‘Tis the season to bring joy and laughter to those who need it most. Our colleagues take pride in giving back to the greater community and finding unique opportunities to make a difference across the world.
This year, Perficient is thrilled to return as the primary sponsor of the “Light Up Glennon” event at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, in which our colleagues along with the entire St. Louis community are invited to gather, sing carols, and brightly shine lights towards the hospital to spread happiness during the holiday season.
The winter months present a challenge for many who are fighting battles with sickness and injury. As part of Perficient’s corporate giving philosophy – advancing STEM education and improving the health and wellbeing of the community – we embrace every opportunity to build a brighter future for the next generation. Perficient’s Giving Employee Resource Group (ERG) is a voluntary, employee-led group that aims to make a collective impact and empower others to ignite change in the community. The annual Light Up Glennon event is just one of many ways that Perficient, our colleagues, and the Giving ERG pay it forward during the year by creating opportunities for meaningful volunteerism.
READ MORE: Discover Our Global Volunteer Efforts Detailed in the 2022 Community Impact Report
Through our colleagues’ generosity, we’re bringing a touch of happiness to children and their families at the hospital, while raising spirits and celebrating the true magic of the holidays. Watch the video from the first event in 2023 to understand what this incredible night is all about:
We’re Lighting Up the Night For Children
Light Up Glennon is a joyful event honoring the hospital’s Tree of Hope end of year giving campaign, which raises donations and support for patients at Cardinal Glennon. Perficient colleagues, family members, friends, and the St. Louis community are invited to participate in the festivities, which inspire goodwill and compassion for all. The first event took place on Monday, December 4, with everyone sharing cookies and hot chocolate while singing along to their favorite holiday classics.
“I’ve attended Light Up Glennon for three years now, and each time, it feels like the first,” said Justin Keller, senior marketing coordinator. “It’s a great opportunity to be surrounded by colleagues and the St. Louis community for a great cause. It’s so amazing to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as we sing and shine lights up to the children and their families to spread some holiday joy. I’m proud to see Perficient’s dedication to this initiative and look forward to this event for years to come!”
Throughout the evening, participants were surprised with guest appearances from the St. Louis Blues mascot, Louie, the St. Louis Cardinals mascot, Fredbird, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. Officials from local fire departments waved at the smiling children from atop large ladders and lit up the sky with overhead lights.
“This is my third year attending, and each year it’s just as memorable, special, and beautiful,” said Lysa Young-Bates, senior marketing manager. “It’s always so much fun to see the Grinch and Santa and hear all the different voices. I walk away from this feeling just as touched as I hope the children feel.”
The event brings people together in celebration of the season by inspiring others to share their stories and reminisce on the importance of giving back. “I have attended this incredibly heart-warming holiday tradition since Perficient began sponsoring the Light Up Glennon Community Event at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital five years ago,” said Garrett Hill, senior marketing coordinator. “When I look back at how the event has changed over the years, one aspect remains paramount: the community involvement. It is truly amazing to see so many members of the St. Louis community come together to give these children, young adults, and their families and friends a little holiday cheer. This is an important and incredible holiday tradition, and I look forward to seeing how the event continues to grow in the coming years.”
READ MORE: Learn How Our Colleagues Are Making a Difference in the Community
Help Perficient Make a Difference On December 18
For those unable to attend the first event, or who would like to participate again, there is another opportunity to Light Up Glennon on Monday, December 18. Come join Perficient as we shine our lights toward the hospital, ring in the holidays, and bring happiness to children. Attendees should plan to arrive at the hospital grounds at 6:00 p.m. with festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m.
It’s a spectacular display of lights, and an event that Perficient will continue to sponsor for many years to come. Perficient’s director of Content and Communications, Liz Drazen, shared, “I think everyone can agree that Cardinal Glennon is an incredible organization, and they’re doing so much for the children and families within our community. Perficient is also a St. Louis community staple. We’ve been in this community for about 25 years, and we have some of the most generous and giving colleagues. Any opportunity that we have to give back to those communities in which we live and work, we’re going to take. When you can align that with Cardinal Glennon, and being able to spread some holiday cheer, why wouldn’t you?”
We would love to see an even greater turnout and encourage colleagues in St. Louis to bring their family, friends, and loved ones. Please RSVP to ensure there are enough refreshments for all who join. No matter how large or small, we have the power to make a difference.
Check out the pictures from Perficient’s first Light Up Glennon event in 2023:
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