Recently, I got to write an article about a fundraiser for St. Jude that is being held in my area. It is so amazing what some of these people do to raise money for the children. When people do something great to help others, it really can light up people's lives.... Below is the article that was submitted to an area newspaper that I write for...
Perhaps maybe you can think of some ways that you can raise money for the children of St. Jude too...
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St. Jude Fundraiser
According to the St. Jude Hospital
website, about 7,800 patients are seen each year. It takes around
$1.7 million a day to operate St. Jude Hospital. Donations from the
public provide more than 75% of the hospital's funding. For the past
50 years, the hospital has increased the rate of survival in
children. In 1962, the rate was only 20%. Because of their efforts
today, children have an 80% chance of surviving.
A very special group of people are
doing their part to raise money for St. Jude right here in Moultrie
county. Last year, the group raised over $42,000 by running for St.
Jude.
This year, their dedication is still
just as strong. The runners hope to beat the $42,000 that was raised
last year. With even more people signing up to join the cause,
there's a possibility that it could happen.
“There
are approximately 45 runners along with drivers and other volunteers
that have sacrificed two days of their time to raise money for the
kids of St. Jude,” stated Kali Taylor, coach of the Sullivan H.S.
Girls track team, who is organizing this year's run.
The second annual St. Jude
Mattoon-Peoria run is set to take place Friday, July 20 through the
21st.
“We will leave Riddle Elementary at 8 a.m. sharp. The public is
invited to send us off on our 140 mile journey towards Peoria. We
will be traveling on five motor homes along with an emergency vehicle
equipped with EMT's, a music vehicle from WMCI 101.3 out of Mattoon
and a chase vehicle,” informed Taylor.
In
order to participate in the fundraiser, each runner is required to
raise $750. 100% of the profits will go to St. Jude. The group of
runners are a variety of individuals from all walks of life. “Our
runners range from seasoned veterans with marathons under their belt,
weekend warriors, rookies just getting started and long time runners
looking to use their gift to help others. Some are strangers, some
are long time friends but by the end of the run we all become
family,” Taylor stated. There are 29 other cities, along with a
team from Memphis, who also participate in the run to Peoria too. The
team from Memphis make the 465 mile trip by foot to join in.
Taylor
explained how the run for St. Jude worked. “St. Jude rules require
that two runners be on the road at all times, always wearing
reflective vests and staying to the side of the road. An emergency
vehicle follows the runners the entire way to Peoria. The first
9/10th of a mile will be run by all runners and volunteers as well as
the last leg across the bridge into Peoria. The motor homes travel
ahead to the next stop while the runners are out on the road.”
Taylor
is very grateful to be part of such an amazing event. “This was
such a life changing experience for me personally that I can't
imagine not being a part of this for the rest of my life. After
running the Boston Marathon twice and reaching the 'Olympics' or holy
grail for runners, I was looking for a new challenge. A friend
mentioned the St. Jude run and after hearing about it, I immediately
said yes without hesitation. Two of my cousins underwent bone marrow
transplants and I was at the hospital for both to witness them
getting their 'bags of gold'. It is amazing to see new life.”
Angie Del Ponte who participated in
last year's event, will also be running this year. There's only thing
that inspires her to run each year. “The kids. You get all cranky
and hot from running and all you want is a shower. You are also
hungry and you just want to eat. But once you see the kids, you
appreciate everything that you have done. They all treat you like
movie stars... It's amazing to see the kids and how happy they are to
see you.”
Del Ponte's husband, Marc, also takes
part in the fundraiser for St. Jude. Last year he was a volunteer and
helped navigate. This year, he made the decision to become a runner.
What inspired him to become a runner? “The kids,” he simply
answered.
If running isn't something that comes
easy to you, there are other ways to raise money for St. Jude too.
Amber Righter, organized a quarter auction to raise money for the
event on June 28th at the Sullivan Methodist Church.
“Over $600 was raised. A retail value of $1,100 of products were
auctioned off,” quoted Righter.
While Righter honestly admitted she
wasn't much of a runner, she did say what inspired her to hold an
auction for St. Jude. “Its' for the kids. I wanted to be able to
help with the run in a different way.” Righter's six year old
daughter, Hannah, also took part in her own way too. “She drew
pictures and people were buying them at the auction. Hannah even
asked me, 'Mommy, do you think $6 is enough to pay for their
medicine?' After that, I knew that as a parent, I was doing something
right! I don't think there is anything that can make your heart
smile more than kids helping kids,” beamed Righter.
A number of vendors took part in the
quarter auction held by Righter. The vendors included: Gold Canyon
Candles, Mary Kay, Norwex, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Longaberger,
Just Jewelry, Thirty-One, Argonne, Shabby Chic, Tastefully Simple and
Jamberry Nails. Two businesses also made donations to the auction as
well. The Flower Pot gave a $10 gift card and I Tan & Fitness
donated 10 Session of kettle bell classes.
Righter couldn't have been more pleased
with the turn-out of her auction. “It was a huge turn out and very
successful. I was overwhelmed at the turnout and couldn't have been
more excited to raise the money.”
Donations
for St Jude are still being accepted. If you are interested in making
a donation, write your check
out to St. Jude and get in contact with any of the St. Jude runners.
You can also contact WMCI 101.3 and listen to any announcements
regarding the fundraiser for St. Jude.
