Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival raises over $205K for Children’s of Mississippi
The spirit of celebration came full circle as leaders from Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival presented proceeds totaling $205,900 from the 2026 event to Children’s of Mississippi, turning a beloved Jackson tradition into meaningful impact for patients and families across the state.
Each year, Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival brings thousands together in downtown Jackson, but its impact stretches far beyond the parade route. Through events like Run the Rainbow and the collective efforts of sponsors, participants and volunteers, the organization continues to make a lasting difference for Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival for their continued support of Children’s of Mississippi,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and CEO of Children’s of Mississippi. ”This partnership is a powerful example of how our community comes together to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve. These funds directly support our ability to provide specialized, compassionate care across the state, and we are proud to be part of something that has such a lasting impact.”
This year’s check presentation highlighted that commitment, with parade leadership reflecting on both the success of the 2026 events and the momentum already building for the year ahead.
“A few weeks ago, the petite parade brought the spirit right into this very building, right where we are standing,” said Paul Wolf, 2027 Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival co-chair. “It expanded into two sessions this year. The Jacksonians, with the help of JPS art instructor Rebecca Wilkinson, decorated shoebox and tabletop floats that lined the walls of this room. Some of the long-time parade krewes participated, and we were joined by Jackson’s first lady Gail Horhn and Mississippi’s first lady Elee Reeves.”
“We brought the people’s parade to the people, for the whole reason we do this. We’re excited to be here today to learn more about how these efforts really bring back to the children’s hospital,” said Sophie Wolf, 2027 Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade and festival co-chair.
Run the Rainbow once again played a key role in fundraising efforts, bringing together runners, families and supporters in a shared mission to give back.
“It is truly my honor to be the chair of Run the Rainbow. One of my favorite things is to see someone cross the finish line as a first-time runner or walker, especially when it comes to a marathon,” said Selena Daniel, chair of Run the Rainbow. “We had pictures from Children’s (patients) in front of the hospital. We had pictures of faculty along the other side so when they came through twice they saw that, and then we had the kids at the finish line cheering everyone on.”
The 2027 Run the Rainbow will be March 13 and Hal’s St. Paddy’s parade will take place on March 20, bringing the events closer to St. Patrick’s Day.