Last Friday the University of Denver came together in the overnight Up ’til Dawn event to raise over $10,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The event started at 5 p.m. last Friday, and went until 5 a.m. the next morning. The highlight of the night was the comedian act by Kyle Cease, who has starred in “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Not Another Teen Movie.”
There was also another comedian act by “Pickle Head,” as well as events such as “Wacky Olympics,” swing lessons, massages, movies, games, performances by the DU Dance Team and the band Kindred Spirits, and a spirit dance that was performed throughout the night.
Residence Hall Association won the spirit competition, with Tri-Delta sorority and Southwestern close behind.
The $10,000 was raised mainly by teams that sent out pre-written pledge letters or solicited for pledges on Driscoll Bridge, outside of grocery stores or door-to-door.
The event was sponsored by the student group Up ’til Dawn and in part by DUPB, and the AUSA Senate provided funding. An executive board of 12 students that was advised by V.A. Hayman organized it. The board worked in cooperation with Kimberly Housholder, a representative from St. Judes.
Domino’s Pizza, Einstein Bros Bagels, Bruegger’s Bagels, Chipotle, Starbucks, Peaberry Coffee , Red Dragon and Pita Jungle contributed food, while Dean Ricketson, DU College of Law and Todd Olson made monetary donations to support the worthy cause.
The philanthropy event is held on over 80 campuses nationwide every year, but this is the first year that the DU campus has participated.
“I was extremely excited to see how caring a lot of the DU campus is and what spirit they showed to help save a child’s life,” said Hilton Cohen, corporate marketing director of DU’s Up ’til Dawn student board.
The event raises funds for children with cancer and other diseases who cannot afford treatment. The funding also supports research that contributes to the scientific community worldwide.
Students interested in being involved in the program next year should e-mail Cohen at hcohen@du.edu to request an application to become an executive board member, or for information on how they can form a team.
For more information on the event, visit www.stjude.org or www.du.edu/UTD.
