As August marks our kids and pets issue, Greenwich Lifestyle is honoring the work that St. Jude does for children and families worldwide.
Committee-co chairs of the St. Jude Give to Live Gala, Marilena Greig and Tina McCann have done amazing work through the years to help the children and families of St. Jude.
The Give to Live Gala has raised approximately $1 million for the St. Jude mission. The St. Jude Give To Live Society is a loyal group of donors who consistently give charitable gifts throughout the year at truly impactful levels. As a committed donor, giving helps ensure their lifesaving mission to find cures and provide world-class care for some of the world’s sickest children.
Marilena Greig and Tina McCann are giving us a glimpse into the work they do and how important it is for the future.
GL: What is the mission of St. Jude?
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
GL: Tell us a little bit about the importance of the St. Jude Give To Live Gala and its role in the community and the lives of children.
We are so fortunate to have wonderful treatment hospitals in our area, but we want to bring awareness to the research taking place at St. Jude that is moving the needle on survival rates across the globe. We want people in our community to know that this world-renowned research being conducted at St. Jude is freely shared and can be a resource to kids being treated anywhere. We are so grateful that every year, the Give to Live Gala surpasses our fundraising goals. We feel we are just scratching the surface of what we will achieve in the coming years.
GL: What does your typical day at work look like?
Although we both have full time jobs that we have held for many decades, our devotion to St. Jude and our gala are an integral part of our daily work life. We meet throughout the year on a consistent basis to share ideas and implement strategies to help the mission of St Jude.
GL: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of our roles is giving back to such a wonderful organization that impacts children and families throughout the world.
GL: How can people help give back to St. Jude?
From an individual level, you can make a donation to stjude.org/donate OR come out in person to an amazing event (like the Give to Live Gala!) St. Jude also partners with companies large and small on everything from employee giving to major national partnerships.
At St. Jude, no family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. That’s what it is about for us – knowing that at their time of greatest need – these families do not have to worry about anything but their child. That’s why we work year-round to raise funds and spread the word about this wonderful organization.
"No child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay."