By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is launching its 22nd annual Thanks and Giving campaign with celebrity and brand partnerships.
“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.”
The annual campaign continues the legacy of entertainer Danny Thomas, who first founded the research hospital in 1962.
Today, his children Marlo, Tony and Terre Thomas carry on his legacy with the support of stars, brand partners and everyday donors.
“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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital national outreach director, Marlo Thomas. “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.”
This year’s charitable initiative is led by longtime celebrity campaign partners including Sofia Vergara, Drew Barrymore, Luis Fonsi, Jon Hamm and Michael Strahan.
“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.”
Through the campaign, these celebrity partners are encouraging shoppers to donate directly to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as show support by purchasing limited-edition items from the hospital’s retail partners.
“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.” Many brands and companies have also signed on to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude during the holidays by joining the Thanks and Giving campaign.
Some of the brands participating in this year’s campaign include Domino’s, Kay Jewelers and Jared Jewelers, HomeGoods and Homesense, AutoZone, Williams Sonoma, Melting Pot, J. Crew Factory and many more.
“Domino’s is proud to continue its long-standing tradition of participating in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Domino’s chief operating officer, Joe Jordan. “Every child deserves to live their best life, and we’re grateful to be able to provide customers with ways to give charitably, while ordering the pizza they love. Thanks to the generosity of Domino’s customers, we know we can help make a difference.”
Some of the ways that people can support St. Jude through its partners include:
At Domino’s, customers can add a donation or round up their total charge in-store, online, over the phone and through the Domino’s app. They can also purchase an exclusive St. Jude Giving Combo with a $1 donation.
Kay Jewelers and Jared Jewelers have pledged to contribute a minimum of $7.00 of the purchase price of each plush puppy and bear to the hospital this holiday season. Customers can also contribute directly through the store’s registers and official website.
HomeGoods and Homesense customers can donate at the register, as well as purchase limited-edition snow globes and holiday boxed cards that will grant 50% of the purchase price to St. Jude.
AutoZone customers can give in-store at the register throughout the holidays.
For Williams-Sonoma, customers can purchase limited-edition holiday products with up to 50% of the purchase price benefitting the research hospital and can also donate in-store or online at time of purchase.
Melting Pot guests are offered a chance to donate $20 and receive a Donate and Dine card valid for $40 off a future purchase of $100 or more.
Customers at J.Crew Factory can purchase co-branded specialty products with 50% of the purchase price benefitting St. Jude. The brand will also offer the option to donate in-store and online.
The fundraising efforts for the St Jude Thanks and Giving campaign are further reinforced with a national blitz of digital, print, TV, radio, online, social media, movie theater and outdoor advertising.
Audiences nationwide can tune in to NBC’s TODAY, where the charitable campaign will be featured the Monday before Thanksgiving and each day that week, with special segments featuring St. Jude patients’ stories of hope, inspiration and survival.
The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign is developed through ALSAC, which serves as the Research Hospital’s dedicated fundraising and awareness organization.
“For 22 years, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has turned the spirit of the season into a movement of generosity and impact,” said ALSAC CEO, Ike Anand. “Every donation helps fuel research breakthroughs and compassionate care for kids who need it most. With supporters and countless donors, St. Jude is giving children everywhere the chance to dream big, grow, and celebrate more holidays with their families.”
Designated by the National Cancer Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a comprehensive cancer center that is devoted solely to children.
When the center first opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable.
Since then, the research hospital has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the United States.
“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.”
St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children.
“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.”
Because of generous donors, families treated at the center never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Image Credit: St. Jude patients Braylan, Cailee, Sully, Bohdan and Miguel with National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas from the Research Hospital’s fundraising newsroom.
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