After Puerto Rico was devastated by a pair of hurricanes last September – including Maria, the worst natural disaster in the island’s history – it seemed unlikely the 2018 St. Jude Fore the Kids golf tournament would happen as scheduled.
After all, six months after the hurricanes, there were still areas in Puerto Rico without power.
But thanks to volunteer organizers’ dedication to the event and to the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the tournament was played as scheduled on June 1 – and raised $183,000, beating the goal by more than $50,000.
Organizers of the St. Jude Fore the Kids Golf Tournament from Puerto Rico
The tournament has been a key part of St. Jude fundraising efforts in Puerto Rico, with more than $1 million raised for the hospital over seven years.
Roldán and other tournament organizers, in a February trip to Memphis, Tenn. (where St. Jude is located), stressed the importance of the event and the need for fundraising continuity in making the case for the tournament to stay on schedule.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Golf Tournament organizers with ALSAC President and CEO, Richard C. Shadyac, Jr.
Officials of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, agreed — and ultimately named tournament organizers the St. Jude “Volunteer Group of the Year.”
“These folks told us, ‘Childhood cancer doesn’t stop because of hurricanes. Neither will we,’” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC.
Tournament organizers, despite the challenges created by the hurricanes, successfully kept sponsors on board, dealt with suppliers and found a new location for the post-tournament ceremony, since the regular site was still damaged.
“We do this for the kids and the families, for the awareness,” said José Del Valle-Vazquéz, another tournament organizer. “We want to show that St. Jude is available for everybody in Puerto Rico.
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Read more inspiring stories
-
St. Jude talent experience advisor extends hospitality to job candidates and their families
From hospitality to human resources: Linda Smith of Human Resources changed careers to help St. Jude advance its mission.
-
Longtime employee shares story of personal, family military service
Seven years of U.S. Navy service helped prepare veteran Yvonne Carroll for her role as director of hematology patient services. Read her story.
-
Respiratory therapists are vital part of patient care
Respiratory therapists are emergency responders who assist patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Learn more about their role
-
Doggy duo a perfect match for St. Jude
St. Jude hospital dogs have been training for their new roles since birth. Learn about how they were chosen for their work.
-
St. Jude employee’s journey inspires new adoption benefit
With the help of the St. Jude Adoption Assistance Program, Child Life specialist Ashley Carr adopted her daughter, Nora, in 2017.
-
Physician assistant helps teen sickle cell patients navigate through treatment
Paul Lavoie helps prepare sickle cell patients for the transition to adult care. Learn why his role is important to patients’ long-term health.
-
A well-placed edit: Scientific Editor changed career plans
From bench scientist to scientific editor: Vani Shanker, PhD, of Scientific Editing revised her career plans.
-
Michael Moloney Designs for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway
Michael showcases his interior design work in different houses for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway each year.
-
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2019 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude is honoring some our dedicated Hispanic employees. Learn more about their work.
-
St. Jude Arboretum: How an idea takes root
With 60 different tree species on campus, St. Jude has plans to establish an arboretum on campus.
-
Paws at Play: St. Jude welcomes furry, four-legged colleagues
St. Jude child life specialists welcome Puggle and Huckleberry, the hospital’s newest employees. Read more about their journey and St. Jude Paws at Play.
-
Genetic counselors: Putting together the pieces
Genetic counselors focus on the whole family, working with patients, siblings and parents to determine if testing is needed and what risks and benefits are involved.
-
Bone Marrow Transplant physician treats patients when they need more than the usual options
Ali Suliman, MD, of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, treats pediatric cancer patients when the usual therapies no longer work.
-
A humbling experience
A hospital tour of St. Jude changed one woman's life forever. Find out how she used her inspiration to benefit the children of St. Jude.
-
My Corner of the World: Cesar Villegas, MD
Clinical research associate Cesar Villegas, MD, leads effort to translate educational materials from English into Spanish.