Xtapps Joins the Tom Shaw Foundation Freedom Walk for Charities in Defiance, MO
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On Sunday, October 11, 2026, neighbors, first responders, local businesses and families gathered at Good News Brewing in Defiance, Missouri for the Tom Shaw Foundation Freedom Walk for Charities. The Xtapps Software Solutions team was proud to be there, walking alongside our St. Charles County community in support of the men and women who keep us safe.
The morning was everything a community event should be: sunshine, fall colors along Highway 94, the sound of bagpipes, and a crowd dressed in red, white and blue. It was a reminder of why we love building our business in St. Charles County and the greater St. Louis area.
About the Tom Shaw Foundation
The Tom Shaw Foundation is a Missouri nonprofit corporation, recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The Freedom Walk is held in memory of Tom Shaw Sr. (1929– 2018), whose legacy of service and love for community lives on through the foundation’s work.
Each year, the Freedom Walk brings St. Charles County and St. Louis residents together to raise support for organizations that stand behind our law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families. You can learn more, donate or sponsor future events at tomshawfoundation.org.
A Morning of Community Spirit at Good News Brewing in Defiance
Good News Brewing in Defiance, in the heart of St. Charles County’s wine and trail country, was the perfect host. The day ran on a simple schedule:
| Time | Activity |
| 8:30 AM | Registration opens |
| Time | Activity |
| 10:00 AM | Opening ceremony |
| 10:30 AM | Freedom Walk begins |
A kilted bagpiper set the tone for the morning, and the outdoor stage, decked in American flags and bunting, hosted the opening ceremony honoring Tom Shaw Sr. and our first responders. Walkers in red shirts and patriotic hats filled the patio, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones before heading out together.
Supporting Those Who Protect St. Charles County and St. Louis
The Freedom Walk benefits two organizations featured on this year’s event poster:
- Missouri Peace Officers Association – an organization serving and representing law enforcement professionals across Missouri.
- The Back Stoppers, Inc. – serving since 1959, the BackStoppers provide support to the families of police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel in the St. Louis region who lose their lives in the line of duty.
Every step taken at the Freedom Walk is a thank-you to the officers and first responders who serve communities like St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville, Defiance and St. Louis every day.
Thank You to the Sponsors and Partners
Events like this happen because local businesses and organizations step up. A big thank you to this year’s sponsors and partners, including:
- Missouri American Water
- Enterprise Bank & Trust
- Asset Preservation, Inc.
- Mid Rivers Newsmagazine
- Tom Shaw Realtors
- Saint Charles CountyAmbassadors
- Good News Brewing, our host in Defiance
And to every organizer, volunteer and walker who showed up: thank you for making the 2026 Freedom Walk for Charities a success.
Why Xtapps Supports theTom Shaw Foundation
Xtapps Software Solutions is the Tom Shaw Foundation’s technology partner, handling website development and ongoing website maintenance for TomShawFoundation.org. As a software and web development company serving St. Charles County and St. Louis, we believe technology should help good causes reach more people.
For nonprofits, a fast, easy-to-use website and simple online registration and donation tools can make a real difference in how many people show up and give. That’s the kind of work we love doing for local organizations.
Xtapps owner Nithil Jose was glad to be there in person, walking alongside Tom Shaw Jr. and the foundation team. Being part of events like this is how we stay rooted in the community we serve.
How You Can Get Involved
Missed this year’s walk? There are still plenty of ways to support the Tom Shaw Foundation and St. Charles County’s first responders:
- Donate or sponsor at tomshawfoundation.org.
- Follow the foundation to hear about next year’s Freedom Walk for Charities.
- Spread the word by sharing this post with friends and coworkers in St. Charles County and St. Louis.
Are you a St. Louis-area nonprofit or local business looking for a better website, app or online donation system? Contact Xtapps – we’d love to help you grow your impact.
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