Bill Seely is the president of Varsity Spirit, the global leader in cheerleading, dance team and band apparel, camps, competitions and yearbook. This year he was named the first Corporate Champion of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.

As Corporate Champion, Bill is encouraging other business leaders to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by forming corporate teams to raise money and participate in the weekend’s marathon, half marathon, 10K,

5K or 2-Race Challenge. In addition to raising money for St. Jude, marathon weekend contributes to the local economy and generated $43 million for Memphis’s retail, transportation and hospitality industries in 2023. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is the largest single-day fundraiser for St. Jude. This year’s marathon will be Dec. 7 and is expected to bring 22,000 runners and walkers to Memphis, along with thousands of volunteers and spectators from around the globe. This year’s goal is to raise $16 million during the marathon weekend.

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon was named one of the top 30 races in the country by Running USA, the only ranked race that allows runners to raise money for a single charity. “It’s the most iconic event you can experience as a Memphian,” said Bill. “We put on a great show. We bring in 20,000-plus runners, plus lots of friends, family members and volunteers. They get to experience downtown. They get to experience Beale Street. They get to experience Memphis. Plus we get to save kids’ lives. That’s pretty amazing.”

Now in its 23rd year, the event has raised more than $140 million and, in 2023 alone, engaged participants from all 50 states and more than 75 countries.

We talked with Bill about why he invests his time outside the office to support this event:

What is the project/organization you are involved with, and what is your role?

This year, I have the honor of being named the first-ever Corporate Champion of St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. As Corporate Champion, I will be engaging business leaders to become sponsors, start corporate fundraising teams, and bring in new donors to support St. Jude’s lifesaving mission. I will be encouraging fellow business leaders across the country, including our competitors, to create corporate fundraising teams leading up to race weekend.

Why is this worthy of your time?

As Corporate Champion for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, I am honored to lead the charge to raise funds and awareness for the kids and families at St. Jude. Supporting St. Jude has always been my passion, and I’m elated to expand our impact by uniting more business leaders behind this mission.

What is the mission of the organization or project?

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, known for its pioneering research and treatments, aims to raise $16 million during the 2024 marathon weekend.

What is your history with this organization?

I have long supported St. Jude individually as a St. Jude Hero and through Varsity Brands programs such as Team Up for St. Jude and Spirited by Varsity.

Why is this project or the work of this organization important to our community?

In addition to raising funds for St. Jude, marathon weekend has generated millions for the Greater Memphis economy.

What is your goal with this involvement?

Since 2011, Varsity Brands has been all-in on supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s incredible mission of treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to our collective efforts, we’ve raised more than $13 million (and counting!) to help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

Are you involved with other community organizations? What is your role with those organizations?

In addition to my role as president of Varsity Spirit, I also founded Crosscheck Athletics, one of the largest nonprofit youth sports organizations in the greater Memphis area. I chair the board of the Leadership Empowerment Center in Frayser, sit on the board of Memphis Gridiron Ministries in Binghamton, serve on the board of governors for New Memphis and am in the process of launching a nonprofit specifically designed to drive youth engagement in Memphis.

 

If you’re interested in sharing the story about your community involvement outside the office in the Chairman’s Circle newsletter, email Lisa Lovell.