Before Trailnet had a permanent home in downtown St. Louis, another important part of the organization’s story began around Thomas and Sally Cohn’s dining room table.
Years ago, the Cohns gathered with Trailnet leaders to brainstorm new ways to grow support for the organization through a distinguished giving society. By the end of the conversation, they had landed on a name that still represents some of Trailnet’s most dedicated supporters today: the Peloton Society. Named for the fast moving field of riders in a bicycle race, Trailnet’s Peloton Society is composed of idea-motivated individuals who sustain the organization’s mission through education, discourse, networking, and philanthropy. These generous donors are Trailnet members that make unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more each year to sustain Trailnet’s work, and the Cohn’s involvement in the beginning was instrumental in cultivating this new level of membership for supporters.
That moment is just one chapter in a relationship that has spanned decades.
“We’ve been connected to Trailnet forever — from the beginning really,” Tom said.
For Sally, Trailnet has long reflected many of the values that matter most to her.
“Trailnet has been a part of my whole world — the environment, the outdoors, trails,” she said.
Over the years, they’ve watched the organization evolve. What began as an effort to build trails grew into Trailnet today: a regional leader working to create safer, healthier, and more connected communities through walking, biking, and public transit.
“The mission dovetails with my personal mission,” Sally said. “I remember when it morphed into something different than building the trails. I was there at that point. I watched a lot of that, and it’s been incredible to see.”
When the opportunity arose to help Trailnet with a once-in-a-lifetime gift, the decision felt natural.
“We have a longstanding relationship with Trailnet,” Tom said. “And we knew that they were looking for a new office space. We knew we could help with that, which we found very exciting.”
Their extraordinary gift of a fully furnished office condominium has given Trailnet something invaluable: a permanent home.
For the Cohns, the impact goes far beyond bricks and mortar.
“One of the key reasons is they don’t have to worry anymore,” Tom said. “They don’t have to worry about a lease running out or renegotiating leases. It’s an asset that will increase in value over time, and I think that’s very exciting.”
A permanent home provides stability for the organization, allowing Trailnet to focus more of its time, energy, and resources on creating safer streets, expanding transportation options, and building healthier communities throughout the St. Louis region.
Tom also hopes the gift represents something more than a building.
“I hope Trailnet stays there for as long as they can,” he said. “Until they get too big!”
It’s a fitting wish from two people who have been helping Trailnet grow since its earliest days.
Thomas and Sally Cohn’s generosity extends far beyond a single gift. Their decades of friendship, leadership, and unwavering belief in Trailnet’s mission have helped shape the organization into what it is today. Their latest investment doesn’t simply provide a place to work; it provides a foundation for the work still to come.
Thank you, Tom and Sally, for being Trailnet Champions.