Butler, MO — October 30, 2025 — The Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri is proud to announce that we are the recipient of a remarkable $100,000 donation made possible through the Global Lockton Cares Community Impact Award, presented by Lockton Companies. This generous contribution was secured by longtime volunteer Tab Leister, who has dedicated over a decade of service to our mission and was selected as one of Lockton’s award recipients for 2025.
The Lockton Cares Community Impact Award, created in 2023 and funded by the Lockton family, recognizes Associates worldwide who exemplify outstanding community service, philanthropy, and leadership.
“We are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary investment in the children and families we serve. This gift reflects the heart and dedication of community champions like Tab, and Lockton’s belief in the power of healing and hope.” said Ashlea Belcher, Executive Director of Children’s Center. “Because of this support, more children in our rural communities will have access to trauma-focused therapy so they can feel safe, supported, and begin to truly heal. We are deeply thankful for partners who stand with us and our kids in such a meaningful way!”
Each year, 16 Lockton Associates are recognized regionally for their community involvement, and each selects a nonprofit to receive a $25,000 donation. In 2024, Lockton introduced a Global Impact Award, representing the highest recognition for Associatedriven community impact. Global award recipients, chosen by the Lockton family following a formal nomination and application process, receive donations of $100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 to grant to a nonprofit of their choice.
In 2024 alone, Lockton contributed over $20 million to more than 250 organizations globally.
Funds from the award will help fund our new Rural Trauma Focused Therapy program, bringing hope and healing to hundreds of Missouri children.
Tab Leister, who has been volunteering with Children’s Center’s Butler location for more than 12 years, said, “Lockton put my name on the award, but this is really for all of the advocates, volunteers and unofficial volunteers who work every year to raise money for our local center. I’ll never be able to adequately thank Lockton for recognizing our efforts or my coworkers for filling out nomination forms for us.”
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About Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri Children’s Center is committed to delivering excellence in responding to child abuse by uniting professionals and providing a safe place to find hope and healing.
As a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, we provide three critical services: Forensic Interviews, Sexual Assault Forensic Exams/Child at Risk Exams, and Trauma Focused Therapy.
About Lockton What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton’s private ownership empowers its 13,300+ Associates doing business in more than 160+ countries to focus solely on clients’ risk and insurance needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results.
For more information, visit www.lockton.com. Media Contact: Abby Edwards Development Manager Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri 417-291-5755 | aedwards@childrens-center.org
