Block O'Toole & Murphy Raises Record Amount for St. Jude at NYC Wine Tasting Gala

Record Fundraising Event in New York City

On June 12, 2025, the renowned personal injury law firm, Block O'Toole & Murphy, hosted its annual New York City Wine Tasting event at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The event marked a historic achievement, raising over $1.375 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the largest amount ever collected in the gathering's two-decade history. This staggering figure will significantly aid St. Jude's mission to provide the best care for children battling pediatric cancer.

Stephen J. Murphy, the managing partner of the law firm and the event’s chair, kicked off the evening with an inspiring speech, emphasizing the critical importance of community involvement in the fight against childhood cancer. He stated, "St. Jude aims to eradicate pediatric cancer entirely, and achieving this goal requires everyone's commitment and support. Our only mission tonight is to maximize the contributions for this noble cause."

The event drew an impressive crowd of over 600 attendees from various sectors, with nearly 100 sponsors contributing—an all-time high for this yearly function. Remarkably, before the event even started, the donations had already exceeded one million dollars, a testament to the community's generosity and dedication to this critical cause.

Attendees enjoyed a festive evening filled with delightful food, a live and silent auction, and a selection of exquisite wines and specialty cocktails. The lively music provided by The Om-en, a band led by John Sparling from the defense firm Cullen and Dykman, kept guests engaged and entertained throughout the night.

A poignant moment of the evening came when the parents of a St. Jude patient shared their harrowing journey. They recounted their newborn daughter's treatment for a brain tumor, which was initially considered untreatable by other hospitals. Their story exemplified St. Jude's unwavering commitment to delivering hope and care to families during their most challenging times.

Since its establishment over 60 years ago, St. Jude’s has made incredible strides in pediatric oncology, boosting survival rates from a mere 20% to over 80% through groundbreaking research and medical innovations. However, Stephen Murphy noted that the true impact of St. Jude transcends numbers. He remarked, "The essence of St. Jude lies in alleviating the burdens faced by families; parents don’t have to stress over travel costs, housing, food, or any expenses related to their child's treatment."

The support garnered at the event stands as a powerful reminder of the community's commitment to the cause. "Being involved in this initiative has been a part of our identity for the last 20 years," Murphy stated. "We have attendees who were present at the inaugural event and continue to come back every year. This evening is not only significant but also enjoyable, thanks to the friends and supporters in this room."

Block O'Toole & Murphy has dedicated itself to championing the cause of St. Jude while continuing its role as a leading personal injury law firm, having recovered over $2 billion in settlements for clients. The firm stands firm in its belief in giving back to the community—a principle that keeps them tied to the cause of enhancing children's health and well-being.

For more information about Block O'Toole & Murphy, please visit their website or contact them for a free consultation.