They say it’s better to give than receive—but why not 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. Plus, more than 120 businesses accept Glennon Card online, making it easier than ever to use. All proceeds from card sales directly support the young patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
The Glennon Card initiative is presented by the Glennon Guild, a women’s auxiliary with more than 100 active members. The group was established in 1957, and 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 Laura Baylis has been a member of the group for 18 years. “When I moved back to St. Louis, I wanted to find a way to give back to the community and make new friends,” she explains. “I was familiar with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. When I was 14, I was a candy striper and then became a junior apostolic volunteer in high school. The hospital has been my passion ever since.”
Along with the Glennon Card program, the Glennon Guild gives back to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon in a variety of ways. During the holiday season, it hosts Deck the Halls, an annual self-guided home tour. This year, the event is Dec. 9 and will feature five homes fabulously decorated for the holidays. Baylis notes that the group also recently founded the Glennon Guild Junior Board. “It includes 250 passionate and energetic high school students from more than 10 area Catholic schools,” she says. “They volunteer together on behalf of Glennon kids.”
This year’s Glennon Card shopping period is Oct. 13-22. Cards can be purchased online at glennoncard.org in digital or paper versions, or they are available at select retailers. Baylis is excited for people to take advantage of this unique opportunity to support local businesses while giving back to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. “It really benefits everyone,” she says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses; the community gets to discover new stores, restaurants and services; and 100% of the funds raised by card sales go to the hospital.”
Since its founding in 2011, the Glennon Card program has raised more than $2.3 million. The funds have supported initiatives like the Orthwein Center for Infant and Child Nutrition, the 3D Printing Center of Excellence, Danis Pediatric Center and a number of enhancements to patient areas. “Glennon Card funds also have gone toward different programs at the hospital, such as the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center, Footprints and Reach Out and Read,” Baylis adds.
On Oct. 9, 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 30 vendors who will honor the 20% Glennon Card discount. Glennon Cards will be available for purchase onsite or can be obtained ahead of time online.
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of major savings at local retailers and eateries Oct. 13-22.