You Have to See Chip and Joanna Gaineses' Playhouse for St. Jude
All of us—including Chip and Joanna Gaines—know that there are far more important things in life than shiplap and pretty decor. But that fact hasn't stopped the former Fixer Upper pair from trying to use their design skills for good.
And this past June, that's exactly what they managed to do.
Bringing together their passion for philanthropy and home design, the couple traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to unveil a brand-new kids' playhouse—and present the facility with a whopping $1.5 million donation. The event culminated in a garden party inside the new structure on June 19, with many of the hospital's youngest residents in attendance.
"When we heard that the space outside of Target House could use a little love, we knew right away that we wanted to create a sweet playhouse for the kids to enjoy," Joanna commented, referring to St. Jude Target House, which provides free, temporary housing for families of children at the hospital.
"There’s something so special about spending time together outside, and while we’re hopeful that these families will not have to stay here for very long, we wanted to create a retreat for them to explore while they are here."
Children enter the playhouse through a small, flower-covered archway and mini manicured garden. Among the many thoughtful features they'll find inside is a fun, faux kitchen filled with plastic food.
"Our hope is that this space brings a bit of joy to the families here," Joanna said.
This isn't the first time the HGTV stars have pitched in to help out the children of St. Jude. Back in 2017, they redesigned the entire St. Jude Target House dining room. Later that year, Chip raised $230,000 for the hospital—and even shaved his head on-site.
But this year, their efforts took on a more personal tone when Chip's friend and marathon trainer Gabriele "Gabe" Grunewald passed away from a rare salivary gland cancer. In her memory, the 44-year-old TV star vowed to raise $500,000 for St. Jude and the Brave Like Gabe Foundation.
That goal was quickly exceeded, and now, the $1.5 million check presented to St. Jude by the Gaineses will ensure that the families of children with cancer don't have to worry about paying for treatment, travel, housing, or food.
"As we walked in today, a little boy told us that he’s ‘demo day-ing’ his cancer treatment and that’s pretty much the best thing I’ve ever heard," Chip remarked at the event. "In our world, demo day marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a newer, more exciting one."
"And that’s exactly what we want for you," he concluded. "We’re pulling for each and every one of you."
('You Might Also Like',)
