circle are what inspire him to serve more and often “brighten his day.” Greg insists that the #1 behind his Better Impact username is because he is the #1 volunteer.

In his spare time he enjoys golf, hiking, biking, and time at the lake. He also does the New York Times Crossword daily. If you see him here on a Monday or Wednesday, you may find him searching for a cookie or chocolate donut — but be sure to say hello!

Thank you for all you do for Circle, Greg! We appreciate you.

The Quicksall Legacy Society

 

Honoring a Dynamic Duo

Recently, at a small reception in Circle’s pantry, we were honored to recognize the contributions of volunteer Betty Quicksall and her late husband, Carl, with the naming of a new membership group — the Quicksall Legacy Society.

Carl passed away in 2022, but is best remembered as “Circle’s IT Guy.” A retired chemical engineer and life-long learner, he taught himself to program, and ultimately brought efficiency and technology to Circle. He built our intranet system and developed the client management system (“CMS”) we use today.

Betty served as President of Circle of Concern for ten years. Today, she helps Circle clients to access rent and utility assistance, counseling and other programs. She also leads our Summer Opportunities program, enabling children and youths to experience enriching activities like summer camp, swim lessons, STEM programs and more.

Together, with over 50 combined years of volunteering, the Quicksalls have shown a remarkable dedication to service, and a love for our community’s most vulnerable. We’re proud to honor them with the naming of this special group of benefactors – the Quicksall Legacy Society!

Interested in joining the Quicksall Society?

More often, donors and volunteers are thinking about ways to leave a lasting legacy of support for our neighbors in need, by including Circle of Concern in their estate plans. Gifts given through bequest can support our most vulnerable neighbors, while providing tax benefits to our loved ones.

If this is of interest to you, and you wish to name Circle as a beneficiary in your estate plans; or if you have already done so, please reach out to cyndi@circleofconcern.org.  We want to thank you, and also share some information with you and your advisor.

In addition to leaving a legacy, when you name Circle as a beneficiary in your estate, you become a member of the Quicksall Legacy Society!

Quicksall Legacy Society Member Benefits

  • Recognition as a Quicksall Legacy Society Member
  • A commemorative lapel pin
  • Invitations to exclusive events and opportunities
  • Knowing that your legacy will live on in the lives of those we serve

Legacy Gifts

The following are the most common types of legacy gifts to consider when planning your estate:

  • Wills & Trusts– Make a bequest (a gift from your estate) to Circle of Concern for a specific amount, for a percentage of your estate, or for all or a portion of what remains after you have made bequests to your family members.*
  • Life Insurance– You may designate Circle of Concern as a beneficiary or partial beneficiary. Contact your life insurance company and complete the appropriate beneficiary designation form.*
  • IRAs, Roth Accounts, 401Ks or other Qualified Retirement Plans– You may designate Circle of Concern as a beneficiary or partial beneficiary. Contact the retirement plan administrator and complete the appropriate beneficiary designation form.*

 *The information shared here is not intended as legal advice. It is essential to consult a financial planner, attorney and / or tax advisor to aid you in making these important financial decisions.

 

Help Feed a Family this Summer with Circle

This summer, 1 in 7 local kids may go without a meal. Your gift helps feed an entire family.

 

 

Help Feed a Family Today.

More than 47% of children in Missouri rely on school meals. Without access to these resources during the summer, they can miss out on meals and go hungry. Summer often creates additional financial strain for families, as routines, schedules, and childcare arrangements become disrupted.

Supporting our clients with food during the summer months is essential to ensure children and families maintain access to wholesome foods when school programs and other resources are not available.

Help us close the gap today!

  • $95 – two weeks of nonperishable food for a small household (family size 1-4)
  • $153 – two weeks of nonperishable food for a large household (family size 5+)
We offer two easy options:

 

When you choose to shop for a family, we’ll provide you with the grocery list and ask that you deliver the items to our warehouse after your trip. Then, we’ll get the items on to our pantry shelves for families!

Already signed up? Click here to download the shopping list.

19th Annual Golf Tournament Results

We would like to thank everyone who supported our 19th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Aberdeen Golf Club.

With a sold-out field (and very lucky weather), you helped make this tournament a success. Thanks to our golfers, sponsors and volunteers, we raised $39,000, which will directly benefit Circle’s services and programs. We thank you for supporting our mission and assisting the many families that are struggling in our community.

We’d also like to congratulate the category winners:

  • A Flight winners: Woodruff, Pearson, Pauk, Matthews with a score of 57.
  • B Flight winners: Hoehn, Stecher, McKendry, Neskar with a score of 69.
  • Co-ed Flight winners: Marx, Linder, Struckhoff, Rosen with a score of 68.
  • Longest Drive (women) – N. Struckhoff
  • Longest Drive (men) – R. Watson with an honorable mention of T. Lienemann
  • Longest Drive (senior) – J. Watson
  • Closet to the Pin (women): #5 – K. Muehlhauser, and #16 – N. Struckhoff
  • Closest to the Pin (men): #5 – M. Branch (hole-in-one!), and #16 – G. Deeken

We want to extend a special note of thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Orthopedic Specialists, and to our event host, St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church. Their partnerships fuel our mission!

On behalf of the staff, board, and volunteers of Circle of Concern, thank you for choosing to support our organization through this golf tournament. We hope you plan to join us again next year for the 20th!

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Stamp Out Hunger 2025 Success

45,000 pounds collected!

On Saturday, May 10, our community came together for the National Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors in Ballwin and Valley Park, Circle of Concern received 45,000 pounds of food and personal care items to help support local families in need.

While the donations were extraordinary, what truly made the day special were the volunteers who made it all happen. We had volunteers of numerous ages join us at the Ballwin Post Office and Circle Warehouse throughout the day, taking on the heavy lifting. They sorted donations, packed boxes, delivered items, and kept the process running smoothly from start to finish. In the weeks leading up to the event, families, individuals, and community groups helped prepare 50,000 collection bags to make the distribution process easy on our letter carriers.

We’d like to give a special shoutout to Living Word Congregation, and to Scott Reichter, whose leadership and logistical support were essential throughout the day. We also must extend our thanks to the Ballwin and Valley Park postal teams, who collected and delivered thousands of donations.

Because of all of you, families across our region will receive the food and essentials they need in the months ahead. Your willingness to give your time, energy, and resources makes a meaningful difference and we are so thankful for your continued support.

THANK YOU!

Help Feed a Family this Summer

This summer, 1 in 7 local kids may go without a meal. Your gift helps feed an entire family.

 

 

Help Feed a Family Today.

More than 47% of children in Missouri rely on school meals. Without access to these resources during the summer, they can miss out on meals and go hungry. Summer often creates additional financial strain for families, as routines, schedules, and childcare arrangements become disrupted.

Supporting our clients with food during the summer months is essential to ensure children and families maintain access to wholesome foods when school programs and other resources are not available.

Help us close the gap today!

  • $95 – two weeks of nonperishable food for a small household (family size 1-4)
  • $153 – two weeks of nonperishable food for a large household (family size 5+)
We offer two easy options:

 

When you choose to shop for a family, we’ll provide you with the grocery list and ask that you deliver the items to our warehouse after your trip. Then, we’ll get the items on to our pantry shelves for families!

Already signed up? Click here to download the shopping list.

Volunteer Spotlight – Darla Schaeperkoetter

One of the perks of getting to know our volunteers is learning about all their incredible talents and interests. Darla is no exception! Darla is a caseworker at Circle, but we first got to know her through another passion of hers – knitting. Through the years she has donated knitted hats, scarves, pot holders, and more to Circle families and even treated the staff to some of her creations one holiday. Now she’s a caseworker and sharing another talent – being a great listener.

Darla does a wonderful job of offering a variety of resources to clients during their case appointment, but says she always tries to end their appointment with a touch of humor, as a small way to bring some joy into their lives. Darla describes working with clients as a win – win, saying she benefits from client interaction as well. She has been really touched by clients, seeing them persevere through difficult situations, and in the end, overcoming hurdles to reach a milestone or achieve success. In particular, she mentioned an unhoused client that she sees each month, who recently found a job and is working to get into a sustainable living situation. She also shared about a client that loves to cook and talked Darla into trying a cabbage recipe. It’s quite admirable how she connects with clients!

When she’s not helping clients or knitting (she’s a member of the St. Louis Knitting Guild), Darla also enjoys NFL football, strength training, interior design and a host of other fun interests and hobbies!

Darla feels that there are “little miracles happening everyday at Circle. Clients are fortunate to have a place like Circle to come to not only for groceries but for a wide variety of assistance and genuine caring. We are blessed to get to help them and to get to know them as well.” Such a great perspective, thank you Darla!

Golf Sponsorships Make an Impact

Circle of Concern’s Annual Golf Tournament is coming up on Monday, May 19th and becoming a sponsor is a powerful way to make a positive impact in our community, even if you’re not a golfer. Your sponsorship shows your commitment to our mission and allows you to be part of something special – helping raise funds for Circle of Concern’s programs and services. So, whether you’re passionate about golf or just looking for a way to give back, sponsoring our 19th Annual Golf Tournament is a meaningful way to get involved and make an impact. We have sponsor levels for all budgets so keep reading for some fun ideas. Join this great leaderboard of sponsors!

Think outside the tee box! Create something truly unique that stands out and makes a difference. Let’s brainstorm the possibilities!

Honor a family or loved one with their name on a sign. Here are some ideas:

  • The Lawrence Family
  • In Honor of Betty Engen, our favorite golfer
  • Happy Birthday, Sarah! Love John and the boys
  • Diane and Kathy wish the golfers good luck!
  • Get a hole-in-one, Charlie! From your Eureka Family

Gather your group to show your support for Circle. Here are some ideas:

  • Parkway Baptist Men’s Group
  • Tuesday Night Basketball at Clayton
  • Seven Trails Neighborhood supports Circle
  • Funky Ladies Bunco

Each player, team and sponsor’s contribution makes a real difference for our clients, creating a ripple effect of kindness and support that feeds families, fosters hope, and strengthens our community. Review the sponsor levels below or reach out to discuss your idea.

Contact Nancy if you have any questions » Nancy@circleofconcern.org or 636.861.2623 x 113

What’s in it for you? By becoming a sponsor, you also receive perks:

  • Your information presented to golfers to a sold-out tournament
  • Your company name and link on our website
  • Signage at the tournament
  • Supporting a cause that matters to you
  • Most importantly, making a difference in the lives of neighbors that are struggling

 

 

 

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