Care to Learn founder Doug Pitt was recently named the 2026 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Springfieldian.
He received the award at the Chamber's annual meeting this January 2026.
As founder of Care to Learn, Doug transformed a simple idea into a statewide movement addressing the urgent health, hunger, and hygiene needs of Missouri’s children. Since 2008, Care to Learn has met more than 4.6 million needs, ensuring that over 110,000 students each year can focus on learning instead of survival.
What began as a response to children in his hometown living in poverty has become a model of community-driven impact replicated across 45+ communities in Missouri.
Doug truly exemplifies the qualities that define a Springfieldian: visionary leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and an unwavering commitment to service. He is a catalyst for good and a leader who turns compassion into sustainable community action, inspiring others to do the same.
His belief that “no child should be limited by poverty” has fundamentally changed how schools, businesses, and civic leaders work together to meet the needs of Missouri's most vulnerable children.
Doug's recognition has been celebrated across local media outlets, including:
