As St. Jude’s Discover the Dream heads into its ninth year of fundraising for childhood cancer research, team members look to help spread the giving spirit.
The fleet of volunteers in charge of running the event has already caught the philanthropic bug, and members say it’s contagious.
“After visiting the hospital, you’re hooked for the cause,” says Suzanne Meyers, committee member and a volunteer since day one. “It’s such an uplifting experience. There’s no way you wouldn’t support it.”
Meyers and her sister, Lisa Khourie, grew up gathering donations for St. Jude, so volunteering has become second nature for the two.
“We were born and raised collecting and marching door-to-door,” Meyers says. “It was just a way of life.”
Friends and family members of volunteers notice the enthusiasm that comes with the annual altruism and they, too, become motivated to get involved.
“It spreads like magic and everyone has their own St. Jude moment,” says Lauren Hanna, associate director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and lead staff member of Discover the Dream. “They volunteer with their friends and they fall in love. That’s what keeps them coming back, year after year.”
Over the past eight years, the event has raised $2.8 million. Khourie cites low overhead costs as a major reason for success.
“We have such a small cost ratio; the number of volunteers makes that happen,” she says. “They donate and volunteer because they love the cause and the hospital. They look forward to helping and it’s such a blessing.”
Hanna says 86 percent of proceeds go to the Memphis, Tenn.-based hospital, with only 14 percent funding the event.
Each year, the team reaches its fundraising goals and then some. Organizers hope to continue their streak of success and break last year’s record-setting donation of $519,000.
“It’s not just about raising dollars – that helps – but it’s truly about spreading awareness,” Hanna says. “You never know just how many people are or how many will be affected by cancer.”
Discover the Dream is slated for May 15 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. More than 700 people attend the sell-out program each year. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10.
A raffle, live auction, silent auction and dinner by Cox Catering and Preston Catering are all part of this year’s event.
To become a volunteer for the event or any of the other St. Jude functions, call Hanna at 614-488-3681 or visit www.facebook.com/stjudeohio.
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Discover the Dream
Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
May 15, 6 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd.
