Up 'til Dawn
What is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital?
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas.
- St. Jude is the largest childhood cancer research center in the world, treating children from all 50 states and 70 foreign countries.
- The hospital’s daily operating cost is more than $1 million, which comes primarily from public contributions.
- St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay.
- In 1962, the survival rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer, was 4 percent. Today, the survival rate is 90 percent - thanks to St. Jude.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Website
What is Up 'til Dawn?
Up ‘til Dawn is a student-led, student-run fundraising program hosted by colleges and universities nationwide. Up ‘til Dawn unites students, faculty, and the surrounding community in an effort to support the life-saving treatment and research of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
How does Up 'til Dawn work?
Under the leadership of a campus executive board, student teams participate in a variety of fund-raising activities while also learning more about St. Jude patients and the mission of the hospital. In October, students will take part in a letter writing campaign where each team member sends out 50 pre-written letters to their friends and family. In the spring, students then stay “Up ‘til Dawn” at an all night event where they celebrate their fund-raising success. Staying “Up ‘til Dawn” is a way to have a great time and set aside a night to honor and families of St. Jude.
Up 'til Dawn Executive Board
Natalie Skaggs, Executive Director
Jaclyn Lane, Assistant Executive Director
Whitney Crockett, Teams Chair
Julie McGovern, Public Relations Chair
Drake Foster, Fundraising Chair
Kelli McNorton, Sponsorship Chair
Ian Sadler, Entertainment Chair
How do I get involved?
Forming a team is easy! All you have to do is find 5 friends, complete a team registration form, and pay $5 per team member (this money goes to St. Jude). Once you are registered, your team will come to the Letter Writing Party on October 30 to fill out your 50 letters. St. Jude makes it SUPER easy for you -- the letters are pre-written, so all you have to do is add the "Dear..." at the top and sign your name at the bottom! Your team will also earn points throughout the year for your participation in other fundraising events. In March, you will have the chance to win cool prizes at the Up 'til Dawn finale event.
If you have any questions about Up 'til Dawn or would like to join the Executive Board, please contact:
Whitney Crockett, Teams Chair at wcrocket@emporia.edu or
Natalie Skaggs, Executive Director, at nskaggs@emporia.edu.
Last Updated November 21, 2007