Simmons Law Firm Renews $25,000 Pledge to Help Union Families for Third Year

ST. LOUIS, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC, the largest plaintiff's personal injury firm in the St. Louis area, will again match up to $25,000 in donations to the "$5 for the Fight" Fund that helps union families facing financial hardship. Since 2012, the firm's match challenge has raised over $100,000 for the "$5 for the Fight" Emergency Relief Fund, which was established by the Greater St. Louis Labor Council and supported by the United Way.

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"Our attorneys at the Simmons Firm are already dedicated to helping union families who have been impacted by occupational exposures in the workplace," said Firm Shareholder Chris Guinn. "Union workers are more likely to be exposed to toxins like asbestos on the job just by the nature of their professions. The Simmons match challenge is a way for us to help make sure they and their families have access to all the resources they need during times of hardship."

The fund, established in 1996, helps union members and their families facing financial hardships. In 2013, more than 418 families from 66 different local unions received help paying their mortgages, utilities, medical bills and more through last year's fundraising efforts. The "$5 for the Fight" campaign raised just over $95,000 including contributions from other local funds and charities and the nearly $50,000 resulting from the firm's match campaign.

"The '$5 for the Fight' Emergency Fund is only possible because of generous donations made by caring businesses like the Simmons Firm, union organizations and dedicated individuals. Without them, many of these families would have nowhere to turn for help," said Robert A. Soutier, president of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. "Thanks to the leadership of the Simmons Firm, we hope it will be possible for us to help even more unemployed union workers with mortgage payments, rent, utilities, medical bills and more in the coming year."

The labor council and United Way of Greater St. Louis cover administration costs for the fundraiser, allowing all donations to directly benefit St. Louis-area families. Guinn said he hopes the Simmons match campaign will motivate others to give.

"The outpouring of support the firm's match campaign has received over the past two years has been impressive," Guinn said. "We hope it will once again motivate others to contribute, especially when their donation will go twice as far to help local St. Louis union families."

Donations can be made by check or online. Mail a check or money order to "$5 for the Fight," c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 and include your union affiliation if applicable. To make an online donation, visit www.labortribune.com and click "$5 for the Fight" Donations in the left hand column. An option to create a recurring automated donation is also available.

About Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC:
The Simmons Firm, headquartered in Alton, Ill., is one of the country's leading asbestos and mesothelioma litigation firms. With offices in Illinois, Missouri and California, the firm has represented thousands of patients and families affected by mesothelioma throughout the country. The Simmons Firm has pledged over $20 million to cancer research and proudly supports mesothelioma medical researchers throughout the country in order to find a cure. For more information about the Simmons firm, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.

Contact:
Mark Motley
Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
618.259.2222
[email protected] 

SOURCE Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC