Just in time for the sorority’s 101-year anniversary!
On November 12th, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated celebrated its 101st year anniversary of Founders Day. A time to honor more than a century of service, the sorority celebrated just a few weeks prior by making history as the first Divine Nine sorority to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
According to Watch The Yard, the historic pledge to raise $1 million was first made by SG Rho in 2021. At the time, the organization had already fundraised almost $500,000 towards its goal. The sorority then announced the new commitment, pledging a three-year sponsorship for the annual St. Jude Walk/Run, taking place annually in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
At the time of the original announcement, Sigma Gamma Rho had already raised nearly $500,000 for St. Jude. As part of the push to reach $1 million, Sigma Gamma Rho pledged a three-year sponsorship for the annual St. Jude Walk/Run, held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September.
Since the commitment, members of the organization have participated in more than 200 Walk/Run teams in cities across the nation, reaching their goal officially this month. The money raised will go towards ensuring that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for housing, food, travel, or treatment.
“Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated is grateful for the opportunity to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s work to find cures and help save the lives of children all over the world. I am proud of the mobilization of our global membership to reach this $1,000,000 milestone and to have done so just prior to our 101st Founders’ Day. This accomplishment aligns with our sorority’s motto, ‘Greater Service, Greater Progress’. We look forward to continuing our partnership with St. Jude in the years to come,” said Rasheeda S. Liberty, International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho.
Hospital officials are encouraging anyone who wants to join Sigma Gamma Rho in the fight against pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease to participate in the St. Jude Walk/Run and St. Jude Leadership Society programs.
“We’re so grateful for and honored by the incredible heart and dedicated service shown by Sigma Gamma Rho. This is a milestone accomplishment by Sigma Gamma Rho and its members all over the world that will help St. Jude continue making progress in improving survival rates for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Cover photo: Sigma Gamma Rho Becomes First D9 Sorority to Raise $1 Million for St. Jude Children’s Hospital/Photo by @SgRhoUpdates/Instagram