Patriot Academy's Kayleigh Kirk, an 11th grader, is also a local employee at Domino’s, and recently had the opportunity to visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital after helping raise funds to support the hospital’s mission of treating and researching childhood diseases.
From October through January, Domino’s stores owned by one franchise group held a fundraising competition to support St. Jude. Approximately 20 stores participated, encouraging employees to collect donations from customers and within their communities. The top 20 employees who raised the most money earned the chance to visit the hospital.
One employee raised $800 in donations, earning two commemorative hat pins and a trip to St. Jude as part of the recognition.
On March 10, Kayleigh and the group traveled to the hospital where they toured the campus and learned about its history and mission. During the visit, participants discovered how St. Jude was founded and the many ways the hospital supports children and families battling serious illnesses.
The experience left a lasting impression. Seeing the hospital firsthand helped highlight the physical and emotional challenges faced by patients and their families. It also demonstrated the deep compassion and dedication of the St. Jude staff who work each day to care for children and advance lifesaving research.
The visit served as a powerful reminder of how community fundraising efforts—even small donations—can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families facing difficult circumstances.
Congratulations Kayleigh! We are all so very proud of you and how you have showcased the Profile of a Patriot in being such an engaged global citizen!