Like many entertainers, Danny Thomas had a tough start in show business. He had just gotten married and was expecting a baby, but finding work was difficult. He was deeply religious and made a promise to St. Jude Thaddeus, the Patron Saint of Lost Causes: “Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.”
Whether his prayer was answered by the saint or it would have happened anyway, he soon became a star on radio and television.
Danny felt deep sympathy for children with cancer and wanted to help. He raised money to build a hospital where these children could be treated for free. His motto was, “No child should die in the dawn of life.” Many stars from all over show business joined him in this cause, and in 1962, he was able to open the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
The picture is from a fundraising event in 1957 called Shower of Stars. These events, organized by Danny, raised the money needed for the hospital. Lou Costello, Elvis Presley, and Jane Russell helped out at this one.
