Jim and Diane Kavanaugh

SOURCE OF WEALTH: World Wide Technology

FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, St. Louis Community

OVERVIEW: Jim and Diane Kavanaugh do not appear to have a formal family foundation. Kavanaugh has supported his alma mater St. Louis University. St. Louis serves as an important region of giving.

BACKGROUND: Jim Kavanaugh graduated from St. Louis University in 1986. He cofounded IT provider World Wide Technology in 1990, now a more than $11 billion company whose customers include Verizon and the federal government. Kavanaugh is also part owner of the St. Louis Blues NHL team and a new Major League Soccer expansion team in St. Louis.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION & YOUTH: Kavanaugh sits on the board of his alma mater Saint Louis University, which he supports.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY: The family have also supported places like Junior Achievement and United Way. Kavanaugh serves as a vice chair of the CEOs Against Cancer of Missouri — St. Louis Chapter through the American Cancer Society. Kavanaugh led a global fundraising initiative in which he agreed to shave his head if WWT employees raised more than $500,000 in six months. The initiative has raised more than $1.4 million.

OTHER: Additionally, Kavanaugh has been involved in supporting many local and nationwide charitable organizations such as ALS Association, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Toys for Tots, and Cardinal Glennon.

LOOKING FORWARD: Kavanaugh is only in his 50s and very much still engaged in business. Perhaps philanthropy will ramp up through a formal family foundation down the line.

LINK: Jim Kavanaugh Twitter