Mississippi’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration has yielded a nearly $206,000 donation to the state’s lone children’s hospital.
Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival presented a check for $205,900 to Children’s of Mississippi on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the event’s longstanding commitment to supporting the work done at the healthcare facility in Jackson.
The annual parade and festival held in downtown Jackson has raised significant funds over the years to benefit pediatric care across the state. This year’s event, held on March 28, brought together thousands of people from all over the state and beyond, who ultimately contributed to the cause of providing care to sick children.
“When we started this partnership, the vision was simple: to celebrate together and support Mississippi’s only children’s hospital,” Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival Founder Malcolm White said. “Seeing that vision result in a $205,900 gift to Children’s of Mississippi is incredibly meaningful and speaks to the generosity of this community.”
The festival and official after-party featured live music, food vendors, a children’s festival, and three parades through the streets of downtown Jackson, with each function raising funds for Children’s of Mississippi. In addition, the parade’s fourth annual “Run The Rainbow” kicked off parade week on March 21 and raised over $176,000 for the hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade for their continued support of Children’s of Mississippi,” Children’s of Mississippi CEO Dr. Mary Taylor said. “This partnership is a powerful example of how our community comes together to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve. These funds directly support our ability to provide specialized, compassionate care across the state and we are proud to be part of something that has such a lasting impact.”
Officials say funds raised through Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival directly support programs, equipment, and services that enhance care for children and families across Mississippi.