'Up 'til Two' raises money for St. Jude's
600 SRU students write 8,000 letters asking for donations
By Mike Madden
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: News
At any given time, there are about 5,400 children inside the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
On Nov. 6, about 600 SRU students cared to do something for them.
That night marked SRU's third annual "Up 'til Two for St. Jude" event, which helps raise money for the hospital that offers care for children, at no cost to their families.
"It was such a great event," said Heather Strong, a graduate in residence at the Rock Apartments and coordinator of this year's event. "I'm proud of the students and so many people."
At the six hour event, students were asked to make donations, as well as to pen about 35 letters to friends and family members, asking for contributions.
This year, Strong estimated that about 8,000 letters were sent out.
The goal of this year's effort was to raise $25,000.
"Based on the early numbers, I think we should meet our goal," Strong said. "This year, we were able to get so many people involved, and I think it will show in the final total."
The money goes a long way in the ongoing costs of the facility and care inside the Memphis hospital.
It costs around $1 million to run St. Jude's daily, and a month's worth of chemotherapy treatment can cost upwards of $20,000.
"Obviously, any bit helps," Strong said. "But overall I think we did a wonderful job."
The event's main goal was to help fight cancer, but there were multiple events for students to enjoy in between writing letters.
A dance team, DJ, music, free food, various games and toys provided by Playthings Etc. were all provided to entertain the students.
"I was impressed by all of the things to do there," said Matt Lucas, a sophomore physical education major. "A lot of entertainment was provided, which I think made the night really fun."
The event was emceed by Justin Muchoney, Chief Magic Official at Disney.
Carmen Fortunato, a sophomore psychology major, said that he was impressed by the turnout as well.
On Nov. 6, about 600 SRU students cared to do something for them.
That night marked SRU's third annual "Up 'til Two for St. Jude" event, which helps raise money for the hospital that offers care for children, at no cost to their families.
"It was such a great event," said Heather Strong, a graduate in residence at the Rock Apartments and coordinator of this year's event. "I'm proud of the students and so many people."
At the six hour event, students were asked to make donations, as well as to pen about 35 letters to friends and family members, asking for contributions.
This year, Strong estimated that about 8,000 letters were sent out.
The goal of this year's effort was to raise $25,000.
"Based on the early numbers, I think we should meet our goal," Strong said. "This year, we were able to get so many people involved, and I think it will show in the final total."
The money goes a long way in the ongoing costs of the facility and care inside the Memphis hospital.
It costs around $1 million to run St. Jude's daily, and a month's worth of chemotherapy treatment can cost upwards of $20,000.
"Obviously, any bit helps," Strong said. "But overall I think we did a wonderful job."
The event's main goal was to help fight cancer, but there were multiple events for students to enjoy in between writing letters.
A dance team, DJ, music, free food, various games and toys provided by Playthings Etc. were all provided to entertain the students.
"I was impressed by all of the things to do there," said Matt Lucas, a sophomore physical education major. "A lot of entertainment was provided, which I think made the night really fun."
The event was emceed by Justin Muchoney, Chief Magic Official at Disney.
Carmen Fortunato, a sophomore psychology major, said that he was impressed by the turnout as well.
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