Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. accomplished a historic pledge made in 2021 to donate $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, becoming the first Divine Nine sorority to do so. According to Watch The Yard, the sorority had already donated nearly $500,000 for St. Jude when the announcement was made.
As part of the $1 million target, the group committed to a three-year sponsorship of the annual St. Jude Walk/Run, which takes place each September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Since then, Sigma Gamma Rho has made enormous strides, thanks in large part to its participation in the St. Jude Walk/Run. By registering more than 200 walk/run teams in locations across the United States, the group helped itself cross the fundraising finish line this year, in 2023.
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 focus on their child’s survival because groups like Sigma Gamma Rho ensure 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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fundraising and awareness group, stated, “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‘s stated objective is to improve the quality of life for women and their families both domestically and globally via civic and social action as well as community service.