Who we are

Missourians Who Kare for Injured and Disabled Students—known today as Missouri KIDS—was founded in 1975 with one powerful goal: to support young student-athletes in Missouri whose lives have been permanently changed by injury. You will see both names used on legal documents, donation receipts, and this website.

What began as a grassroots effort to help one local family has grown into a statewide mission of hope, empowerment, and lifelong support. For 50 years, we’ve been by the side of children and families navigating the aftermath of devastating injuries—providing more than just financial aid, but a path forward.

At Missouri KIDS, we believe that a serious injury shouldn’t mean the end of a child’s goals, dreams, or independence. That’s why we provide essential support including adaptive equipment, accessible transportation, home modifications, and educational assistance—tailored to each child’s unique journey.

Our commitment doesn’t end when the equipment is delivered or the ramp is built. We stay connected to our recipients for life, helping them overcome obstacles and continue writing their own stories of strength and resilience.

For five decades and counting, Missouri KIDS has proudly stood beside some of the state’s most inspiring young people. And with the support of donors, volunteers, and communities across Missouri, we’re just getting started.

Collage of nine photos featuring diverse people, including children and adults, some in wheelchairs, in various settings such as events, indoors, outdoors, and at home, with some holding flowers, pets, and celebrating special moments.

Meet Our Board of Directors

  • A smiling older woman with curly gray hair sitting inside, with a glass door and a deck visible behind her.

    Linda Bianchi

    PRESIDENT

    Linda has served as a Board Member of Missouri KIDS for several years. She is currently serving as the President of the organization.

    Linda enjoys spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks and snuggling with her new grandson.

  • A smiling woman with short brown hair and a blue lace top standing outside in front of a house with large white-framed windows and a garden.

    Jane Wood

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Jane became a Board Member of Missouri Kids in November 2021. She was introduced to the organization by her late husband and Missouri Kids board member, Michael Wood. She has attended a number of Missouri Kids fundraising events over the years. JShe is energized by helping others and is passionate about carrying forward her husband’s legacy in serving the mission of Missouri Kids.

    Jane enjoys reading and traveling.  You will often find her supporting her grandkids, Audrey and Charlie, in their athletics and activities, as well as spending quality time with friends and family. 

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    Bill Kral

    TREASURER

    Bill Kral has been on the board of Missouri Kids since November of 2014. Bill is the Commercial Banking President at Midwest Bank Centre in St. Charles where he focuses on lending to homebuilders and family-owned businesses.

    Bill is a huge sports fan and is particularly passionate about Mizzou sports. His love of sports brought him to Missouri Kids because he is very interested in helping injured student athletes.

    LinkedIn

  • Headshot of a young man with blond hair, blue eyes, wearing a white shirt, a blue suit jacket, and a purple plaid tie, smiling against a gray background.

    John Pettis

    SECRETARY

    John joined the Missouri KIDS board in August, 2020.  He was recruited by longtime members Gary Shaw & Jerry Hollingsworth after attending the charity auction the past couple of years. As a child, John was a Shriners patient himself, so helping others live their life to the fullest in the best capacity they can is very important to him. The passion the other board members have for all our recipients is what drew him in most to getting more involved in making a difference.

    John is a Wealth Advisor with Undivided Wealth in Chesterfield, Missouri. Living out a longtime passion of helping others plan for retirement, live through retirement, and helping create a legacy for their families. https://www.undividedwealth.com/johnpettis

    He is married to his high school sweetheart Kelly. They have two dogs and spend their time fostering for several animal shelters around the area. Aside from working as a Financial Advisor, John coaches youth & high school lacrosse, is an avid sports fan, enjoys golf and most of all traveling with his wife.

  • A man with short, light brown hair and a gray beard taking a selfie outdoors near a porch, with a grill and a kitchen area in the background.

    Adam Barbee

    BOARD MEMBER

    When longtime acquaintance and Missouri KIDS president, Gary Shaw personally recruited Adam to become a board member in 2019, Adam accepted.  Having attended the annual auction over the years, he was very familiar with the mission of what Missouri KIDS undertakes.  When the opportunity to contribute to that mission from the “ inside” presented itself, Adam didn’t hesitate to become part of our board.

    Adam is the owner of Corporate Brokerage Group, a St. Charles based Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Company.  He is married to Kelley and has two sons, Andrew and Benjamin.  Adam’s favorite thing to do is spend time with family; whether it is vacationing, hunting, holidays or just watching a ballgame, whenever we get together good times just happen.

  • A young man with dark skin, short hair, and a beard wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and black tie, smiling in front of a gray textured background.

    Michael Beckson

    BOARD MEMBER

    Michael joined Missouri KIDS in November 2024, motivated by the organization’s profound impact on the lives of its recipients.  He was recruited by board member John Pettis and and brings a unique perspective shaped by his extensive experience in healthcare.  A Doctor of Physical Therapy, Michael began his career helping patients and families overcome physical limitations, enabling them to achieve their highest level of function.  He is currently pursuing an MBA at Washington University in St. Louis to expand his ability to create meaningful change in the healthcare industry.

    Michael’s passion for empowering others aligns perfectly with Missouri KIDS’ mission.  He and his wife, Laura, reside in St. Peters with their three dogs, Swiper, Scooby, and Boots.  Together, they enjoy the many outdoor activities St. Louis has to offer, as well as golfing, traveling, and attending comedy shows.  Michael looks forward to continuing to enrich lives through his work and community service.

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    Jack Borgmeyer

    BOARD MEMBER

    Jack Borgmeyer has been on the Missouri KIDS board since 2020. Over the years Jack has helped with the Charity Auction and has always been a familiar face in the Missouri KIDS family. In 2020 Gary Shaw nominated Jack for the board.  Since joining the board Jack, and his company Borgmeyer Marketing Group, have been helping with all of the events and showed us how to take our Annual Auction “virtual” in 2020 and 2021.  Over the years Jack has seen the impact that Missouri KIDS makes on the community and is eager to serve on such a fantastic board of directors.

    Jack has been emceeing and auctioneering for numerous charities in the St. Charles County area for over 15 years and is strong supporter of the community.

  • A woman with long blonde hair smiling outdoors near a brick wall and a window.

    Elizabeth Burt

    BOARD MEMBER

    Elizabeth has been a dedicated Board member of Missouri Kids since April of 2013. She was introduced to the organization by her friend and longtime Board member Brent Martin. She was inspired by the Missouri Kids mission and thrilled to have an opportunity to do more for the community and show her kids how important it is to help others.

    Elizabeth spends her days working for her company maintaining athletic fields, volunteering at her children’s school, and watching her kids play sports.

  • Portrait of a smiling man in a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie, against a gray background.

    Chuck Hessler

    BOARD MEMBER

    Chuck joined the Missouri KIDS board in November 2020, 5 years after his son Drew became a Missouri KIDS recipient.  Drew, a High School athlete at CBC, was injured in 2015 in an accident at the Lake of the Ozarks.  The commitment of Missouri KIDS to Drew, Chuck and their family help them through an incredibly difficult time.  The mission of Missouri KIDS and the positive impact on their recipients and families, inspired Chuck to step up and do more for the kids.     Prior to Missouri KIDS, Chuck served as a board member at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital for several years.

    Chuck is a lifelong resident of St. Louis, currently residing in Chesterfield with his wife Sheryl.  Together they have 6 children.  He is a 30+ year veteran of the Financial Services Industry.   Currently with Wells Fargo Advisors as Managing Director – Investments.

  • A man with light brown hair, wearing a dark suit and a patterned tie, sitting in an office environment with multiple computer monitors in the background.

    Brent Martin

    BOARD MEMBER

    Brent joined the Missouri KIDS board because he was inspired by the passion of other Board Members. A law partner at Farrell & Martin, Brent spends his days representing small businesses. Brent joined the board in 2004 and his passion for the cause has driven him to use his experience to benefit Missouri KIDS and its recipients for over a decade. Brent is an avid hunter and fisherman.

    Website: http://www.farrellandmartin.com

  • Portrait of an older man with glasses, grey hair, and a beard, wearing a beige suit and patterned tie, sitting in an office with framed pictures on the wall.

    Gary Shaw

    BOARD MEMBER

    Gary Shaw has held positions on numerous boards of numerous charitable, cultural and educational organizations which include The Foundry Art Centre and Lindenwood University. Among his numerous accolades and accomplishments, Gary has spent over 40 years volunteering his time and energy to Missouri KIDS and has served as President of our Board of Directors for the last 25 years.

    Gary’s countless hours of devotion, love and support for the recipients of Missouri KIDS are astounding.  He truly cares what happens to these kids and their families and has been instrumental in helping our recipients realize that there is life after a tragedy.

    Gary understands the needs of our recipients so well because his son was the second student athlete to ever receive help from Missouri KIDS. That experience is what has made Gary so determined to make our recipients lives easier by providing them with the specialized equipment that they need.

    Missouri KIDS would not be what it is today without Gary; he has been our biggest champion, fundraiser, cheerleader, and our favorite auctioneer since the day that he joined the board in 1977.


  • Professional headshot of a man wearing a black suit, white shirt, and purple patterned tie, with a neutral gray background.

    Paul Sieben

    BOARD MEMBER

    Paul joined the Missouri KIDS Board in December 2023.  After being introduced to the organization by co-worker and fellow Board Member, Chuck Hessler, Paul decided to join the organization to help support the mission of Missouri KIDS and the children they assist.

    Paul and his wife Carrie are St. Louis natives and reside in Manchester.  He has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, current serving as Managing Director – Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Advisors.  In their free time, Paul and his wife enjoying going to Cardinals and Blues game, and they also enjoy traveling the world.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses and a black top, smiling at the camera against a plain light blue background.

    Jennifer Stanfill

    OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

    Jennifer is responsible for overseeing and coordinating operational activities that support Missouri KIDS’ mission.

    As a retired educational administrator, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in program development, strategic planning, resource allocation, and team leadership. She joins Missouri KIDS with a passion for making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Missouri.

    In her role as Operations Coordinator, Jennifer oversees day-to-day operational functions, streamlines processes to enhance efficiency, and collaborates closely with the Board of Directors and community partners to ensure that Missouri KIDS continues to serve those in need of our services and support.

  • A smiling man in a blue suit and matching tie sitting in a well-lit room with large windows, a beige sofa, and a table lamp in the background.

    Patrick Rummerfield

    REGIONAL AMBASSADOR

    Patrick Rummerfield is a Marathon Runner, an IronMan Triathlete, a Racecar Driver, an FIA World Land Speed Record-Holder Electric Car 245mph, and a successful fundraiser. He has completed the Gobi Desert March (155 mile foot race), the Antarctica Marathon (first of 82) and served as an Olympic torch-bearer.

    Patrick has been featured in countless newspapers, including the New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, Southwest Airline’s Spirit Magazine, Discover Channel, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Washington Post to name just a few; his story has made the news on national and international television, and his story has been told in magazines all over the world.  

    Patrick, is the first fully functional SCI quadriplegic in medical history, his story is that of a miracle, and the media knows it. To paraphrase, the legendary Sam Schmidt, Indy 500 race car driver and team owner, Patrick Rummerfield has never met a challenge he didn’t like!