Enjoying life is Michael’s specialty. Whether he’s spending quality time with his family, appreciating the arts, deepening his commitment to the Jewish community or staying active, you’ll always find him with a smile on his face.
The Staenberg family is dedicated to helping each other become better philanthropists. Their mission to create positive change and inspire others has blossomed into a family affair. According to Michael, “The kids are getting more involved and are talking about maybe starting their own sort of offshoot. I want to set an example for our kids and continue the legacy of giving.”
Michael is known for his love of the arts and music, often infusing art into his charitable and company projects. “I think art has an important place in society and also in economic development. Art is a subtle thing. The people coming to a shopping center or visiting a community notice the little things,” he said. Michael has supported many cultural organizations over the years including the Saint Louis Art Museum, COCA, Craft Alliance, Jazz St. Louis and the Sheldon Arts Foundation.
Guided by the Jewish teachings of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Michael has focused much of his philanthropy on the Jewish community. He serves as a lifetime board member and past chairman of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis where he invested $30 million and his knowledge to help transform the facility and aid in its growth. His commitment to the Jewish community extends to helping improve facilities and supporting programs that promote education, diversity, and tolerance.
Michael is a board member of the Jewish Community Center in Denver, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Shwayder Camp in Colorado and the Foundation for Jewish Camping. He is also an honorary board member of the Epstein Hebrew Academy and has served on boards and committees including United Hatzalah, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Holocaust Museum, and the Jewish Light Newspaper.
Describing himself in his early years as a “pudgy kid”, Michael has taken a special interest in sports and fitness. He’s an avid skier and has raised millions of dollars for charity by creating and competing in cycling events throughout the country including Bike MS, Pedal the Cause and Rumble to the River. A decade of support of the Gateway Cup pro-am race helped to promote cycling locally and nationally. On most Sunday mornings, you can find Michael on the road, completing his weekly 30-mile ride.