How it began
“In the early days, there was no playbook from which to draw upon for tactics, strategies or goals,” Landwehr says. “No one was engaged in attempting to change the American culture by restoring the values that affirm life and families. It was Don and Ruth Ann’s belief that the first and most important tactic was to take the Vitae mission and invite people to support the effort.” And that’s exactly what they did. The Schnieders invited 70 people to the first fundraising backyard barbecue in the spring of 1992. They furnished food and beverages for the attendees and shared with them the importance of what Vitae was doing — educating the public about the value and sanctity of human life. “I’m partial to the unborn,” Don says. “They need more help than I do.” Don and Ruth Ann’s first barbecue raised $18,000 for the organization.
How it’s grown
The annual event was held in the Schnieders’ backyard for two years, and their initial expectation to increase supporters was quickly met. Increased attendance caused a move to the Knights of Columbus Hall, then to St. Joseph Cathedral’s undercroft and finally, in 2004, to the current location of Capitol Plaza Hotel. The backyard gathering of 70 friends evolved into an event that last year hosted 1,100 attendees. “Up until it moved to Capitol Plaza, I was still preparing the meat,” Don says. “Now, I more or less sit on the sidelines.” Stacey Kromer, Vitae Foundation vice president, explains that even while “sitting on the sidelines,” Don and Ruth Ann continue to contribute to the success of the benefit due to “the relationship Don and Ruth Ann have with the table captains and the respect the captains have for Don and Ruth Ann’s pro-life beliefs.” The concept of table captains is to utilize the social network resource to raise awareness. Supporters are chosen to be table captains, who in turn invite others to attend the benefit and learn about what Vitae Foundation does and why. Don and Ruth Ann, both born and raised in Jefferson City, have spent their lives working to make the community stronger by being involved on civic and
Above, top: Don and Ruth Ann Schnieders with adopted granddaughters Anna Rogers and Mia Schnieders. Above, bottom: From left, Don and Ruth Ann Schnieders and Carl and Henrietta Gentges at the 2001 annual Vitae fundraiser, when Henrietta was honored for her long-standing contribution to the event, including organizing volunteers and preparing food. Above, right: Don Schnieders took charge of the barbecuing for every Vitae dinner from 1992 to 2003. With approximately 70 people at the first event, the annual fundraiser grew to serve more than 900 in the early 2000s. The event moved to the Capitol Plaza Hotel in 2004.
business levels. In addition to Vitae, the Schnieders support the Samaritan Center, Capital Region Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and more. They also own their own business, Don Schnieders Excavating. Because of this, their social network is extensive. Combine those relationships with their passion for the cause and endearing humbleness, then add nationally known guest speakers, and it’s easy to see why the benefit continues to sell out. This year’s scheduled speaker is former Planned Parenthood director turned prolife advocate Abby Johnson. Past speakers have included Colonel Oliver North, Pat Boone, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Kurt Warner. “One of the highlights of my life was the half hour I got to talk one on one with [political activist and benefit speaker] Alan Keyes,” Don says.
Belief in life
For Don and Ruth Ann, the desire to help educate women on the alternatives to abortion stems from personal experiences. There is a long history with adoption in their family.
“My mom arrived in Jefferson City in 1902 on an orphan train,” Don says. “She was raised by a foster family and was treated very, very kindly,” Ruth Ann adds. “Not everyone who came on the orphan trains had that experience. Some were treated no better than slaves.” Don and Ruth Ann, married for 53 years with seven children and 17 grandchildren, have that tradition continued in their own family today. “Four of our grandkids are adopted,” Ruth Ann says, “two from overseas and two domestically. We hate to think that they might not be with us if their mothers had chosen abortion rather than adoption.” As the Vitae Foundation celebrates the 20th anniversary of the benefit and spotlights Don and Ruth Ann Schnieders’ involvement, Don and Ruth Ann continue to support the event and organization while humbly downplaying their contribution to the success. “The success is due to the foresight and dedication of Carl and the Vitae staff,” Don says. “We don’t deserve the honor.” n For more information on the Vitae Foundation, visit vitaefoundation.org.
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