June 23, 2023 | In 2017, Trevor Forshee, a highschooler with cystic fibrosis, threw out the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game alongside the CEO of Daugherty Business Solutions, Ron Daugherty. This occasion marked the 6th year in a row that Daugherty teamed up with the Gateway Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise awareness about CF by having a youth ambassador throw the first pitch.

Ron and Trevor had such a great connection that Ron asked Trevor to let him know when he was nearing the end of his college studies. Trevor did just that when he was a senior majoring in Corporate Communications at Southeast Missouri State University. Ron happily lined up a summer internship with the Marketing and Communications group at Daugherty Business Solutions to help kickstart Trevor’s career.

This is just one example of the many ways the dedicated employees of Daugherty unite each year to help advance the CF Foundation’s mission. As one of the Foundation’s most committed National Corporate Champions — Daugherty Business Solutions has been involved for nearly 15 years and has raised more than $275,000 for the Foundation. Their support has helped fuel the innovative research and care that has led to increased lifespans and higher quality of life for many people with CF.

“We love the opportunity to transform lives,” said Maribeth Bendick, Employment Engagement Lead. “We view our work with the CF Foundation as a longstanding partnership — this is a disease we want to eradicate in our lifetime.”

The family-friendly company, which for more than 35 years has driven innovation and growth in software engineering, data analytics, business advisory services, and technology — is known for its emphasis on making a positive difference in communities. Just this past May, Daugherty employees participated in seven Great Strides walks in seven different markets across the U.S.

“One of our core values here at Daugherty is to make a positive difference in our communities. Our teammates are motivated to support something larger than themselves,” said Ron Daugherty, CEO. “CF still takes too many young lives, and we want to help change that.”

CEO, Ron Daugherty, sits on the Board of Directors for the Gateway Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Maribeth Bendick, now in her seventh year as Employee Engagement Lead at Daugherty, helps fundraise for the Foundation and has participated in Tomorrow’s Leaders as a panelist.