ALSAC Executive David McKee Laid To Rest After Death In Car Crash

David McKee, senior vice president and chief operating officer at American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the exclusive fundraising organization of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was laid to rest yesterday following his death in a car crash. He was 66.

The accident occurred when a 16-year old girl collided with his car at around 2:30 p.m. Both drivers were able to get out of their vehicles and talk to each other but, as his condition began to deteriorate, McKee was transported to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. He died at 7:35 p.m.

“David McKee was so much more than one of the world’s great philanthropic leaders,” said ALSAC CEO Rick Shadyac in a statement. “He was a dear friend and mentor to me and many others who worked with him during his 35-year career at ALSAC. He also was a passionate advocate for the patients of St. Jude and for children everywhere who have benefitted from our work. We have lost one of the icons of our organization, and his family is in our hearts and prayers.”

McKee first joined ALSAC in 1977, serving as interim chief executive officer before moving on to his position as senior vice president and chief operating officer. He was responsible for a number of fundraising programs and initiatives, including the St. Jude Country Cares radio program. During his tenure, he increased earnings from $11.9 million in his first year to $691.9 million in fiscal year 2010. ALSAC is currently the second largest health care charity in the country.

McKee is survived by his wife, Portia; three kids, David, April, and Amanda; and three grandchildren, Charlie, Emily, and Caroline. A funeral was held yesterday, and the McKee family requests that any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Individuals can also make an online donation to the David McKee Fund at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/davemckee