Don Dwight Drinkard receives posthumous hero award in Memphis

In Memphis, Tennessee, on December 6, 2024, the late Don Dwight Drinkard was honored posthumously with the 2024 St. Jude Hero Among Us Award at the annual St. Jude Heroes Pasta Party. His family accepted the award on his behalf, recognizing his lifelong dedication to raising funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Drinkard, who passed away in August 2024, had a significant impact on the charitable organization through his various roles, including as the former FedEx St. Jude Classic Director and as a co-founder of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. Drinkard served as the FedEx St. Jude Classic Director from 1987 to 1999, a period during which he became a pivotal figure in the Memphis golf community. Later, he took on a role at ALSAC, the fundraising arm of St. Jude, from 2000 to 2013, where he was the first Director of Sports Marketing. His vision and commitment led to the transformation of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon from a modest event with only a few hundred participants into a large-scale fundraiser that attracts over 22,500 participants from all 50 states and more than 82 countries. His efforts have significantly contributed to raising over $138 million for St. Jude. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend now stands as the largest single-day fundraiser for St. Jude, fulfilling a vital purpose in ensuring that families do not receive bills for treatments, travel, housing, or food while focusing on their child’s recovery. The event's massive participation demonstrates the strong community support surrounding St. Jude’s mission, and Drinkard was a central figure in driving that support. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, highlighted the inspiring collective effort of the Memphis community in support of St. Jude's mission, emphasizing the role Drinkard played in fostering this environment. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was established in 1962 and is known for its committed mission to curing childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Through dedicated fundraising efforts like the marathon and the devotion of individuals like Drinkard, the hospital has improved the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to over 80%. St. Jude is not just a hospital; it leads the world in research, treatment, and comprehensive care for pediatric patients, ensuring that these families can prioritize their child's health without financial burden. Don Dwight Drinkard's legacy lives on through the support and advancements his efforts have enabled at St. Jude.