A HOMETOWN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EDWARD JONES AND THE SALVATION ARMY
St. Louis-based Edward Jones found a friend in The Salvation Army more than two decades ago when the financial services firm’s then-managing partner, John Bachmann, served as the chair for the local Tree of Lights campaign.
“Since then, our firm has supported Salvation Army initiatives and given more than $1.8 million,” said Robert F. Cullen III, Internal Audit at Edward Jones and board member at The Salvation Army Midland Division.
“The Salvation Army’s mission is to meet human need, without discrimination,” Cullen said. “The Salvation Army’s legacy of service ties really closely to our purpose and values at Edward Jones.”
Edward Jones will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2022, as the company was founded by investment banker Edward Jones in St. Louis in 1922.
“It’s been our hometown for 100 years, and we’re deeply committed to the future of St. Louis,” Cullen said. “Our commitment is more than financial. It’s investing our time, talent and treasure into the ecosystem of stakeholders, businesses, governments, not-for-profits, anchor institutions that focus on inclusive growth and wellbeing in our community.”
Today, Edward Jones, under the company’s managing partner Penny Pennington, manages more than $1 trillion in assets worldwide through 8 million clients.
Edward Jones has also been named in recent years as one of the 100 best companies for which to work, according to Fortune and J.D. Power.
“Our firm’s purpose is to partner for positive impact, improve lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society,” Cullen said. “In order for us to live out that purpose, we support organizations and programs that are important to those clients, colleagues and communications. The Salvation Army is one of those organizations that is closest to our hearts.”
Among the Salvation Army initiatives Edward Jones has supported, donating to the Christmas-time Angel Tree toy program for kids and bellringing for donations with the famous red kettles are included.
Cullen, a father of five, has bell-rung with his wife this year and in previous years. Today, he looks at Christmas from his children’s perspectives.
“Absolutely the joy I get is seeing Christmas through the eyes of my children and listening to their giggles and excitement,” Cullen said. “That’s the fun part there.”
The Salvation Army thanks Edward Jones for its supreme support of our Tree of Lights campaign this year, as one of our Hope Bell Presenting Sponsors.
Tree of Lights is in 74th year in St. Louis.