Varsity Spirit — the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts, and yearbook — is gearing up for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend on Saturday, December 7.
“Our goal this year is to raise 16 million dollars for St. Jude,” says Varsity Spirit President and St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend Corporate Chair Bill Seely, “I want to beat that goal.”
Headquartered in Memphis, Varsity Spirit trains about 350,000 cheerleaders, dancers, and band members through their summer camps, Varsity Spirit Summer Camp, at 6500 locations across the country.
As part of the curriculum, campers are introduced to Team Up for St. Jude Spirited by Varsity. This give-back program rallies cheerleaders and dancers to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude through donation letters. Over the past 13 years, the organization has raised 13 million dollars for St. Jude.
It’s easy to understand the motivation behind supporting St. Jude. The hospital goes above and beyond for families whose children are battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, covering travel, lodging, and food for families as well as all treatment expenses for the children.
“If your child is a patient at St. Jude, we want to make sure parents have nothing to worry about except keeping their kids well,” explains Bill.
In their 23rd year, the races have become a staple and tradition for Memphis and other communities.
What drives Varsity Spirit and so many others is the “honor of being able to be a part of helping them achieve that mission.”
“I have no problem asking people to give more because I believe in what they do,” Bill adds.
The former collegiate baseball player shares how, upon switching universities was offered a greater scholarship for cheerleading and stuck with the sport, going on to win the National Championship in 1990.
Now, through his work at Varsity Sports, Bill can return the favor and help thousands of children realize their cheerleader dreams while building soft skills, resiliency, and philanthropic habits.
“With cheerleading, you get all the great things that are part of every sport, like hard work, dedication, teamwork, and discipline,” he says. “The unique thing, though, is the optimism and leadership skills that are developed as a result.”
Cheerleaders often perform in front of peers at games, reading the energy and helping build school spirit. “They’re responsible for creating that environment, which St. Jude also provides — hope for kids and parents. That ties us closely to St. Jude.”
Join Bill, who plans to run in the half marathon this year, by signing up for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K. You can also register as a Wheelchair Participant, Duo Team, Guided Runner, Two Race Challenge, or even race virtually!
To donate, visit Stjude.org.
By Shlomit Ovadia
Photo by Tindall Stephens
