From then on, the number of people, Rotary clubs, schools, institutions, churches and businesses interested in supporting the cause snowballed. In 2000, when it was time to actually build the school, Armidale Central Rotary Club organized a group of 13 volunteers to travel to Tanzania and build the first block of classrooms. This was the first of many volunteer teams of Rotarians to get personally involved with the school. Rotarians who remained in Australia helped with the collection and transportation of computers, library and school books, teaching aids, classroom equipment, sports equipment, sewing machines, clothes and an endless list of goods. Many Rotarians visit the school each year. In 2016, senior St Jude's students founded youth Rotary branches of their own. The secondary campus is named after the American Smith family, of the Gordon V. and Helen C. Smith Foundation, based in the Washington, D.C. area of the United States. Their connection to St Jude's came about after the family traveled together to Tanzania for a safari in 2004 and the tour guide took them to visit a local public school. The Smiths have a long history of supporting educational initiatives. After seeing classes with up to 120 students and few resources, they became determined to support a nonprofit initiative providing educational opportunities in Tanzania. A couple of months later, family members returned to Arusha, visited a number of schools and decided to get involved with St Jude's. Their donation and personal involvement made it possible for St Jude's to extend its educational offering to secondary school level. In September 2016 the school announced that the American Friends of the School of St Jude, Tanzania, Inc. launched a new website; https://www.afstjude.org/ St Jude’s US fundraising efforts are officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity and the American Friends organization has been granted official tax-exempt status EIN 47-3077055. This allows US supporters to give to St Jude’s with easy, tax-deductible contributions and the reassurance that any financial donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. As part of its fundraising and marketing activities, the school receives hundred of visitors each year for day tours of the school grounds. Sponsors of students are encouraged to visit and can participate in a home visit with their family. Up to 60 visitors can stay in quality hotel style accommodation that includes an en suite bathroom, mosquito net and the use of a visitors kitchen with full cooking and catering facilities. A visitors team is on hand daily and can organise a program of activities if needed.