DonorsChoose.org Founder & CEO Charles Best to Open Gateway to Innovation 2018

ST. LOUIS - Jan. 10, 2018 - PRLog -- The high school history teacher who created a non-profit website which has helped 70 percent of America's teachers pay for classroom projects, will share his success story with regional technology professionals at the Gateway to Innovation (G2I) conference May 16, 2018.

Charles Best saw a problem with educational inequality when he launched DonorsChoose.org (https://www.donorschoose.org/) from a Bronx Public High School in 2000 to help teachers fill funding gaps so their classroom dreams can come alive. Since the beginning, public school teachers have used the website to fund more than one million classroom projects affecting 26 million U.S. students. DonorsChoose.org was featured on the cover of Fast Company as one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World. For three years, Fortune Magazine has named Charles to its 40 under 40 hottest rising stars in business.

"Charles will set a terrific tone for G2I, since the mission of our conference from the start 12 years ago has been giving back to the community," said 2018 Gateway to Innovation Co-Chair Jill Rausch of World Wide Technology. "Attendees will certainly be interested in learning firsthand about his inspiration for what the New York Times called 'The Future of Philanthropy'."

Proceeds from each G2I conference, the region's largest for IT professionals and executives, are directed to individuals and organizations with technology related needs in the St. Louis area.  The conference has contributed $1,369,168 to more than 37 organizations, awarded 46 individual scholarships, endowed five scholarship funds, supported numerous STEM initiatives, and funded other technology needs for the region.

G2I features world-class keynote speakers and exceptional networking opportunities. The conference also offers more than 30 breakout sessions focused on cutting edge industry developments and best practices.

Registration information for the 2018 conference is now available on the G2I web site at https://www.g2iconference.com/

About Gateway to Innovation: Gateway to Innovation is the premier annual collaboration and networking event for IT Professionals in the St. Louis region. Gateway to Innovation inspires innovation through premier educational opportunities led by the industry's top leaders, provides an opportunity to share best practices and fosters collaboration with colleagues who face challenges and opportunities in our fast-paced industry. Since the first event in 2006, Gateway to Innovation has donated $1,369,169 for IT scholarships and for technology-related grants to St. Louis area educational and non-profit organizations. More information can be found at www.g2iconference.com or by contacting Kristin Tucker at 314-276-7600.