Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. has fulfilled a historic pledge made in 2021 to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, making it now the first Divine Nine sorority to raise $1 million for the hospital. The sorority had already raised close to $500,000 for St. Jude when the announcement was made, according to Watch The Yard.
As part of the $1 million goal, the group pledged a three-year sponsorship of the annual St. Jude Walk/Run, which takes place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September.
Sigma Gamma Rho has made significant progress since then, thanks in large part to its participation in the St. Jude Walk/Run. The organization helped itself cross the fundraising finish line this year, in 2023, by entering more than 200 walk/run teams in cities across the United States.
International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho, Rasheeda S. Liberty, said in a statement, “Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated is grateful for the opportunity to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s work to find cures and help save the lives of children all over the world.”
“I am proud of the mobilization of our global membership to reach this $1,000,000 milestone, and to have done so just prior to our 101st Founders’ Day. This accomplishment aligns with our sorority’s motto, ‘Greater Service, Greater Progress’. We look forward to continuing our partnership with St. Jude in the years to come,” she added.
Families can concentrate on ensuring their child’s survival because organizations such as Sigma Gamma Rho make sure that they never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, expressed, “We’re so grateful for and honored by the incredible heart and dedicated service shown by Sigma Gamma Rho. This is a milestone accomplishment by Sigma Gamma Rho and its members all over the world that will help St. Jude continue making progress in improving survival rates for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
Sigma Gamma Rho states that its goal is to improve women’s and their families’ quality of life both domestically and internationally by engaging in civic and social action as well as community service.
