Staying Up 'til Dawn
Students fight the yawn to help raise money
Canese Jarboe
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Campus Life
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It's kids like Shelton, Nicole Wilt said, that make the Up 'til Dawn fundraising effort worthwhile.
"Last year we had the opportunity to visit St. Jude," said Wilt, junior in biology and assistant director of Up 'til Dawn. "When you get to see the kids' faces it really lets you know what you're working for."
Students teamed up with the fundraising organization Up 'til Dawn in a letter writing campaign to raise money for St. Jude's, a pediatric treatment and research facility that mainly devotes its services to helping children overcome cancer.
The third annual fundraising campaign was held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Weede Gymnasium, but students stayed up until 3 a.m. participating. Those participating in Up 'til Dawn have raised $38,000 for St. Jude in the past two years and they'll announce the new total at a basketball game later this semester.
Students and faculty members sat around tables listening to music, racing to fold brochures into envelopes and inking addresses on them to recipients.
"They come in with names and write to family members, church members, neighbors - anyone that they know," said Erin Carrington, junior in biology and executive board member of Up 'til Dawn.
Attendees were asked to write at least 35 letters, but if they surpassed 50 they were entered in a drawing to win a Wii video game console.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital accepts patients, even if their family can't pay for their services.
"I think it's great that St. Jude operates on donations and never turns anyone away," said Adam Brown, sophomore in elementary education.
More than 30 teams and 150 people were registered for the event, while more than 250 are expected to donate.
Tammie Mason, sponsor for Up 'til Dawn, said the turnout was gratifying.
"It's great that this many college kids turn up to do this," she said. "It shows that the youth of America really care."
More than 75 local merchants donated goods to be given away and auctioned off at the event. Entertainment included door prizes, a silent auction, carnival rides, a comedian and live music.
"This is my heart," said Alexa Deghand, senior in interior design and executive director of Up 'til Dawn. "My cousin was helped by St. Jude and he passed away. I think it's great that everyone shows up and every dollar really helps."
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