HAPPY 40 YEARS ST. JUDE RUNS!

When someone moves to Peoria, they are introduced to the community and all it has to offer. A nice surprise to some, is the culture, growth, and support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our company founder, Jim Maloof, was friends with Danny Thomas (who founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis). Jim made it his life’s passion to do what he could to make St. Jude synonymous with Peoria.

There are countless fundraising events that bring in millions of dollars for the hospital. One that holds a special place in my heart is the St. Jude Runs. The first year in 1981 was a few people who ran from Memphis to Peoria. Crazy, right? As it grew, more runs were born, making it a huge fundraising event for this cause.  I have participated in it since 2003. Our daughter was 6 months old and healthy. What a better way to help these kids and their families? We fundraise year round to do our part. Our daughters have become very active in fundraising for St. Jude, too!

It’s amazing to see the growth and support of this event. It’s the 40th year of something that started with one crazy idea.