Fund raising from dusk 'til dawn

Several students are planning to go the distance this March and stay awake until dawn for a good cause.

For the first time, JMU will be taking part in a fund-raising program called "Up 'til Dawn."
According to sophomore Jen Granito, a participant in the event, the program benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The hospital started this national event three years ago and is helping to pay for it at JMU, according to junior Jen Oberholtzer, executive director of the event.

Nine percent of the hospital's money raised each year goes to raising additional money through fund raisers. This money helps colleges get started with initial funds for running the event.

Over 60 colleges are taking part in the event, Oberholtzer said.

These programs are important because the hospital works to raise money because it will not turn down any cancer patient who can not afford the medical treatment that he or she needs, according to Oberholtzer.

Oberholtzer said she first became interested in the program when a representative spoke at a Panhellenic meeting last year. Although no sororities chose to sponsor the event, she still liked the idea and contacted the hospital this fall, expressing her interest in bringing "Up 'til Dawn" to JMU.
Fifteen students make up the "Up 'til Dawn" executive board at JMU. They are planning the event with the help of a St. Jude's Hospital representative.

Oberholtzer said they are hoping to raise $20,000.

Students who sign up for the event will form teams comprised of five to 10 people. Each team must raise $1,000.

One way to fund raise is to go canning, which is asking for change out front of area businesses.
Another fund raiser will be a night called "Letter Night" where each group will mail out letters to anyone they know asking for donations, Oberholtzer said.

The event will close with a celebration on Friday, March 22 at 9 p.m. until Saturday, March 23 at 9 a.m. in UREC. The evening will feature volleyball and basketball tournaments, movies in the pool, presentations from other JMU organizations, kickboxing classes and more.

Team members will stay up all night and partake in these entertainment activities.
"I like knowing that I am making a difference in peoples' lives," Olberholtzer said.

"I also like knowing that I will have left JMU and will have started a great program," she said.
To sign up for the event, contact them via e-mail at JMUTD@hotmail.com or pick up an application in the hallway of the Student Government Association office in Taylor Hall. The deadline for sign-ups is Feb. 15.