David B. Lichtenstein Sr. attended law school and went on to establish the Liberty Loan Corp., which ultimately grew to more than 200 offices. His business success allowed him to formalize his philanthropy in 1947 and found the David B Lichtenstein Foundation, a 501(c)(3) private foundation that stipulates all proceeds be used to benefit the people of Missouri. 

David Sr. left behind a successful business and a legacy of charitable giving. His company closed its doors years ago but Davida Lichtenstein Layer continues the philanthropic work of her family, keeping the promise of the David B. Lichtenstein Foundation alive through contributions to charitable organizations in Missouri.

In Town & Country the Foundation funded a major expansion of what is now Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

At the St. Louis Zoo, visitors can see the David B Lichtenstein Penguin Cove, described by zoo officials as “the first walk-through sub-Antarctic penguin exhibit in North America.” Additionally, the Foundation has provided funding for the David B Lichtenstein Chimpanzee Refuge and the new David B Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena with an 830-seat amphitheater.

The Foundation has given several gifts to the Missouri Botanical Garden, including the David B Lichtenstein Lodge at Shaw Nature Reserve and the new Victorian Garden.

In Columbia the Foundation provides much needed funding to several organizations, including the Boone County Health Department’s K-12 immunization program, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit, and the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.