This holiday season, the stars are shining for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The 22nd annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign is back, unifying celebrities, brands, and shoppers to support efforts by St. Jude to help more children survive cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Drew Barrymore, Luis Fonsi, Jon Hamm, Michael Strahan, and Sofia Vergara are joining forces once again to celebrate the spirit of giving. These longtime champions of St. Jude are encouraging everyone to make a difference, whether by donating in-store or online, or by shopping exclusive, limited-edition items from top retailers.
This modern-day tradition continues the legacy of entertainer Danny Thomas, who rallied the power of celebrity to found St. Jude in 1962 to care for some of the world’s sickest children regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. Today, his children Marlo, Tony and Terre Thomas, carry that torch high with the support of stars and everyday champions.
“The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of hope, compassion, and a shared commitment to my father’s dream: that no child should die in the dawn of life,” said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Today, that dream has grown into a global movement to save lives everywhere - around the globe and around the corner from you. And it’s made possible by our generous donors, dedicated partners, and wonderful celebrity friends. That generosity fuels hope. It powers discovery. It brings healing to children around the world.”
Celebrity Voices Inspire Hope and Action
“It’s a true privilege to join forces with St. Jude,” said Drew Barrymore. “Its mission holds a special place in my heart and I’m proud to lend my voice to a cause that brings comfort and hope to families facing cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude stands for compassion, innovation, and unwavering care for children during their most challenging times. I invite everyone to join me in bringing joy, strength, and healing to the brave children and families of St. Jude.”
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m honored to be a part of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign for the 14th year,” said Sofia Vergara. “I’ve met so many brave children and their families throughout the years and the care St. Jude gives to them is extraordinary. St. Jude changes lives not just in the United States, but around the world. I am honored to be part of this mission, and I encourage everyone to join me in supporting St. Jude.”
“For more than 60 years, St. Jude has built a powerful community of doctors, researchers, and supporters united by a singular mission: to help end childhood cancer,” said Jon Hamm. “That is one of the greatest goals for mankind. Being part of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign allows each of us to contribute to something truly impactful for the children of St. Jude and their families, and for the future we all share.”
“I first visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2010, and I’ve been all in ever since,” said Michael Strahan. “St. Jude is a place of hope, healing, and heart. Supporting St. Jude is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done, and being a part of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign gives us all a chance to make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families.”
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the St. Jude family for more than 17 years and I knew from day one I’d always be involved, whether through my voice or my presence,” said Luis Fonsi. “St. Jude is not just a hospital; it’s a research center that shares its breakthroughs around the world. St. Jude transforms lives, bringing hope to children, so growing up becomes a reality. Together, we can give children a second chance at life.”
(For list of brands supporting the lifesaving mission read the full story on www.thesouthasiantimes.info)