Fredonia for St. Jude recently held its yearly "Up 'Til Dawn" in Steele Hall on the SUNY campus. During the event, which supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, students write letters to family and friends, seeking donations for the hospital.
Meagan Allers, president of the campus organization, said, "This year we have about 400 students who signed up to come in and write letters. Last year we had about 150." The group hopes to raise $25,000 for the cause.
While some students think it will be difficult to sit down and write letters, Allers explained it isn't difficult because the letters are pre-printed. All the student needs to do is fill in the blanks and perhaps add a personal message.
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Up 'Til Dawn event supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
One might suppose this would be a quiet event, but that certainly was not the case. At the beach themed event, there was loud music and many students were singing along. In addition, campus groups such as the SUNY cheerleaders and the a cappella group "Some Like it Hot" supported the event by performing.
Letter writers could take a break and play fish pong. This is a game where two players compete to see who can successfully get a ping pong ball into a small cup filled with water. The winner gets a gold fish.
In another part of the room what looked like a bounce house for adults stood. Two at a time, students faced off against each other with padded jousting sticks.
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OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
The a cappella group Some Like it Hot performs for those at the Up ‘Til Dawn event.
There was plenty of food - the ever popular pizza and wings. Pop and water was available to drink.
Jennifer Meglino, the Western New York event marketing representative for St. Jude, was impressed with the organization of the event.
She said, "I'm so proud of these students. This event shows their passion for this cause. They know that this is for the kids."
St Jude Children's Research Hospital is located in Memphis, Tenn. It specializes in children's diseases, especially pediatric cancer. No family is ever turned away because of inability to pay. Those in the community who wish to make a donation can contribute online at www.myuptildawn.org. Follow the link for schools to find SUNY Fredonia, or search for a specific student.
Comments on this article may be directed to dchodan@observertoday.com
