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Designing New Futures Together: 2026 gratitude luncheon celebrating the impact of the Max Starkloff Society.

2026 Max Starkloff Society Celebration: Designing New Futures Together

Author:

Starkloff Staff

Reading time:

5 minutes

Date:

September 23, 2026

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Earlier this month we celebrated the dedication and impact of the Max Starkloff Society, our most steadfast and generous partners in designing new futures where disabled people thrive.

Max Starkloff knew that employment was the key to full independence. A job brings purpose, economic opportunity, and community connection. He believed that everyone deserved the opportunity for a well-paying job—along with the freedom and dignity that came with it.

The Max Starkloff Society is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of our Founder, Max J. Starkloff through philanthropy. Since the founding of the Max Starkloff Society in 2013, this committed group of supporters has fueled programs that empowered over 900 people with disabilities and educated thousands of people across our community.

2026 Highlights

CEO Lori Becker welcomed guests and thanked them for helping build a future that is accessible to all, with exciting previews of where SDI is headed.

Other members of the Starkloff team expressed gratitude for the impact the Society’s investment is driving:

Chief Program Officer Beth Elders, six weeks into her role, gave updates from across our programs and previewed SDI’s big events advancing our mission this fall: the 2026 Starkloff Disability Employment Summit (October 7–8) and Universal Design Summit 8 (November 18–20).

Natasha Baebler, Associate Director of Career Services, shared how Dream Big gave students their first taste of college life this summer at Webster University and the initial success of the newly relaunched Starkloff Career Academy, which helps candidates build confidence and resume-ready skills and stays free for every candidate.

Chief Development Officer Aimee Wehmeier offered deep gratitude to Society members for their commitment to the new futures we’re designing together, making it possible to plan for the next five and ten years.

Remembering Ray Hartmann

Founding President, Max Starkloff Society • Board of Directors • Leadership Council

SDI co-founder Colleen Starkloff made a special appearance to pay tribute to Ray Hartmann, longtime friend and champion of the disability community.

Colleen shared stories from their years if friendship starting in the 1970s when Ray used “the power of the pen” to back Max’s push for accessible public buses, marching just behind Max at the 1995 Heartland Disability Rights March and Rally, and Ray’s continued service when Max and Colleen founded SDI as a board member, gala emcee, and most recently as a member of SDI’s Leadership Council.

“Out of all the organizations he could have chosen to stand with, he chose us,” Colleen said.

A tribute honoring Ray’s years of service will be displayed at Starkloff Disability Institute.

Colleen Starkloff makes remarks at a podium with and ASL interpreter nearby. The award recognizing Ray Hartmann is on a table with flowers on her other side.

Colleen Starkloff shared memories of Ray Hartmann from their years of friendship and commitment to building a world that welcomes people with disabilities.

Award made of green glass reads: In gratitude and recognition of Ray Hartmann for his many years of service and dedication to Starkloff Disability Institute and the St. Louis disability community. Starkloff Disability Institute.

Award inscription: In gratitude and recognition of Ray Hartmann for his many years of service and dedication to Starkloff Disability Institute and the St. Louis disability community.

Thank You

To every member of the Max Starkloff Society: thank you. Your support lets us do today’s work and plan boldly for what comes next.

If you would like your legacy to help shape the future of this work, explore our planned giving resources.

Photo Gallery: Inside the 2026 Max Starkloff Society Celebration

Designing New Futures Together

Colleen Starkloff makes remarks at a podium with and ASL interpreter nearby. The award recognizing Ray Hartmann is on a table with flowers on her other side.

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