The St. Louis Rams hosted the Kickoff for Charity Luncheon, presented by Edward Jones, to benefit the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The fifth annual luncheon launched NFL football’s first week, culminating with the Rams’ season home opener versus the Minnesota Vikings, and attracted a crowd of more than 600 fans and corporate partners.

After a welcome from Steve Savard, 101 ESPN’s voice of the St. Louis Rams, the team marched into the ballroom led by Head Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead. The unique event allowed the fans to interact with their favorite Rams players. Each guest received an autographed photograph of the player at the table. Higher-priced tables offered a football or mini helmet to an attendee.

Kevin Demoff, Rams chief operating officer/ executive vice president of football operations, spoke briefly about the team’s talent and his optimism for the season. He also pointed out the importance of the United Way and the Rams’ involvement in the community. Right before the players returned to work on the field, Savard sat down with Head Coach Fisher to review the team’s upcoming schedule..

Guests also heard from United Way campaign co-chairs Scott Schnuck and Mike DeCola, who announced a 2014 United Way goal of $72,500,000. To initiate the two month campaign, a raffle and auction transpired. The raffle prizes consisted of a Chris Long authentic jersey, a Tavon Austin autographed football, and four terrace level tickets and pregame field passes for the Monday Night Football Game against the San Francisco 49ers, honoring the Super Bowl XXXIV Rams Championship team. Auction items included pregame field passes and a suite for 12 during the Rams vs. Broncos game, a road trip to Arizona on the team charter as the Rams challenge the Cardinals, and two tickets and an all-expense paid trip to Super Bowl XLIX in February. All of the proceeds from the luncheon, raffle, and auction benefited United Way of Greater St. Louis.