Emmy-award winning sportscaster, best-selling author, and current co-host of Monday Night Football, Joe Buck, has a love for his hometown that transcends his success and fame. Joe is committed to helping the St. Louis region grow and thrive, and that is why he is joining one of his counterparts, Bob Costas, in co-founding a new United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) initiative called Where the Heart Is.
Where the Heart Is unites entertainers, sports figures, and community members with strong ties to the St. Louis region to make a significant impact in the community. Last month, the St. Louis Club hosted a private, members only fireside chat with UWGSL President and CEO Michelle Tucker and Joe in which Joe spoke about his love for St. Louis and his support of UWGSL.
“Being born and raised in St. Louis, I want to do everything I can to help my hometown,” said Joe. “It’s hard to hear that 43% of the households right here in our own backyard struggle to pay for everything they need each month. That’s why I’m here tonight, to build support for United Way and the St. Louis region.”
Joe’s broadcasting skills and passion for helping others are traits that run in the family. His father, Jack Buck, was a hall of fame broadcaster who was best known for announcing Major League Baseball games for the St. Louis Cardinals.
At the fireside chat, Joe told numerous stories about some of his fondest memories spending time in the broadcast booth with his dad and getting a glimpse into what a future career might look like for him. What stood out to Joe the most though was his dad’s generous, philanthropic and kind-hearted nature.
Jack gave to several charities throughout his life, created the Jack Buck Golf Classic to benefit organizations helping people battling cystic fibrosis, visited and offered hope and inspiration to kids in the hospital, and so much more.
As Joe began to have his own career success, seeing his father’s generosity made him want to find a way to lend his time, talent and treasure to make a difference, and Where the Heart Is gives him the opportunity to do that.
“I am excited to partner with Bob Costas to help people throughout St. Louis, and United Way’s Where the Heart Is has the potential to do that,” said Joe.
After hearing some of Joe’s inspirational stories about why he supports UWGSL, fireside chat attendees were moved to make a donation to us. Dollars raised from this event support UWGSL’s community campaign.
“We all know winning takes a team, and tonight, you’re part of that team,” Joe urged the audience. “St. Louis needs us to rally. This is about making something happen, right now, for people who need help.”
Michelle said the fireside chat was a huge success and hopes it will inspire more people to unite with us and give their very best to make this year’s campaign a special one.
“We are thankful to all who came out, made the choice to give, learn more about United Way of Greater St. Louis, and listen to Joe,” said Michelle. “There are so many people like Joe throughout the St. Louis region who love this place and are proud to call it home, and we hope people will channel that adoration into a generous gift to United Way to help our local neighbors.”
Take action now:
- Learn more about Where the Heart Is.
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