We believe a thriving community is built on the foundation of giving back. That’s why we are so happy to partner with the Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce, an organization that embraces community involvement and philanthropy. The Chamber goes above and beyond to support nonprofits in our community, and we are excited to share their amazing work with you. The Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce is a unique Chamber. Yes, they are dedicated to promoting local businesses and economic growth, but they also go the extra mile to engage in charitable initiatives that benefit nonprofits and make a positive impact on the community.
The Chamber continuously supports local nonprofits through fundraising efforts and community engagement. Chamber Board Member, Drew Elwell said, “I’m incredibly proud that over the last 9 years or so, we’ve raised almost $300,000 for local non-profit organizations!” Nonprofits receive not only financial support but also the Chamber’s full support in raising awareness and generating exposure for their cause.
The Chamber hosts and promotes many charity events and activities throughout the year, such as the annual Golftoberfest event, which benefits Shoes and Hope, Raise The Bar Challenge that supports multiple organizations and various raffles like the 2020 Holiday Cheer Raffle, which supported the Community Living SOAR program. Chamber Board Member Kyle Gaines said, “I love that we’ve developed and grown the quarterly give-back program and that it’s so well-supported by the membership. Through this endeavor, we’re able to provide meaningful support to a wide array of nonprofits each year.” The Chamber is always finding ways to support non-profit organizations, which shows their dedication to making a positive impact. Their commitment is truly impressive, and it distinguishes them as a Chamber that genuinely cares about the people in the community.
Through their partnerships, they also help local organizations connect and collaborate. Community Living’s experience is just one example of how collaboration can make a difference. The Support Services for Adults program (SSA) in particular has made some awesome friendships by volunteering for local nonprofits that are also Chamber members. Some of the SSA centers have been helping Marcy’s Project over the past year by collecting and washing clothing that will be donated to people in the St. Charles community. The SSA centers recently hosted a children’s clothing drive as well, to help with much needed donations. In the past, SSA has sorted and bagged shoes for Shoes & Hope and hosted food drives for St. Joachim and Ann Care Services.
The Chamber put on the first Witches in Cottleville event in 2022 and 2,000 women bought tickets to attend. Every attendee received a swag bag that Community Living employees and participants helped assemble. Wendy Mackin, Chamber Secretary said “Community Living stepped up in a big way and offered to put all of these bags together for this event. I believe this was meaningful, purposeful work that the participants were able to help with and I can tell you it was a huge help to me and the chamber!” Founders of Marcy’s project, Wendy and Gregg Robinson, also had a great experience being a part of the Witches in Cottleville event. “We were chosen as one of the “Give Back” nonprofits. The event gave us great exposure and allowed us to raise additional funds through events in our booth.” Not only are the Chamber events beneficial to local business, but they are always fun too.
The Chamber’s commitment to supporting nonprofits extends beyond financial contributions. They also provide valuable resources and guidance to local businesses and nonprofits, such as hosting workshops and seminars on topics like marketing and leadership development. Their dedication to giving back aligns perfectly with our values at Community Living and we are proud to be associated with such an involved and giving Chamber. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone thrives. Thank you, Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber of Commerce, for your outstanding contributions!
Wendy Mackin
Chamber Secretary – Lutheran Senior Services
- What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Chamber?
“The RELATIONSHIPS!!! I have met and become friends with so many great people! The CWS Chamber is not your typical Chamber, there is a lot of fun to be had but the members TRULY care about supporting each other’s businesses! It really feels good to be somewhere that people are genuinely happy to see you. I have met people that I have been able to help professionally at one of the LSS Life Plan Communities or through our Home and Community Based Services but also with just giving advice for someone’s aging loved one. I have met people that have been able to help me grow professionally with their mentorship. I have been able to meet people that I can use their business personally because I know I can trust them.”
Drew Elwell
Chamber Board Member – Elwell Realty Co.
- What impact do you think nonprofits who are members of the Chamber, have had on Chamber member business?
Any time one of our non-profits has a need, we jump, but on the flip side, whenever one of our for profit members or individuals has a need, our non-profits jump. It’s such an amazing, reciprocal relationship that I have to think it’s pretty darn unique. I’ve seen it happen time and time again and it never ceases to amaze me.”
Kyle Gaines
Chamber Board Member – St. Charles County Ambulance District
- What kind of impact do you think the Chamber has on nonprofits in the community?
“Non-profits being engaged in a chamber of commerce may not seem a natural fit at first, but in reality, it’s a wonderful way for organizations that are doing so much good in our community to spread their message to a vast network of individuals who may have otherwise not known about the mission. Once those relationships are built and strengthened, the organizations may find an enthusiastic group of potential event attendees, board members, annual sponsors or other means of support.”
Wendy & Gregg Robinson
Chamber Members – Founders of Marcy’s Project
- What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Chamber?
“The support, connections and friendships we’ve made have been incredible. From the beginning, Chamber members have been very welcoming and have stepped up to help us, especially with our fundraising efforts! We’ve had unbelievable support from Dave Bemis, owner of Bemo’s in Cottleville. Dave was the one who told us about the Chamber and how he thought it would be valuable for us to join.
The Chamber is very supportive. There always seems to be “Give Back” opportunities and the Chamber does a great job of spreading the opportunities around. Members have stepped up to support our fundraising efforts through sponsorship in our annual golf tournament & cornhole tournaments.”
Click the link below to grab tickets for the current Chamber fundraiser – St. Charles Experience / Golf Cart Raffle! Ticket sales run through June 15th. The winner will be drawn at Happy Hour at Frankie Martin’s Garden on June 15th at 6:00 pm.
Proceeds for the raffle will go to Shoes & Hope as well as The Chamber building fund.
