Community fundraisers raise thousands for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Multiple community organizations raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through recent fundraising events across the Valley.

Trane Technologies hosted its third annual golf tournament at the Arizona Biltmore, where 85 participants raised $12,000 for the hospital. The company has partnered with St. Jude for 16 years as the national sponsor for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

“We really feel and believe that getting involved with our community is a way that we can help show that we care,” said Anica Martinez of Trane Technologies. “That we are wanting to spread our kindness around with other individuals and especially with the children. Being able to give them an opportunity to have life and be able to grow and have a future ahead of them.”

Sorority reaches major milestone

The Phoenix Valley Tri Delta Alumnae chapter raised more than $17,000 through the St. Jude Walk and other fundraisers this year. The sorority has reached a milestone of raising $100 million since partnering with St. Jude in 1999.

“Raising money for St. Jude is a really powerful and rewarding feeling,” said Alicia DiDonato of the Phoenix Valley Tri Delta Alumnae chapter. “Just knowing what a difference it makes for so many lives is just so heartwarming.”

DiDonato has visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., twice through her fundraising involvement.

“Just seeing the warmth and kindness and care that they bring to every patient there and every family is just beyond your expectation,” DiDonato said. “So being able to contribute to that and the life-changing research that they do there that is shared worldwide is just unmatched.”

The sorority has committed to raising another $100 million within the next decade.

Ornament auction exceeds goal

Turner’s Warehouse in Gilbert organized its seventh annual ornament auction, featuring nearly 230 handmade ornaments from wood turners across America, Canada and the UK. The online auction raised nearly $13,000, up from $8,000 last year.

“We started the St. Jude fundraiser seven years ago,” said Chad Schimmel, co-owner of Turner’s Warehouse. “And we’re a woodturning shop, a small, like, kind of niche hobby shop. And we wanted a way to raise money but kind of involve the hobby that we teach and promote.”

The money will help pay for medical costs, food, housing and travel for patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Helping families in a tough time is a pretty good thing,” Schimmel said. “So if you can take pressure off people in a rough situation or a rough time in their life, it’s a great cause.”

Julie Tritschler, senior advisor for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, said the fundraising supports both treatment and research for childhood diseases.

“This fundraising is very incredible,” Tritschler said. “It does so much to support the kids. At St. Jude, we are doing not only a lot to help treat kids, but also research different childhood catastrophic diseases and various treatment methods that can help in ensuring that they survive.”

Trane provides and installs HVAC systems for free in more than 40 Dream Homes across the country each year, including one in Glendale. The 2026 St. Jude Dream Home will be available to win next year.

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