H&R Block doing a world of good for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

In September, 215 H&R Block leaders and associates from Minneapolis to Tallahassee, Florida; and from Oklahoma City to Atlanta, walked and ran to raise more than $55,000 to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital end childhood cancer.

“I am so lucky to work with such a great and generous group of people,” says Jeffrey Lovasz, district general manager for H&R Block in the Lincoln Park district of Michigan. “The kids at St. Jude are some of the bravest people we know of, and we want them to know we are out there and to keep fighting.”

This is the second time this year that H&R Block participated in a fundraising event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During the hustle and bustle of this past tax season, associates from across the country found a way to kick back – fashion-wise – while kicking in money for a good cause. In early March, associates from across the country donated a minimum of $5 each to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a chance to wear jeans to work one weekend. The resulting effort was a grand total of $36,000.

“I love the idea of being able to help out such a great organization that historically has done such amazing things for kids,” says Calvin Ricks, vice president for H&R Block in the Central Market. “We are not just here to prepare taxes; we are a part of the community.”

“While tremendous strides have been made in research and treatments thanks in large part to St. Jude, we must act with urgency to help end pediatric cancer, which affects nearly 300,000 children worldwide each year and remains the leading cause of death by disease in U.S. kids today,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are thankful for all of our partners and the multitude of supporters who are making a difference by raising awareness and support for our lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.”