Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) known informally as the Divine Nine, has unveiled a historic pledge to raise $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by 2028. This new commitment comes just a year after Sigma Gamma Rho became the first NPHC sorority to pledge and successfully donate $1 million to advance work by St. Jude to raise survival rates for children with diseases such as cancer and sickle cell disease.
This announcement follows the sorority’s 60th International Biennial Boule in Houston, TX where Sigma Gamma Rho elected its new International President, Marica T. Harris. With over 25 years of experience across women’s empowerment, youth development, political advocacy, and leadership development, Harris will lead the organization and its fundraising efforts for St. Jude.
“Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is proud to further support the incredible work of St. Jude. It is with immense pride in service to this cause that we make this commitment to help advance global survival rates for children everywhere with catastrophic diseases,” said Harris. “The progress St. Jude has made for sickle cell patients is inspiring and we look forward to helping continue those advances. We recognize and support how St. Jude embodies our motto, “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” for children everywhere. Its internationally impactful work is deeply meaningful to us and our sorors, who aim to help women and their families reach their full potential.”
“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering dedication of our partner, Sigma Gamma Rho, which made history last year as the first sorority in the National Pan-Hellenic Council to raise $1 million for the kids of St. Jude and has now committed to doubling that impact in the years ahead,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The outstanding leaders and members of Sigma Gamma Rho are making a huge difference and helping save the lives of children across the globe. I look forward to all we can achieve together as we strive toward a world in which no child dies in the dawn of life.”
For more than 60 years, St. Jude has been researching, understanding and improving standards of care for people with cancer, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases. Support from organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho helps ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live.
