Beanies for St. Jude hoping to make their biggest donation ever - $25,000

Beanies for St. Jude, a local non-profit organization, is hoping to donate $25,000 to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. And they hope to achieve this goal in 2015 by collecting $1 from 25,000 people.
Beanies for St. Jude was founded in 2001 by Billie Menard, with the sole vision of raising awareness and money for the children of St. Jude.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of the founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
It takes $1,000,000 per day to operate St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Wanting to help with the costs of treating children, Menard said, “If Beanies for St. Jude can bring back a smile to one child of St. Jude, then it is all worth the time and effort.”
Because of the growth of Beanies for St. Jude, two co-directors have been named to continually support the cause. Kaye Key and Calea Mathews were selected because of their annual dedication and support year after year. Other board members for 2015 are Carla Smith, Sarah LeMaire, Tiffany Roy, Glenda Abate, Resha Broussard, Markie Suire, Lauri Deslatte and Ashley Mire.
Kaye says, “I am passionate and fortunate to be able to work for such a great cause.”
In the 14 years since the inception of Beanies for St. Jude, a total of $329,450 has been raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its affiliates Target House, Ronald McDonald House and Tri-Delta House in Memphis.
This year Menard will once again travel to Memphis along with Kaye, Calea, board members and Cajun Food Festival Queens, La Reine de Mardi Gras Queens and La Reine de Vermilion Queens on April 8-10, 2015.
While in Memphis, they will host three meals and Mardi Gras celebrations (bringing a little of Louisiana to Tennessee) for the children and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
They will also tour the Hospital, Target House, Ronald McDonald House and Tri-Delta House. They will pay special tribute to Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude’s Research Hospital when they turn over their cash donation, (hopefully $25,000), in the Danny Thomas Pavillion.
Through the years, the small town of Kaplan has overwhelmed Beanies for St. Jude with their support and generosity, especially Boyd Adams, Chief of Police.
This year the organization has been fortunate enough to also have the KHS cheerleaders and dance team lending a helping hand. One of the last fundraising efforts before the trip will take place on Saturday March 14. It will consist of two sweet shops - one at Piggly Wiggly and another at Simon’s. The queens along with cheerleaders and dance team will also be taking donations at the red lights.
For more information on how you can support this great cause and make a Child of St. Jude smile please call Billie Menard @ 337-652-4101, Kaye Key @ 337-517-3250 or Calea Mathews @ 337-849-9159