Chili's Hosts Vibrant Fundraiser Night Through September, Celebrating 23-Year Partnership with St. Jude

A Quarter-Century of Impact Through Creative Giving

For more than two decades, Chili’s has stood as a steadfast champion of childhood cancer research, and this September marks another milestone in their partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The iconic casual dining brand has now funneled over $120 million to the organization through guest and team member contributions, reflecting a commitment that shows no signs of slowing down.

How the Creative Campaign Works

The annual Create-A-Pepper program returns this month as the centerpiece of Chili’s fundraiser night efforts throughout September. Guests visiting their local Chili’s can participate by purchasing a coloring sheet for donations ranging from $1 to $25—with every dollar flowing directly to St. Jude’s mission. Once completed, these colorful creations become part of the restaurant’s visual landscape, displayed on walls where they inspire fellow diners and celebrate the power of community giving.

Supporting Life-Saving Research and Care

At St. Jude, where families never receive bills for treatment or related expenses, every contribution accelerates breakthrough research and innovative therapies. The organization has dramatically transformed childhood cancer survival rates from just 20% in 1962 to over 80% today—a transformation made possible by supporters like Chili’s and its generous community of guests.

“Making everyone feel special is what drives us,” explained Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix, “and our partnership with St. Jude embodies that purpose in the most meaningful way possible.”

The Art of Giving Back

What began in 2002 as a Memphis-area initiative grew into a national movement. Chili’s team members first created this unique fundraiser night concept as a grassroots way to support their community’s most important institution. Today, the Create-A-Pepper program stands as a testament to how creative expression and charitable action can merge seamlessly.

Samantha Maltin, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer of ALSAC (St. Jude’s fundraising organization), emphasized the deeper impact: “Art transforms uncertainty into strength. Patient artwork decorates our halls during therapy, reminding families that hope endures—and every Chili’s donation fuels the research that makes recovery possible.”

Get Involved This Month

Through September 30, visit your nearest Chili’s location to participate in this year’s fundraiser night. Whether you’re grabbing a Big Mouth Burger or sipping a margarita, you can contribute to lifesaving research by creating your own pepper design. It’s dining with purpose—casual, creative, and deeply impactful.

Learn more at chilis.com/st-jude or visit a participating Chili’s location near you to be part of a legacy that has helped rewrite the story of childhood cancer.