Wareham family to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Woman’s nearly 50-year donation habit, recent visit sparks fundraiser
Feb 2, 2019

Paying a visit to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis might not make many people’s “bucket list,” but not many people are Wareham’s Jeanne Rasch.

She started giving monthly to the hospital nearly 50 years ago after seeing a television ad. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, the hospital relies entirely on donations. This summer, Rasch and her family toured the hospital, which treats children with terminal illnesses. No child is denied treatment based on a family’s ability to pay.

Rasch said she wanted to visit and see how her donations have helped through the years. 

“It’s not like a hospital,” she said. “They try to make it a second home. Your money is definitely going to a good place.”

Rasch’s family joined her on the trip, including her granddaughter Tricia Hackett, who has helped organize Wareham’s Relay for Life event for the past few years. The hospital tour was scheduled to last 45 minutes. However, they were so enthusiastic that the tour guide extended it to three hours.

“I was blown away,” said Hackett. “When I got home I decided to raise money for the hospital, too.”

On March 16, they will host a bus trip fundraiser to Foxwoods. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The bus leaves Wareham Town Hall at 5 p.m. and will depart Foxwoods at midnight for the trip home.

Cost is $35 per person and includes transportation, $10 slot play and a $10 meal voucher. For more information or tickets, contact Hackett at: phackett312@gmail.com, call 774-263-1308 or message her on Facebook.

Hackett said three buses will be going down. She’s hopeful the event will sell out. As for Rasch, she’s already considering a another trip to Memphis and the hospital.

“I wouldn’t mind going again,” she said.

Her granddaughter agreed.

“Ok! Let’s do it,” said Hackett.