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The $1 Billion Milestone: 5 Monumental Moments From St. Jude Country Cares 2024

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The St. Jude Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program cemented its legendary status in the world of philanthropy in late 2024, celebrating a monumental anniversary with an unprecedented financial milestone. The annual seminar and radiothon campaign, a bedrock of the country music industry’s charitable efforts, reached a staggering $1 billion in total funds raised since its inception. This achievement, announced during the 35th annual gathering in Memphis, Tennessee, underscores the deep and unwavering commitment of country artists, radio professionals, and fans to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year’s event, held in October 2024, was more than a seminar; it was a historic celebration of three and a half decades of life-saving work. The funds raised ensure that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food—allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s health. The 2024 gathering provided a fresh, emotional look at the impact of the Country Cares partnership, featuring performances from top artists and recognizing the champions who make this mission possible.

The Historic $1 Billion Milestone and 35th Anniversary

The biggest headline from the 2024 Country Cares event was, without a doubt, the program crossing the $1 billion total fundraising mark. This monumental figure represents 35 years of tireless work by hundreds of radio stations and thousands of country music artists. The Country Cares program, co-founded by Randy Owen of Alabama, has grown into one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the history of the music industry. The announcement was made during the annual seminar on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

The significance of this milestone cannot be overstated. Every dollar directly supports the pioneering research and comprehensive care provided at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The hospital operates on a revolutionary model, ensuring that treatments invented at St. Jude are freely shared with doctors and hospitals worldwide. This philanthropic partnership, driven by the generosity of the country music community, is directly responsible for pushing the childhood cancer survival rate higher.

The 35th anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of the program's roots, which trace back to the vision of St. Jude founder, the late entertainer Danny Thomas. His belief that "no child should die in the dawn of life" remains the guiding principle of the organization, a principle the Country Cares community has passionately upheld for over three decades.

Star-Studded Lineup and Major Artist Involvement

The 2024 seminar and gala featured a who’s who of country music talent, all lending their voices and time to the cause. The involvement of major artists is crucial, as they help drive the local radiothon events that form the backbone of the fundraising efforts. These artists meet with patient families, tour the hospital, and share their emotional experiences with radio listeners across the nation, encouraging donations.

Key artists who participated in or were central to the 2024 events included:

  • Old Dominion: The multi-award-winning band was one of the headliners and the recipient of a major award.
  • Brad Paisley: A longtime supporter, Paisley featured prominently in the gala’s performances.
  • Jon Pardi: The traditional country star headlined the event alongside Old Dominion.
  • Megan Moroney: One of the genre’s fastest-rising stars, Moroney was also scheduled as a headliner, representing the new generation of artists dedicated to the mission.

Beyond the headliners, the broader 2024 Country Cares campaign—including the various local radiothons—saw support from a massive roster of contemporary stars. Artists like Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson were instrumental in the year’s fundraising drives, proving that the commitment runs deep across all generations of country music. Their efforts help amplify the message that the hospital’s research benefits children everywhere.

Old Dominion Honored with the Angels Among Us Award

One of the most anticipated moments of the 35th annual Country Cares Seminar was the presentation of the prestigious Angels Among Us Award. This honor recognizes an individual or group within the country music industry who has demonstrated an exceptional and long-standing commitment to the children of St. Jude.

In 2024, the award was presented to the band Old Dominion. The group—comprised of Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung, and Brad Tursi—was recognized for their consistent dedication, participation in countless radiothons, and their personal connection to the St. Jude mission. Receiving the Angels Among Us Award is a significant career achievement, placing Old Dominion in a lineage of country legends who have championed the cause, including Randy Owen, Darius Rucker, and Florida Georgia Line.

This recognition highlights the critical role artists play not just as performers, but as genuine philanthropists and advocates for childhood cancer research and treatment. Their public support helps to sustain the hospital's unique operating model of providing free care to all patient families.

The Power of the Local Radiothon Campaigns

While the Memphis seminar garners the biggest headlines, the true engine of the Country Cares program is the network of local radiothon events held by country radio stations across the United States. These events are often multi-day fundraising drives where local personalities share the stories of St. Jude patients, conduct interviews with artists, and solicit donations from their listeners.

The 2024 radiothon season demonstrated the incredible grassroots power of this model. For instance, in Central New York, the local Country Cares Radiothon broke records yet again, raising an impressive total of $95,012 for the 2024 campaign. This financial success, replicated in countless markets from South Jersey to Georgia, is a testament to the strong bond between country music fans and the hospital’s mission. The success of the 2024 campaigns ensured the overall $1 billion goal was met.

These local efforts are vital for maintaining the hospital’s mission, which includes cutting-edge research into catastrophic pediatric diseases. The funds raised help cover the costs of revolutionary treatments and the development of new therapies, ensuring St. Jude remains a global leader in the fight against childhood cancer.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Country Cares

The 2024 milestone is not an endpoint; it is a springboard for the next phase of the Country Cares partnership. The $1 billion achievement sets a new standard for charitable giving in the music industry and provides a powerful momentum boost for future campaigns. The continuous involvement of new artists, such as Megan Moroney, ensures the program’s longevity and relevance.

The core mission remains: to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. The country music community's dedication ensures that families battling these illnesses can focus on what matters most—their child. The Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program is a shining example of how music, media, and philanthropy can unite to create a powerful, enduring force for good, promising a brighter future for children around the world.

The $1 Billion Milestone: 5 Monumental Moments from St. Jude Country Cares 2024
st jude country cares 2024
st jude country cares 2024

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