Thursday, October 29, 2009

Students raise money for St. Jude hospital

BY TRAVIS FICK
Managing Editor

On Nov. 19, Saint Mary’s University will hold its first Up ‘Til Dawn event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Up ‘Til Dawn is an event in which participants write letters to friends and family members asking them to donate money to St. Jude.

“No patient is expected to pay what insurance wont cover for their care at St. Jude,” said Grace Hansen, executive director of Up ‘Til Dawn, in an email. “St. Jude costs $1.4 million per day to run, which is why events like Up ‘Til Dawn are necessary.”

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Michael H. Toner Center Cafeteria. Participants are asked to bring a minimum of 35 contacts to mail letters to. “The letters have already been written by St. Jude,” said Hansen. “So the students’ only task is to address the envelope and turn in the letters.”

Participants are asked to sign up in groups of five. “The only reason we ask that students sign up in teams is (so) they will feel more comfortable coming to the event and be able to have fun with close friends while writing their letters,” said Hansen.

All participants will receive a free tshirt, and after they complete their letters, free food and entertainment will be provided. Participants will also be entered into a drawing for a prize. So far, 65 people have signed up to participate in the event. Hansen said her goal is for 150-200 people to complete 35 letters each. “People seem a little hesitant to sign up; maybe because they believe a lot will be expected of them,” said Hansen. “The truth is, very little is expected of them. They only need 35 names and addresses.”

St. Jude is a non-profit organization that specializes in the research and treatment of cancer and other childhood diseases. Anyone who wishes to participate in Up ‘Til Dawn can contact Grace Hansen at mghans06@smumn.edu by Nov. 12.

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