Despite a few heartbreaking stories and one or two emotional country artists, Taste of Country readers learned that the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a happy place during Day 1 of the 2014 ToC/St. Jude webathon. That was message from no fewer than five country stars, plus the families of two former patients.

Bidding for the autographed Rascal Flatts guitar is now halfway through, so there's still time for you to enter the two-day long auction for the electric guitar. Sheryl Crow's story about the unconventional way St. Jude helped a little girl began Thursday morning's (March 6) coverage, with interviews with Miranda Lambert, Lee Brice and Dan + Shay following.

As promised, however, the real stars of the first day of this event were the kids. It was Suzie Pavlat who was busted trying to wade around in a fountain built outside the Target House at the St. Jude campus. Jack Pavlat told the story of his late daughter, beaming with pride and positivity the entire time.

The Turri sisters shared Jessica's story of defeating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She's been cancer-free for 14 years, but still suffers from side effects of the chemotherapy, something St. Jude follows closely that doesn't get much publicity.

Finally, you may have learned about little Eli, an 18-month-old whose smile could have powered the world, it was so bright.

On Friday (March 7), Taste of Country will share more happy stories, as well as one or two sad ones with hopes you'll become a partner in hope or make a one-time donation to St. Jude. For 25 years, country radio, artists and record labels have helped raise more than $500 million, ensuring that no one ever pays a dime for treatment at St. Jude.

“No child should die in the dawn of life,” founder Danny Thomas once said. Help make that wish a reality by making a donation or becoming a Partner in Hope when you click the button below. Donations can be made by phone at 800-411-9898.

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