Kmart, Best Buy, ANN INC., Kay® Jewelers, Domino's, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., HomeGoods and others unite to help end childhood cancer
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now in its twelfth year, the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has transformed the holiday season into a time of giving thanks by raising awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The campaign unites celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners in asking consumers to donate while they shop and support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
What began as a holiday-focused fundraising effort by St. Jude has now grown into an annual tradition that has raised more than $588 million. These funds support St. Jude's mission to provide cutting-edge treatment and pursue visionary research.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we receive year after year during the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign," said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Throughout the holiday season people open their hearts to the children of St. Jude and as a result, our doctors and scientists can continue their groundbreaking research and pioneering procedures that help us achieve our landmark survival rates. And, we are able to continue to ensure that no family pays St. Jude for anything – not for treatment, travel, housing or food – because we believe all a family should worry about is helping their child live."
Beginning in November and running through the end of December, consumers can support St. Jude while they shop at a variety of businesses representing a cross-section of premier brands in retail, restaurant, travel, hospitality, media and beyond. Top returning campaign partners include Kmart; Best Buy; ANN INC.; Kay® Jewelers; Domino's; Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; HomeGoods; New York & Company; AutoZone; Brooks Brothers; GNC; Dollar General; Claire's; Carnival Cruise Line; Justice; HSN; Marshalls; Chili's® Grill & Bar; and Mazda, to name a few.
"Kmart's long history of success in supporting charitable causes is due to the generosity of our Shop Your Way members, customers and associates. We're proud of the impact our results have made for the families of St. Jude and thankful to St. Jude for its tireless work to defeat cancer and other diseases in children. St. Jude made holiday shopping at Kmart more rewarding and we're excited to support an organization that clearly means so much to our members," said Alasdair James, President and Chief Member Officer at Kmart.
This year, St. Jude partners are expanding and supporting the campaign in a variety of ways – from in-store fundraising to unique cross-promotions, events and online/mobile features.
"It is Best Buy's privilege to partner in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, by making it convenient for our customers to give back while shopping in stores and online during the holidays," said Sharon McCollam, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Best Buy. "By adding options to give through our credit card signature pads last year, we made it easier for customers to contribute during the checkout process. As a result of their generosity, we were able to contribute $9.7 million last year, and hope to do even more this year to support the children and families served by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital."
Other partner highlights include:
The campaign receives a boost of awareness from national theatre partners including Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Theatres, Cinemark USA, Carmike Cinemas, Malco Theatres, and many others that showcase a star-studded St. Jude Thanks and Giving trailer. AccentHealth, America's leading waiting room media network, also shows the St. Jude PSA in physician offices around the country. In addition, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide support via in-flight video promotion, inclusion in their in-flight magazines and social media.
"During one of the busiest times of the year, our partners make supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital an integral part of their holiday strategy," said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Throughout the campaign we ask people to 'Give thanks,' and we are truly thankful for our partners, their employees, customers and St. Jude supporters who enable us to continue working until we reach the day when no child dies from cancer."
To join the fight against childhood cancer this holiday season:
About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. 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. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following us on Twitter (@stjude).
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SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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