The main goal of the “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” Charity is to bring joy, comfort, and support to children and families facing medical challenges, whether they are hospitalized or navigating unique life circumstances. Here is his story:
Greg had a slim chance of surviving a near fatal ATV accident, he was given a second chance at life. That accident was not only the worst thing that has ever happened to
him, but also the best thing. It changed his life to the point that He wanted to give back to the community!
“Deep within me, I always had a desire to help children in need, and that became my focus. After my recovery, I ran in the WI Warrior Dash (5k run with obstacles) and raised money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital helping children fighting their battle with cancer. I am not able to run in the Warrior Dash any longer but still wanted to continue to support St Jude’s. I wanted to broaden my scope to help more children in our local community.” - Greg Cemke
He reached out to the Marshfield Children’s Hospital to inquire about their needs and explained what the “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” event idea could be. They loved the idea which resulted in the beginning of the “Christmas In July Charity”. The Charity has grown a lot over the last 8 years. Greg has put over 8,500 volunteer hours into the charity and the Charity has raised over $300,000! He has been a guest speaker at Optimist, Be Amazing, Lions, Kiwanis, Eagles, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Elks clubs and many local businesses. He explains the Charity and its impact on the community and how they can support it. All year long the charity collects toys for the children, as well as procures monetary funding for special gifts that have been purchased for Child Life Specialists at the hospital to help decrease the stress and anxiety of children in the hospital. If you have an hour to spare, Contact Us for more information on our charity and the ways you could help bring a smile to a local child in the hospital! A quote from Heidi Geise the Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Manager:
“The Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Services is funded in full by philanthropy. We would not be able to meet the needs of our patients without the help from organizations like Greg’s!” -Heidi Geise
Children’s Hospital facts:
• One of three Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Wisconsin
• Region’s only Dedicated Pediatric hospital
• Serves children throughout a 17-county region in Northern and Central Wisconsin
• Area’s only Pediatric Trauma c Center
• Regions Children’s Cancer Center, treating the rarest forms of cancer
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NICU, (children born at 23 weeks or older)
• Accredited Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Program - The only one of its kind in WI
