Sara Evans and Sixwire were among the performers for the recent St. Jude JAM, held at the Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden. Sixwire served as the house band for the night, which also included performances by The Gin Blossoms and Al Paris, formerly with Kool & The Gang.” Proceeds went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which offers free medical treatment to children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. More than $900,000 was raised for the worthwhile cause.
The St. Jude JAM served as the official kick-off for the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
“The St. Jude JAM is the perfect tee off to celebrate the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, an event that puts St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on a global stage,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our generous donors and partners are the reason St. Jude is able to continue its lifesaving work. We are excited to come together, support the families at St. Jude and celebrate with a purpose.”
A live auction was also included in the event, with one of the items up for auction being a custom replica 1965 Shelby Cobra, built by a team of FedEx pilots. Factory Five Racing and the pilots donated their time to complete this project, which collectively raised more than $575,000 over the past six years.
Other items included a trip to Italy and a trip to Napa, with a French Laundry Silver Card Experience, a Les Paul 699 guitar autographed by Alice Cooper, and a style consultation with Hollywood celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart, among other items.
Evans is one of numerous country artists who have offered their support of St. Jude over the years. Darius Rucker, who received the Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award in 2017, honoring his numerous contributions to St. Jude, will once again host his annual Darius and Friends concert, benefiting St. Jude. The event, which will take place this year on August 17 at the Ryman Auditorium, has raised more than $2 million since it began.
“The incredible work being done at St. Jude really made an impact on me when I had a chance to visit and hear the patients’ stories,” Rucker says of his inspiration for the annaul show. “They are some of the bravest people I’ve ever met and being able to support them with this event is always a highlight of my year. I’m so glad we’ll be back to performing in front of a full house at the Ryman for such a great cause!”
To find more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to make a donation, visit StJude.org.
