Thank you for joining us on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for an unforgettable evening at the St. Jude Evening of Hope Gala — a celebration of courage, progress and the many joyful milestones made possible by the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. This year’s gala honored the powerful moments that define a child’s journey — from birthdays and graduations to the completion of treatment. These milestones are more than personal victories; they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the impact of a community united in purpose.
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, every breakthrough brings hope — and every milestone is worth celebrating. Even in the face of challenges, these joyful moments are made possible by the unwavering support of people like you. For children, each milestone marks a powerful chapter in their journey. Together we honor these bright beginnings and continue fueling the lifesaving mission of St. Jude — so families everywhere can experience more reasons to celebrate.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Our purpose is clear: Find cures. Saving children. Challenges are conquered and milestones are reached every day at St. Jude due to the incredible work of staff, ambitious goals for the future and the strength of St. Jude patients.
Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your donation to St. Jude — at no additional cost to you! Many employers support your altruistic efforts by offering matching gift programs to your favorite charities. Check if your employer will match your gift to St. Jude or contact us at matchinggifts@stjude.org.
All proceeds from this event benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
For information on sponsorship or volunteer opportunities at next year's event, please contact Ally Rodriguez at ally.rodriguez@alsac.stjude.org.
Highlights from Evening of Hope 2025
St. Jude patient Winston
Regardless of the duration or the cost of care, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude patient Winston
Choose the right planned gift for you
St. Jude patient Han, pictured with family
IRA charitable contributions
If you're 70 ½ or older, you can contribute to St. Jude from your IRA and potentially receive tax benefits. You can have your IRA administrator use our sample letter.
St. Jude patient Nora Kay
Donor-advised funds
You can recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund by calling your fund manager or by signing in to your granting institution and selecting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate
Gifts of stock
When gifting stock, you can reference our transfer form, or call us at (800) 395-4341 to inform us of your gift, so we can properly acknowledge your gift and provide you with a tax receipt.
St. Jude patient Franser
Charitable gift annuities
Charitable gift annuities may interest you if you want to transfer cash or securities to St. Jude and receive lifetime payments for yourself or a loved one.
Photos from the 2025 Evening of Hope
Thank you to our committee
Melissa Hickey, Co-Chair
Michael Brock, Co-Chair
Lesha Benson • Alysia Biggerstaff • Marc Cline • Matt Felty • Rich Johnson • Emmi & Jeff Kobs • Karla Lindsey • Chase McCall • Danette Mondalek • Kristin Richards • Adam & Neely Thomas • Anthony Velez • Matt Whitaker
St. Jude stories from Oklahoma
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This Oklahoma dad wrote the book on hope after his son's stay at St. Jude
Isaac Walsh survived a brain tumor and twenty-one surgeries. His dad was inspired to write a book about his son’s harrowing but hope-filled journey.
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Kindness beyond words from an Oklahoma teacher
Teaching young people is itself an act of love. So when teaching is disrupted, teachers find other ways to foster that bond. During this COVID-19 pandemic, from Florida to Maine and all points west, teachers are connecting with their students in creative – and deeply caring – ways.
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My son is thriving thanks to the progress St. Jude has made treating medulloblastoma
Jillian Bolding's son, Alexander, was treated for medulloblastoma at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2018. She is now working as the Regional Development Director in Oklahoma for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude.
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An Affiliate in Tulsa: Eight is Great
By opening its eighth affiliate clinic, St. Jude enables Oklahoma-based children to receive care close to home.
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Marathon tree house build brings a smile to St. Jude patient
Cancer survivor pulls a community together to build a tree house in 24 hours for St. Jude patient Nate, while rowing a marathon.
Get involved locally
Find additional events, volunteer opportunities and more ways to connect with St. Jude supporters in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and all across Oklahoma.
Get social with us
Connect with our local St. Jude - Oklahoma social media accounts to connect with other St. Jude supporters and stay informed on upcoming efforts and events.
