Can you believe it’s been 12 years since the first St. Jude benefit dinner at the Castle Restaurant kicked off?   

How does a small Mississippi town continue to raise so much money for one of the largest pediatric cancer children’s hospital in the world? Let’s not make the answer too difficult — very generous individuals in the Miss-Lou area, period.   

Unfortunately, the intense pursuit for a cure continues because children continue to be diagnosed every day.

Since this time last year, my family has learned of three close friends who have a child that has been diagnosed with cancer.

It just wrecks me every time I learn of such diagnosis because I know the unknown the families are feeling. What gives me hope is that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is open and treating sick children free of charge every, single day. 

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

The mission of St. Jude Global at St. Jude is to improve the survival rate of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases worldwide, through the sharing of knowledge, technology and organizational skills. There are currently 24 official partner sites in 17 different countries around the world.

St. Jude Global helps partner medical institutions develop tailored evidenced-based protocols for treating children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude physicians serve as mentors to physicians at our partner sites and consult on difficult cases.

Every August, for the past 12 years, the Castle Restaurant has hosted the “St. Jude” dinner that has raised more than $300,000 for the miracle center up north. 

John Holyoak, Lyn Fortenbery and his super talented crew donate their time and talents to make this unforgettable evening happen.

Sunday at 6:30 p.m., the Castle Restaurant will again be ground zero for the event. I thank those who have attended in the past and encourage those who have never attended to treat yourselves to this wonderful event.

Both your heart and your tummy will be full, trust me! Please call the Castle Restaurant for more information at 601-446-8500. A $65 donation check written to St Jude is required for the dinner as well as reservations. Seating is limited.

Wray Eidt, Julia’s Dad