Oakville Volunteer Named Finalist for Rams Award

The St. Louis Rams named Oakville resident and retiree Lee Burkemper as a finalist for the annual Community Quarterback Award, honoring those who improve Missouri and Illinois through volunteerism.

Burkemper volunteers his spare time to the , which provides early care and education to children and families. Burkemper has saved the center thousands of dollars over the years by volunteering to do grunt work: fixing broken furniture, painting, clearing overgrown brush and clearing and tilling ground for the center's garden.

“Lee’s contributions go far beyond the valuable handyman services he provides,” said Elaine Powers, executive director of the center, who nominated him for the award. “He recruits his friends to help with projects, and he brings them with him to our special events. He serves as a positive male role model for the children in the Center who love it when ‘Mr. Lee’ visits their classrooms.”

Burkemper was one of 10 finalists selected from 90 applications and received a $1,250 grant for the center.