Goo Goo Dolls, the Buffalo-based rock band that has sold millions of albums for more than 20 years, named St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as its charity of choice with donations totaling $422,800 and a new fundraising campaign to support Music Gives to St. Jude Kids Day.
The band’s gift will benefit Music Gives to St. Jude Kids, a program led by Jason Thomas Gordon, musician and grandson of St. Jude founder, Danny Thomas. Gordon created this year-round initiative which informs, inspires and engages artists, their fans and the entertainment industry to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding Cures. Saving children.
On August 4, 2017, St. Jude will present Music Gives to St. Jude Kids Day, an inaugural event that will allow bands, fans and venues all across the United States to show their support and raise funds and awareness for the patients and families of St. Jude.
“We absolutely love St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, its awe-inspiring mission, and look forward to helping Music Gives to St. Jude Kids Day in August,” said John Rzeznik, Goo Goo Dolls lead singer. “It’s an honor for us to play a role, however small, in helping St. Jude find cures and save children’s lives.”
John Rzeznik and bandmate Robby Takac have both visited the St. Jude campus, meeting with patients and their families. The group has also involved fans in their support of St. Jude by selling autographed guitars and drumheads during their 2016 tour in support of their most recent album, Boxes. Proceeds from those sales were donated directly to St. Jude.
“I want to extend our sincerest thanks to the Goo Goo Dolls for their generous and ongoing support of the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are honored to be the band’s charity of choice and look forward to working with them and their fans for many years to come.”
