East Alton, IL — The Helmkamp Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of Helmkamp Construction Co., is proud to announce it has surpassed $1 million in charitable giving since its establishment in July 2019. This milestone reflects the collective generosity and commitment of Helmkamp employees, industry partners, and the local community, and highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to making a difference where it matters most.
The Helmkamp Cares Foundation was established in 2019 under the leadership and vision of Helmkamp CEO and Owner, Rob Johnes, who founded the initiative just one year after taking ownership of the company. Rob’s commitment to strengthening community ties and charitable giving inspired the creation of a formal foundation that could amplify Helmkamp’s long-standing tradition of giving back.
From the outset, the foundation’s direction was shaped by a collaborative, employee-driven approach. Jen Jackson, Helmkamp’s Marketing Director, served as the inaugural committee chair for the first five years, helping to set the foundation’s course and establish its core values. Today, the foundation is chaired by Project Coordinator Alyssa Spa, who leads a diverse committee of nine employees representing accounting, project management, safety, superintendents, and other key roles across the company. This structure ensures that giving decisions reflect the passions and perspectives of the entire Helmkamp team.
Over the past seven years, Helmkamp Cares has supported more than 100 organizations through committee-approved donations, employee benefit selections, and client- and employee-driven holiday giving. Recent years have seen the foundation fund scholarships for students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, provide maximum impact donations to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and The December 5th Fund, and support critical health initiatives such as the Alzheimer’s Association and St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Kidstruction Week.
In addition to monetary donations, Helmkamp employees have volunteered their time and talents at local build days and community events, further strengthening the company’s tradition of service. The foundation’s efforts have been recognized with several honors, including the 2020 Community Impact Award from the St. Louis Business Journal’s Best Places to Work event and a #4 ranking in the 2026 St. Louis Business Journal Corporate Philanthropy Awards for companies in Helmkamp’s size category.
“At Helmkamp, we believe that being a successful business also means being a positive force in the communities that have supported us for nearly 90 years,” said Kyle Ogden, President of Helmkamp Construction Co. “Surpassing $1 million in charitable giving is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, but what means even more is the compassion and generosity of our employees who continue to bring this mission to life. Giving back is part of who we are at Helmkamp, and we’re committed to making a positive impact for generations to come.”
As Helmkamp Cares looks to the future, the foundation remains focused on deepening its impact through targeted giving, volunteerism, and continued collaboration with community partners.
To learn more about the Helmkamp Cares Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, visit www.helmkamp.com/community.
