SIUE Students Continue Fundraising Efforts for St. Jude’s Children Hospital
It wasn’t a pajama party, and they weren’t up all night, but that didn’t stop supporters from hosting a virtual session during the annual St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn (UTD) event to help raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville joined other college and university campuses across the country in fundraising efforts to help kids battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
SIUE UTD’s fundraising efforts began in August 2019 with a planned finale of an all-night pajama party set for Saturday, March 21 at the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom, according to Renee McTee, SIUE UTD executive director and School of Pharmacy third-year student.
“Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we had to cancel our event and create an online version,” said McTee. “We hosted an afternoon Facebook Live event on Saturday, April 4. We shared our reasons for supporting St. Jude’s Children Hospital, gave a brief history of the hospital and drew names for prizes donated by local businesses.
“St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn is my favorite extra-curricular activity at SIUE. It is so rewarding and amazing that patients and families never get a bill for treatment, travel, housing and food.”
So far, SIUE UTD has raised approximately $12,000 of its $25,000 fundraising goal. Contributions are being accepted through Thursday, April 30 at St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn SIUE.
Photo:
Renee McTee, SIUE St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn executive director and School of Pharmacy third-year student.
