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Jim Maloof, a visionary Peoria businessman with a heart for his community, attended a pitch meeting in Chicago where Danny Thomas, the legendary entertainer and humanitarian, was passionately telling his inspiration and advocated for a groundbreaking children’s research hospital. That evening sparked a deep and enduring friendship between Jim and Danny, bound by a shared dream: to eradicate childhood cancer and bring hope to families in need.

Jim’s belief in Peoria’s potential led him to take up Danny’s cause with unmatched determination. As he worked tirelessly to rally support in his hometown, Jim proved to Danny—and the world—that Peoria had both the heart and resources to play a pivotal role in this mission. Through his leadership and the generosity of the community, their efforts culminated in the opening of the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Peoria in 1972, just 10 years after St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital began its mission in Memphis. This historic milestone marked Peoria as home to the very first domestic affiliate of St. Jude, forever linking the city to a global fight against pediatric cancer.

Today, the Maloof family and JimMaloof/REALTOR® proudly carry on this extraordinary legacy. Under the leadership of Jim’s son, Michael Maloof, and with the dedicated support of our agents and staff, we continue to champion St. Jude’s mission in the Peoria area. Together, we honor the friendship and vision that started it all, ensuring that Danny Thomas’s dream and Jim Maloof’s commitment endure.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital remains at the forefront of the battle against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Through innovative research, groundbreaking treatments, and the unwavering support of communities like Peoria, St. Jude is changing the way the world understands, treats, and defeats these devastating illnesses. We are proud to be part of this mission of hope, healing, and triumph.