Taste of Oxford Supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Mission: 'Finding Cures. Saving Children.'

The Oxford community has long been known to come together to support others in times of need, especially children.

Over 10 years ago, a group of Oxonians discovered St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their life-saving mission, ‘Finding cures. Saving children.’ After learning of the cause, the group created what has become one of the biggest events on Oxford’s social calendar to help support the children’s hospital, the St. Jude Taste of Oxford.

From humbling beginnings the first year, the St. Jude Taste of Oxford has grown to become an important and highly valued event in Oxford. This year, on Thursday, Feb. 23, the 10th Anniversary St. Jude Taste of Oxford will kick off at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson on Highway 6. The event will feature bourbon and wine tastings, silent and live auction items, gourmet food from over 20 local restaurants, and entertainment from Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.
“This a great way to come together as one community to support the families and patients of St. Jude, including some of our own,” said Lee Bobo, regional event specialist. “We celebrate the local restaurants as well as local businesses who are supporting either monetarily or with in-kind donations to make the event happen.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an important cause not only to the Oxford community but to the world. The hospital was founded in 1962 with the idea that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
After over 55 years as an established research and care facility for children facing life-threatening diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has impacted countless children and their families regardless of race, religion, gender or financial situation. 
Currently, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is treating children with brain tumors, leukemia, lymphoma, infectious diseases, immunodeficiency diseases, blood disorders, sickle cell disease and solid tumors. The hospital is also a leader in research and treatment discovery. Since 1962, the treatments discovered and created at St. Jude has increased the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20 percent to 80 percent. 
St. Jude Taste of Oxford and similar events around the country are necessary for St. Jude’s cause and mission. Over 75 percent of the funding for the hospital’s services and research comes from public contributions. The families of children receiving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Reseach Hospital never receive a bill for treatment, housing or meals during their child’s journey to recovery. St. Jude believes that all a family should worry about is helping their child live. 
“The St. Jude Taste of Oxford event is truly a fundraiser for St. Jude,” Bobo said. “100 percent of the proceeds go back to St. Jude.”
To purchase tickets for the St. Jude Taste of Oxford, visit their website here. If you are unable to attend the event but wish to learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit here. 
St. Jude Taste of Oxford Participating Restaurants: 
Beagle Bagel
Boneheads
Elizabeth Heiskell Catering
Funky’s
Grit
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Lenora’s
Mesquite Chop House
Mugg Cakes
My Michelle’s
Neon Pig
Oby’s
Old Venice Pizza Co.
Proud Larry’s
Rebel Barn
Rib Cage
Round Table on the Square
Sweet Magnolia Gelato Co.
The Cakery
The Green Roof Lounge
The Wine Bar
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

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Amy Goodin is a writer for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at argoodin12@gmail.com.
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