MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The AutoZone Liberty Bowl presented a check for $300,595.49 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, marking the fifth consecutive year the organization’s annual donation has exceeded $300,000.
The contribution highlights the bowl’s year-round support for the Memphis-based hospital. Over the years, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl has contributed $6 million in cash donations to St. Jude.
“On behalf of all the members and volunteers of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, we are proud to continue our long-time support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with our annual donation,” said Shone Bynum, 2025 president of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
In addition to financial support, the bowl provides a significant national platform for the hospital’s mission during its highly rated ESPN telecast.
“Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, inspired the AutoZone Liberty Bowl to work hand-in-hand with St. Jude in its mission of taking care of the kids,” said Steve Ehrhart, executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. “All of our members and volunteers have worked very hard throughout the year to make this contribution and to showcase St. Jude.”
The 67th AutoZone Liberty Bowl is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CST on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. The game, featuring teams from the SEC and Big 12 Conference, will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
