The cumulative lifetime total money raised by ESA chapters around the country for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has reached $191,754,306.
photo by Margaret Horten
Margaret Horten was named president of the Alpha Beta ESA chapter earlier this year. Additional elected officers included Betty Proctor, vice president; Susan Jordan, secretary; Karen Anderson, treasurer; Betty Jolly, parliamentarian; and Linda Gearinger, educational director; Sue Beebe and Wanda Collins, junior past presidents. Lorrie Haufe was named outstanding member of the year, Margaret Horten attained 4th Degree, or Sophrosyne, and Teresa Handley was named outstanding pledge.
The theme for 2014-15 is “Sisterhood makes you stronger.” ESA is a nonprofit service organization that makes a difference in the lives of others through volunteer work. The chapter has been busy volunteering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital activities including the US 101 Radio-a-Thon that raised $504,255 in February; St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in June, $771,000 raised (tickets sold out one month before the actual giveaway); and the upcoming St. Jude Rodeo at Yates Farm in Ringgold, GA. August 7-9. Additional philanthropic works included assisting at the annual Walk4Hearing that raises funds and creates awareness about hearing loss; organizing the remodeling and then redecorating an Orange Grove home for patients; and working at local softball tournaments to benefit the Komen Walk.
ESA holds its annual International Convention (IC) each year in a different location. This year current president Margaret Horten attended IC in beautiful Portland, OR. Every ESA chapter raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and amounts are announced during the convention. Tennessee placed third in the country for most funds raised: $1,179,464; cumulatively, Tennessee has reached the $11 million mark. Internationally, the total amount for 2013-2014 reached $15,066,347 while the cumulative lifetime total was $191,754,306.