For Graybar, giving back to the community is not just something they have to do.
It is something they have always done, for 150 years.
This commitment is evident as the St. Louis-based company once again steps up as an Award Sponsor for the 2026 Starfish Awards, marking their third year in a row supporting the Special Education Foundation.
The Starfish Awards shine a light on the real heroes of special education—the teachers, therapists, and staff who work every day to help students with disabilities. Graybar, owned by its employees, understands the value of personal effort and is proud to support an event that celebrates those who make a difference.
A Consistent Legacy of Care
Graybar’s three years of sponsorship demonstrate its commitment. Through Graybar CARES, they support local nonprofits like the St. Louis Crisis Nursery and The Women’s Safe House. By supporting the Starfish Awards, they are showing how much they care about helping children and education.
Graybar’s support for the Starfish Awards is just one way the company helps local students. They also gave $100,000 to Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis for the JA Trades exhibit. In both cases, the goal is simple: give every student the tools and support they need to succeed, no matter where they start.
More Than a Sponsorship
When Graybar sponsors the Starfish Awards, they do more than write a check. They help bring attention to the important work happening every day in classrooms across St. Louis County. Their mission is to empower communities, and they encourage their employees to give their time and energy to help their neighbors.
In St. Louis, community support makes all the difference. Thanks to Graybar’s steady sponsorship, the people who work in special education get the recognition they have earned.
Become a sponsor of the Starfish Awards
Join Graybar in Making a Difference
Graybar’s ongoing support has helped make the Starfish Awards possible, but honoring the heroes of special education takes all of us. Your business can stand with Graybar and be part of this important event.
When you become a Starfish Awards sponsor, you help make sure that the teachers and therapists who change students’ lives every day get the recognition they deserve. It is a chance to show St. Louis that you care about education and the future of our community.
Want to get involved?
Visit the SEF website or contact Tim Eby, SEF’s Executive Director, to learn how you can sponsor the 2026 event.
No matter if you are a small business or a large company, you can be part of this starfish story.
