UAB Coach Bill Clark to Headline St. Jude Event

As a football coach, Bill Clark preaches personal responsibility. He learned about it while watching his dad, who was a high school football coach, siphon gas into a can to give to players who did not have enough money to fill their tanks. Through the example of his father, Clark was taught to give back to his community.“That’s what I grew up with,” he says. “It was all about school, ball, and church. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to help the less fortunate. It’s what got me into this profession.”The 46-year-old coach is also a student of history, and if history has proven anything in his life, it’s that he has a passion for kids. Clark will be demonstrating that devotion as he serves as Honorary Chair for the inaugural St. Jude “Field of Dreams” event, held at Regions Field in downtown Birmingham on Saturday, May 9.Located in Memphis, St. Jude is a preeminent research hospital that focuses on cancer research and treatment for children. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Danny Thomas, St. Jude provides treatment, travel, housing, and food at no cost to the patient. But this altruism is only possible with the help of selfless donors.“It costs 2 million just to keep the doors open at St. Jude,” says Courtney McMahon, St. Jude Senior Regional Development Rep for the Southeast. “So this is a very important event for us.”McMahon stresses that 80 percent of the funding for St. Jude comes through private donors, and that events such as the gala on May 9 are critical to the hospital’s continuation. “The Birmingham community directly benefits from the research and discoveries made at St. Jude, so supporting this event means helping to save lives in your community,” she says.Clark says he got involved because children have always been at the epicenter of his life.“When you talk about children, it touches my heart,” he says.Clark looked at St. Jude and saw a medical center with a wide sphere of influence, one that penetrates into hospitals all across the country.“This is one of the top hospitals,” he says. “Research is cutting edge, and they partner with other hospitals. And it’s special because patients don’t have to pay for the services that are offered there.”Clark hopes that the city that has been so good to him will turn out in a big way. “Since I moved here last January, I have fallen in love with [Birmingham],” Clark says. “The revitalization of downtown has been fun to watch. There are some great things going on here. It’s a great city. I think Birmingham got a bad knock years ago, but people are starting to say, ‘wait a second’—this place is vibrant. So to kick something off like this event, that’s exciting. That’s neat.”Rick Journey will serve as emcee for the event while guests enjoy Southern-inspired cuisine at tasting stations. Cocktails will be served and live entertainment will be provided by II Da Maxx. In addition to ticket sales, money will also be raised through silent and live auctions. An array of items available include a three-night stay at Capella Resort in St. Lucia, a two-night stay at Hotel Bel Air in Beverly Hills, and an SEC sports package.Two local St. Jude patients, Sophia Schefano and Slade Anderson, will be honored at the event. “This is all about finding a cure and eliminating pediatric cancer,” says Slade’s mom, Emily Anderson.Being a football coach, Clark believes that he has a unique opportunity to impact others, and that the St. Jude event falls in line with this mission. “I love what the game of football teaches,” he says. “It teaches us to be better people, to live a good life, to be a good husband, among other things. I feel a sense of responsibility to give back. That’s the stuff I believe in.”Referencing the book of James, Clark says that Jesus calls Christians to help children. “That’s what my faith says,” Clark adds. “It just doesn’t get better than helping out kids.”For tickets, please visit: www.stjude.org/fieldofdreams. 78Chairpersons for the event include:Molly Fielding, Event ChairMichael Schefano, Event ChairDebbie Anderson, Sponsorship ChairCarmen Poole, Auction ChairRose Kausler, Public Relations ChairBarbara Kenyon, Logistics ChairCommittee Members include: Emily AndersonLaura AndersonElizabeth “Libet” AndersonAshley BazemorePatti HughesLindsay HusseyMelessa JackMeredith LeesCalle MendenhallRyan MartinRegina ReeseMelanie RileyHaisley Beard SmithSarah Kathryn Anderson-TarterKelly WebbElizabeth Yielding