Imagine what you could buy with $50. Maybe you could get a new shirt or have a nice lunch, but it probably wouldn’t stretch all that far. But if you purchase the Glennon Card with it, that money can mean a lot. The card is a fundraising initiative for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and each fall, it gives St. Louisans the opportunity to support its young patients and save money at local businesses.
This year, the Glennon Card offers discounts at more than 320 area merchants and restaurants from Oct. 19 through 28. The card can be purchased for $50 and used for a 20 percent discount at participating vendors during that period. All proceeds from card sales benefit children cared for at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. Cards can be ordered online at glennoncard.org or purchased at 166 of the participating locations.
The program is presented by the Glennon Guild, a women’s organization that supports the hospital, and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. “The Glennon Card is a great way to help the hospital and its patients,” says Tricia Davies, co-chair of the 2018 program. “As a fundraiser, it’s different than going to a gala or just making a donation. It’s a fun, unique way to help kids by shopping at your favorite places.” She adds that it really is beneficial for the entire community. The card brings business to local vendors, saves shoppers money and provides much-needed support to sick kids.
In 2017, the program grew by 15 percent, selling more cards, partnering with new vendors and attracting additional sponsorships. Davies is excited that the growth is continuing this year, including a sponsorship from iHeartRadio. “It’s exciting to find new ways to reach potential card buyers and businesses,” she says. “We like being able to upgrade the program and make it even better for shoppers and vendors each year.”
Davies says that since the Glennon Card program launched in 2011, it has raised more than $1.25 million for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. The funds support a different initiative each year. Recent projects include establishing the 3-D Printing Center of Excellence and remodeling the 4 North inpatient cancer unit to include larger patient rooms, sleeper sofas and a playroom. This year, the beneficiary is Reach Out and Read St. Louis, a program that distributes age-appropriate books to children who see pediatricians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon affiliated sites. More than 90 percent of families who participate have a household income less than two times the federal poverty level, and the program focuses on laying a strong foundation for literacy by making reading a regular part of pediatric primary care.
Davies notes that St. Louisans have embraced the Glennon Card effort, and everyone involved is grateful for the interest. “In the age of online shopping, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses,” she says. “The Glennon Card gives you 10 days to save money while you shop and dine locally, and you’re also supporting sick children who are being treated in St. Louis. Community is a big part of what makes the program special.”
Pictured above: The Glennon Card fundraiser supports patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
The Glennon Card program offers a 20 percent discount at more than 320 participating merchants from Oct. 19 through 28. Edward Jones is the program’s 2018 presenting sponsor. Pictured on the cover: Sophia and Lyla at Treats Unleashed. For information on purchasing the card, visit glennoncard.org.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photo by Collin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
