Arthur Ryan Kurek reflects on years of volunteer leadership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the power of sports to create hope, connection, and lasting memories for children facing serious illnesses.
Arthur Ryan Kurek, an Outcome Architect and Strategic Principal based in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is sharing the personal story behind one of the most meaningful chapters of his career: his long-standing involvement with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and ALSAC, the organization's fundraising and awareness arm.
For Kurek, the connection to St. Jude was never just professional. It was personal.
“My middle name is Jude,” Kurek said. “I've always felt a connection to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As my career grew and I had opportunities to help, giving my time and energy felt like something I was supposed to do.”
Kurek served as Co-Chairman of the Sports Advisory Board Council when it was formed alongside Hall of Fame NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall. Through that role, he worked with sports organizations, corporate partners, media leaders, and athletes to help create awareness and fundraising opportunities that supported the hospital's mission.
While much of his professional life has focused on business transformation and growth, Kurek says some of the most rewarding outcomes he has ever been part of came through helping children and families facing extraordinary challenges.
“Business success is important,” he said. “But some of the most meaningful outcomes I've ever experienced happened far away from a boardroom.”
One of Kurek's most memorable contributions involved developing sports-centered programs and experiences that connected St. Jude patients with professional athletes and major sporting events. The goal was simple: give children and their families positive experiences during difficult times.
“When you see a child fighting for their life and smiling because they got to meet a sports hero or participate in something special, it changes your perspective,” Kurek said. “Those moments stay with you.”
His work helped bring together multiple parts of the sports world in support of the hospital's mission, creating opportunities that extended beyond fundraising and into direct patient engagement.
“Sports have the power to create memories,” Kurek said. “St. Jude showed me they also have the power to create hope.”
Throughout the years, Kurek remained committed to supporting the organization because of its focus on children, families, and long-term impact.
“St. Jude's mission is bigger than any one event or campaign,” he said. “It's about helping families focus on what matters most while giving children the best possible chance to overcome incredibly difficult circumstances.”
Today, Kurek continues to view his involvement with St. Jude as one of the defining experiences of his life.
“Some of the most rewarding work I've ever done came through helping children and families,” he said. “It reminds you that success isn't always measured in numbers. Sometimes it's measured in the impact you have on another person's life.”
Kurek hopes his story encourages others to find ways to contribute their time, talents, and resources to causes that matter to them.
“Everyone has something they can give,” he said. “Whether it's your time, your expertise, your network, or your support, small actions can create meaningful outcomes when they're directed toward the right purpose.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Arthur Ryan Kurek
Arthur Ryan Kurek is an Outcome Architect and Strategic Principal based in Red Bank, New Jersey. With nearly 30 years of experience across sports business, media, technology, and corporate transformation, he is known for helping organizations solve complex challenges and create measurable outcomes. He previously served as Co-Chairman of the Sports Advisory Board Council for ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital alongside Hall of Fame NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall and has supported numerous philanthropic initiatives focused on helping children and families.
Arthur Ryan Kurek reflects on years of volunteer leadership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the power of sports to create hope, connection, and lasting memories for children facing serious illnesses.
