Red Wolves for St. Jude Celebrate $77,115 Fundraising Effort
Members of the Executive Board announced total giving of $76.865.50, and before the night was over the total rose to $77,115.50. They are (front, from left) Riley Swafford, Abbi McBroome and Bailey Blackmon; (back) Noah Hill, Jackson Carr, Morgan Ripley and Jack Larson.
JONESBORO – Red Wolves for St. Jude at Arkansas State University wrapped up the student organization’s year of raising awareness and funds for the hospital last evening, celebrating with a year-end finale to reveal their 2022-23 fundraising total.
Students at the Scarlet Formal announced a total of $76,865.50 this year during the celebration in the Woodard McAlister Family Club at Centennial Bank Stadium. Before the evening concuded, the total hit $77,115.50. Every student who fundraised at least $100 for St. Jude was invited to attend; those who raised at least $250 were eligible to bring a date. In total, approximately 175 students attended.
Red Wolves for St. Jude is run by an executive board comprised of seven students who host campus events and community fundraisers, make sponsorship and donation asks to businesses across Arkansas, and recruit other A-State students and organizations to fundraise for the benefit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
“I couldn't be prouder of the executive board for working so hard this past year, and instilling that passion in other students,” stated Riley Swafford of Beebe, adding her experience as executive director of Red Wolves for St. Jude has been the highlight of her senior year. “The best thing about our organization is that we can directly see the impact of what we are fundraising for. There have been countless times people in the community have thanked our organization for the work we do because one of their family members or friends is a St. Jude patient.”
One of those is Andy Shatley of Jonesboro who addressed the students during the finale and discussed what St. Jude means to him and his family.
This was the second annual Scarlet Formal presented by Focus Bank, which donated $5,000 to the organization’s cause. The student fundraisers enjoyed a meal and dessert donated from local restaurants, businesses, and campus ministries, followed by dancing, awards, and more than $1,000 worth of prizes donated by businesses across Arkansas.
“This year I have had the opportunity to work alongside an awesome executive board and adviser to fundraise for St. Jude,” added Abbi McBroome of Heber Springs, recruitment director. “It was an overwhelming experience to stand next to them when we realized we had surpassed our $60,000 goal. I am so grateful for them, the lessons I have learned through this experience, and St. Jude.”
Awards went to Izzy Rollins, highest individual fundraiser; Zeta Tau Alpha, Greek chapter of the year; Student Activities Board, registered student organization of the year; and Cindy Campos, most spirited individual.
Although the original goal was to raise $60,000, they met that goal over a month ago. This year’s total exceeded the last two years by more than $20,000 each.
