By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – University of Nebraska a Kearney students collected $37,062 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its Up ‘til Dawn event early Friday morning at Cushing Coliseum.
More than 250 UNK students stayed up from midnight to 5 a.m. to raise funds, support and honor families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Students have participated in a year of fundraising, with the Up ’til Dawn challenge highlighting their efforts. Fundraising will continue by UNK students during the spring semester.
“What makes St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn unique is that our board members recruit UNK students to fund raise. This creates awareness of St. Jude’s message among 250 students that might not have been involved with the organization otherwise,” said Laura Matthies, assistant director for student activities in the Office of Student Life.
Over the last four years, UNK students have raised $197,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its Up ’til Dawn event.
“It’s a night of fun and excitement, but in the end we are staying up all night to honor families with life-threatening illnesses,” Matthies said.
Because of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food.
Some of the activities at the Up ‘til Dawn event included decorating St. Jude-themed bandanas and an obstacle course. The event also featured a DJ, photo booth and dance competition.
“I think it’s awesome to know that we are making such a huge impact on the kids at St. Jude. I’m super passionate about that,” said UNK senior Breann White, an exercise science and pre-nursing major. “I think it’s awesome to see all the kids at UNK are willing to stay up and support someone fighting a bigger battle than themselves.”
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Source: Laura Matthies, 308.865.8398, matthiesla@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
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