They say it’s better to give than receive, but nothing beats being able to do both at the same time. That’s exactly what the Glennon Card program allows St. Louisans to do every fall. By purchasing a $60 card, you unlock a 20% discount at more than 340 local shops, restaurants and other service providers. All proceeds from card sales directly support the young patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
The Glennon Card initiative is co-led by the Glennon Guild, a women’s auxiliary with more than 100 members, and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and presented by Edward Jones. The Guild was established in 1957 as a collective of doctors’ wives looking to support the hospital. For more than 65 years, it has been dedicated to volunteering in the hospital, fundraising and providing resources to the Glennon patients and their families. Co-president Karen Page joined the group when looking for an opportunity to volunteer after she retired. “It’s incredibly fulfilling and rewarding work,” she notes. “You get to meet so many amazing people.” Last year, the organization launched the Glennon Guild Junior Board, which brings together more than 100 local high school students.
Along with the Glennon Card program, the Glennon Guild gives back to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon in a variety of ways. Throughout the year, it sells Gift Tags for Glennon, which are handmade by Guild members. During the holiday season, the group hosts Deck the Halls, an annual self-guided home tour. This year, the event is Dec. 7 and will feature four homes fabulously decorated for the holidays. “Deck the Halls is a great opportunity to see some of the most beautiful homes in St. Louis and get inspiration for your own holiday decor,” Page says. “It sells out every year, allowing us to donate around $20,000 to the hospital.” Guild members and their families also support SSM Health Cardinal Glennon by donating books for the hospital’s book cart and baby care items for families in need.
This year’s Glennon Card shopping period is Oct. 18 to 27. Digital cards can be purchased online at glennoncard.org, or paper versions are available at select retailers. For Page, it’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to support a great cause while also shopping at local businesses. “Essentially, you are making a $60 donation to the hospital, and the 20% off is bonus,” she notes. “We’re excited to be able to partner with local companies. We have 43 new businesses for 2024, as well as 10 who are returning after a hiatus.”
Since its founding in 2011, the Glennon Card program has raised more than $2.6 million. The funds have supported initiatives like the Orthwein Center for Infant and Child Nutrition, the 3D Printing Center of Excellence, Danis Pediatric Center, the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center, enhancements to patient areas and hospital programs like Footprints, and Reach Out and Read. “This year, we’re planning the donation to go towards the Devoted Campaign for a new hospital playroom,” Page adds. “It’s exciting to be able to support a project that can help patients at the hospital feel like normal kids and have fun.”
On Oct. 14, Glennon Guild is offering an early shopping opportunity through the Glennon Card Shoppes Boutique. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., people can visit Hilton St. Louis Frontenac to shop from more than 20 vendors who will honor the 20% Glennon Card discount. “We have vendors specializing in everything from clothing and jewelry to home goods and hand-poured candles,” Page says. “Some of them are online businesses, so this a rare opportunity to shop their merchandise in person.”
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of major savings at local retailers and eateries Oct. 18 to 27. For more information or to purchase a Glennon Card, visit glennoncard.org.
glennon shoppes participating stores
Abby Keough Custom Creations
Arina’s Studio
Bella Chic Home & Gift Boutique
Claire Flowers
DotDotDash Boutique
Eye Candy Boutique
Gift Tags for Glennon
Gina Graphics
Glow Candle Co.
Hearth & Soul
J. McLaughlin
Jeans, Jackets & Jewels
Joya
Ju Ju B’s
Kirkwood Pop Co.
Koren Shoppe
La De Das
Motek Jewelry
Never Enough Boutique
Orangetheory Fitness – Ladue
The Initial Design
There She Goes Boutique
Tradd Street
Tru Candle Studio
ZIENA Boutique
Pictured at the top: The 2023 Glennon Shoppes event
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation