Academy Sports + Outdoors Contributes Over $550,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Through Holiday Partnership

Academy Sports + Outdoors Donates Over $550,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

In a significant show of support for children battling serious illnesses, Academy Sports + Outdoors has announced a remarkable donation exceeding $550,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This contribution emerged from a successful collaboration during the recent holiday season, marked by t-shirts and lounge pants adorned with artwork created by young patients at St. Jude.

The funds donated this year were generated through the sale of specially designed holiday apparel, allowing customers to contribute actively while celebrating the creativity of the children at St. Jude. Matt McCabe, the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Academy, expressed pride in continuing this partnership. He commented, “We are committed to supporting the young patients and their families at St. Jude and are thrilled to see the growth of this program.” This year’s donation brings the total contributions since 2020 to an impressive $2.7 million, showcasing Academy’s dedication to St. Jude’s mission of finding cures and saving children.

Steve Froehlich, the Chief Revenue Officer of ALSAC (the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude), emphasized the creativity of the partnership. He stated, “We are so grateful for the partners at Academy Sports + Outdoors who empower customers to help while showcasing beautiful artwork by kids from St. Jude.” This collaboration reflects an incredible journey over five years and looks forward to continued efforts in making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

The exclusive collection, available only during the holiday season, includes a variety of t-shirts and lounge pants, both for men and women. These items were sold across more than 300 Academy store locations as well as online at academy.com, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers keen on making a difference through their purchases.

About Academy Sports + Outdoors

Founded in 1938 in Texas, Academy Sports + Outdoors has evolved from a family business into one of the leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailers in the United States. With over 300 stores spread across 21 states, Academy prides itself on its mission to provide “Fun for All,” which resonates through its localized merchandising strategy and customer-centric values.

Academy’s offerings cater to an expansive selection of categories, including outdoor sports, apparel, and footwear, representing both prominent national brands and a distinct range of private labels. Their commitment to community service and philanthropy is a testament to their values, as they continue to support initiatives that enhance public welfare, particularly in the area of childhood health.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been at the forefront of childhood cancer research and treatment since its founding in 1962. Aimed at elucidating the complexities of pediatric diseases, the hospital is dedicated to ensuring that no child faces the terrible burden of these illnesses without support. The comprehensive cancer center is remarkable, focusing solely on children and pushing the overall survival rate for kids facing cancer from a mere 20% to over 80%.

Families receiving treatment at St. Jude never receive a bill for the care, travel, or housing, allowing them to focus entirely on supporting their child. This operational model is facilitated through donations from generous partners like Academy that further enable St. Jude to share its breakthroughs with healthcare providers globally, enhancing treatment approaches for numerous young patients.

To discover the heartwarming stories of bravery and determination from St. Jude, individuals can explore St. Jude Inspire. Support for their mission can also be extended through direct donations at stjude.org and by following their updates across various social media platforms.

The ongoing partnership between Academy Sports + Outdoors and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital illustrates the potent impact of community commitment, creativity, and care in making a tangible difference in the lives of children who need it the most.