FAU Student Host "Up Till' Dawn"

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research center for one very major reason, its free, well at least to the over 5,000 children that come to St. Jude's every year. FAU senior, Shannon Burke, saw a very special place in her heart for what they do everyday.

Burke decided to host an event for the FAU community called, "Up 'Till Dawn." This event takes place at colleges around the country every year and raises thousands of dollars. This past month was the first time that the event had ever been done at FAU. Burke told me, "I decided to start this event because I saw a chance for greeks and non-greeks to find a common cause to come together and celebrate over a great cause."

Up 'Till Dawn takes weeks of preparation from all participants. The concept is to get as many addresses from friends and family as possible. You can spend part of your night addressing letters requesting donations to the hospital, the rest of your night is comprised of fun games and activities.

"For the first year, it was very successful. From day one I have measured the success of this event not by money donated, but rather the awareness raised to St. Jude's and the event itself," said Burke. Up 'Till Dawn had two side events that raised $350. According to Burke the entire event raised a total of $800, but the number has been changing as donations are being sent in on behalf of the FAU community.