What started as a gala sponsorship has grown into a love for St. Jude across the Porsche Minneapolis – St. Paul family throughout the Twin Cities. When Chase Hawkins, then the vice president for Porsche Minneapolis – St. Paul, was first introduced to St. Jude, he found a shared mission that he, his team and customers could rally behind. “We started as a sponsor and steadily grew our support over the years as we continued to share the mission across our team,” said Chase.
After touring the hospital in 2019, Chase’s commitment to supporting St. Jude was deepened. “It was extremely moving to see the incredible mission firsthand,” reflected Chase. “I was inspired to continue to grow our support for the families that were being helped.”
Chase had the opportunity to tour St. Jude with a Minnesota-based patient family serving as his personal tour guides. “The Francis family was very instrumental in inspiring me to support St. Jude,” said Chase. “While we walked around campus, they showed me where they lived, where they waited to hear about test results, and the whole time, the effort that St. Jude goes to bring as much positivity to this circumstance is incredible. They are taking away the pressures of life and helping families focus on what matters most.”
Support for St. Jude grew across the Twin Cities Porsche locations and the Carousel Motor Group, of which Porsche Minneapolis – St. Paul was part. “Employees and their families attended the local St. Jude Walk/Run and experienced the mission for themselves,” explained Chase. “They have their own connection to the mission and are continuing to carry it out.” Chase didn't stop with his employees and even shared his passion for the St. Jude mission with his customers. “Our customers wanted to make contributions and join us in supporting this incredible mission, here in Minnesota and across the globe,” recalled Chase.
Chase also served on the Strategic Advisory Council in Minnesota, bringing in new ideas to share awareness and fundraise for the hospital. “It was important for me to give back both personally and professionally,” said Chase. “When you’ve been supporting an organization for over seven years, you’re able to build incredible dedication across your family, friends and organization.”
As a father to two, it’s hard for Chase to imagine what it would be like to hear the words “your child has cancer.” “I’m very fortunate to have healthy kids," said Chase. "If you were in the position that these families are in, your entire life would stop as you focus on the survival of your child.” The global mission of St. Jude resonates with Chase as well, as he is originally from South Africa and a frequent international traveler.
His wife, Shelley, and children, Cailyn and Ethan, now in their early 20s, have joined him in his support of St. Jude. “My daughter was on the Orono High School committee for St. Jude. It’s pretty neat to see your kids take something that is close to your heart and make it their own,” reflected Chase.
For his dedication to the mission, both personally and professionally, Chase received the Minnesota Catalyst Award at the second annual St. Jude Moments of Courage Gala. “While I am absolutely appreciative of the award, I don’t feel totally deserving of it,” expressed Chase. “Everyone across the Carousel Motor Group team had a role in bringing this to life – I was the facilitator. It was their passion, dedication and commitment that has helped grow it. If anything that I have done has helped even one family, then I am grateful.”
A lifelong transient, Chase and his family now reside in Florida, but the passion for St. Jude remains. “My time in Minnesota was the longest that we have lived anywhere, and I hope that my personal and professional contributions to this mission will be the foundation for the team to take it and grow it,” said Chase. “I know that there is such love for the mission with Bill Dunne and others, and I’m excited to see where their love for the kids takes it to.”
It was important for me to give back both personally and professionally. When you’ve been supporting an organization for over seven years, you’re able to build incredible dedication across your family, friends and organization.
- Chase Hawkins
