Supporting St. Jude inspires me as a professional and as a human being

The first time I heard about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® was 29 years ago, shortly after I got married. My wife was a monthly donor.

We know that the work of St. Jude goes far beyond treating childhood cancer and other serious illnesses — it’s about providing comprehensive support to patients and their families. And the fact that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food is truly a blessing. 

That means a lot to us.

I remember in 2019, some close friends invited us to the inaugural Rahm Celebrity Golf Tournament in St. Augustine, Florida, to raise funds for St. Jude. 

That’s when I got hooked on the idea of fundraising in a joyful, family-friendly environment filled with music, golf and celebrities. But more than anything, I became deeply connected to the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

A year later, I signed my company on as a sponsor of The Patrick Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament, better known as The Warburton, a fundraising event in California that has become the highest-grossing amateur tournament for St. Jude. I invited some clients and their spouses, and we were blown away by the energy of the event and how approachable the musicians, athletes and other personalities were. 

As the years go by, you realize that time is your most valuable resource. As a business owner, I’m often invited to serve on different boards, and when I was asked to join The Warburton’s advisory board, my answer was an immediate and enthusiastic yes.

Being part of a team that has raised more than $38 million for St. Jude in 15 years — and continues to grow in impact and quality every year — is truly inspiring. I have to say, supporting St. Jude inspires me not only as a professional and philanthropist, but as a human being. 

Over time, I’ve also come to understand that I have a deeper responsibility: to lead by example and serve others, starting with my children. They are part of my story and my legacy, and I hope that one day they, too, will find something that fills them with pride and purpose.

I truly believe that our collective support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children and families. My hope for the future of St. Jude is that it never loses its human touch, that warmth that makes it so special, and that it continues to grow in reach and impact until they find cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

If you’re thinking about supporting St. Jude or simply want to learn more, say “yes” to the next step. There are many ways to get involved — and everyone has the power to change lives, including their own.