By Bonnie Culverhouse

It takes a village … a village of coordinators, broadcast service providers, volunteers, schools, churches, runners, chili cooks, sponsors, auction and raffle donors (to name a few) to raise $2.5 million for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Despite the rain, the chili cook-off surpassed last year’s numbers (see the story). Race for the Cure runners turned in more than $100,000. Young Women’s Service Club sponsored Kids Day and made $1,150 with face painting, crafts and gaming trailer. 

“We weren’t able to do bounce houses since we had to move it inside (Minden Civic Center) because of the weather,” said one YWSC member.

Churches challenged other churches. One sheriff’s deputies had money deducted from their paychecks so they could grow beards for the kids, while another deputy allowed his boss to shave a portion of his head. Families of St. Jude children shared their stories on the air.

“It’s been unbelievable. There is no way we could’ve done this without each one of these facets and features,” said Laura Hollingsworth, co-director of the annual Minden St. Jude Auction. “There is a lot behind the scenes, and when Melissa (Brown) and I get here on Monday (the week of the auction), we just stand here and watch everybody come and do their thing.

“They are the heart of Minden St. Jude,” she said.

Hollingsworth said almost as soon as the door closes on this year’s auction, plans will begin for 2025.