Family Gives Back to St. Jude After Personal Battle
SAVANNAH, Tenn.โ A heartwarming story is unfolding in this lovely town as one local family turns a challenging chapter into a beautiful act of kindness. Melanie Cromwell and her team, affectionately known as โTeam Baileyโ, have initiated an inspiring fundraiser to help raise money for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital in Memphis, which played a pivotal role in their daughterโs recovery from cancer.
A Personal Journey
Back in 2021, Bailey, the young daughter of Melanie, received a life-altering diagnosis of cancer. Thankfully, the remarkable team at St. Jude stepped in to provide her with essential chemotherapy treatment. โIt was a very difficult time for our family,โ shared Melanie. Nonetheless, their time at St. Jude opened a new door for the Cromwell family, and they promised to give back to the institution that made a significant difference in Bailey’s life.
Rallying the Community
In a show of gratitude, Melanie and her team teamed up with Gillis Power Sports, a local business in Savannah. Together, they organized a fantastic raffle at the Hardin County Fair and at various local events. The grand prize? A stunning Polaris Ranger 570 side-by-side, sure to turn heads!
Thanks to the generosity of the community and the hard work of Team Bailey and Gillis Power Sports, the raffle was a colossal success! Tickets flew off the shelves, and excitement buzzed through the air. โBecause Boyce and his team here at Gillis was able to do this, we were able to raise over $21,000,โ Melanie joyfully announced. โWe looked at that as enough to save one childโs life with their chemotherapy treatments at St. Jude. Thatโs kind of a big deal!โ
A Moment of Joy
The fundraiser culminated in a thrilling draw where Alannah Bullock was announced as the lucky winner of the Polaris Ranger 570. โIt feels amazing to contribute to a cause that matters so deeply,โ said Alannah. Itโs heartwarming to see such initiatives bringing a smile to participants, all while making a tangible impact for children in need of medical assistance.
Community Spirit and Support
The success of this event illustrates the true spirit of Savannah, where locals come together to support one another, especially during challenging times. With the funds raised, Team Bailey hopes to continue their initiative, contributing even more to St. Jude, ensuring that families facing similar challenges have the necessary support and resources.
The Bigger Picture
As a community, they have not only rallied to give back but have also raised awareness about childhood cancer and the kind of care offered at St. Jude. Every ticket sold symbolized more than a chance to win a prize; it represented a lifeline for children battling illnesses. โWe just want to help other families as they go through their journey,โ Melanie expressed with warmth in her voice.
Looking Ahead
While the event has concluded, the spirit of giving and community support continues to thrive. The Cromwell family is keen to keep the momentum going, and with plans for future fundraisers already bubbling, itโs clear that their mission is far from over.
As they look toward the future, one thing is certain: the love and support within the community of Savannah shine brightโa beacon of light for families going through their own struggles. The story of Team Bailey and their contributions is a testament to resilience and kindness that inspires us all.

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


