Employees from the firm Clifton Larson Allen LLP (CLA) visited SDI on October 15 to present a check for $15,000. Funds will go to support the candidate training programs in the Starkloff Career Academy, which is free for participants.

“Having a chance to give back to the St. Louis community is something we at CLA are very proud of and excited to do,” says Tim O’Shaughnessy, Managing Principal of St. Louis office. “Starkloff is a great organization that is helping St. Louis in many ways.  Getting a chance to learn more about the organization and meeting some of the participants, and learning their stories was very impactful.  It was great to see firsthand how Starkloff is positively impacting the St. Louis community.”

Ethan Lay, a member of SDI Young Friends, works at CLA and made the connection. “I first discovered the opportunity with the CLA Foundation at our staff meeting last December. After hearing the Foundation’s mission, ‘to create career opportunities through education, employment, and entrepreneurship’ – I immediately thought of Starkloff.”

“It is not every day that a new investor of this level knocks on your door,” says Lori Becker, COO and Director of Development and Communications. “We were excited to arrange an opportunity for CLA to meet our Capstone class that is now in session. We couldn’t believe it when CLA showed up with eleven people! They really wanted to get to know us and what they were investing in. A great connection was made.”