#United States #Atlanta #St. Jude #Varsity Spirit #CHEERSPORT

Friday Night Live Raises Significant Funds for St. Jude

On February 19, 2026, Varsity Spirit, renowned in the cheerleading and dance community, announced the successful fundraising effort of their 11th annual Friday Night Live event. This year, the event raised over $300,000 for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the CHEERSPORT National All Star Championship, held in downtown Atlanta. The magnitude of the event was unmatched, welcoming over 70,000 spectators and athletes from more than 1,500 teams.

The Spirit of Giving

Friday Night Live serves as a prelude to the competitive events of the weekend. Selected teams from across the nation come together to showcase their routines and spirit not only for competition but for a noble cause. Many teams engage their communities and followers through social media to rally support and donations leading up to the event, demonstrating their commitment to raising awareness for St. Jude.

Among the notable fundraising teams, Cheer Express Miss Silver from Odessa, Florida, led the way with an impressive $51,266 raised. They were followed closely by Maine Stars Glory from Eliot, Maine, who brought in $42,115. The top spots continued with Cheer St. Louis Archangels from St. Peters, Missouri ($38,961), Mac's All Star Senior Starz from Salt Lake City, Utah ($29,057), and Maryland Twisters Blackout from Sterling, Virginia ($20,880).

Collaborative Efforts with St. Jude

Varsity Spirit has been partnering with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since 2015. Their collaboration has fostered not just financial support, but fostered a community of athletes, coaches, and cheerleading fans who are passionate about the mission of St. Jude. To date, the Friday Night Live event alone has generated over $1.7 million for the hospital. Varsity Spirit and its parent company, Varsity Brands, take pride in their long-term commitment to philanthropy, having donated more than $16 million since 2011.

For the third consecutive year, Varsity Spirit teamed up with The League, offering a live broadcast of the event to an enthusiastic audience of over 5,000 spectators. The production not only featured competition routines but also included insightful commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, enhancing the experience for fans and participants alike.

A Turbocharged Event

This year's CHEERSPORT event crowned an impressive 234 Division Champions and granted 10 Paid and 20 At-Large Bids to the upcoming Cheerleading World Championship. Enhanced coverage on Varsity TV made for a high-quality viewing experience over the weekend, showcasing the skill and creativity of the nation's top cheerleading teams in Level 6 while keeping fans engaged.

Conclusion

As Varsity Spirit continues to lead the cheerleading industry, their focus on not only excellence in cheerleading but also giving back to the community makes events like Friday Night Live a highlight for many. This successful endeavor not only showcases incredible athletic performances but also unites the community for the greater good, reinforcing the value of cheerleading and sportsmanship.