BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University has more than 165 registered student organizations (RSO’s), including government organizations, sport teams, Greek societies and philanthropic groups. This past year students on campus added another addition to the extensive list of RSO’s, Up ’til Dawn.
Up ’til Dawn is an organization dedicated to raising money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an internationally recognized research hospital that provides free care to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Approximately 150 Illinois Wesleyan students participated in a letter-writing campaign, organized by Up ‘till Dawn, which raised over $19,000. All of the money will go towards the operation of the daily research and treatment of the hospital, which cost more than $1 million per day to maintain.
The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas, and is based in Memphis, Tenn. The hospital is financially supported by ALSAC (The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities), the fundraising organization for the hospital.
“It’s important that a group like this exists so that we are given the opportunity to help children with catastrophic diseases improve their chance of survival. Since the first Up ‘til Dawn started at the University of Memphis ten years ago, college students across the nation have helped raise millions of dollars,” said Blake Bradley, director of fraternity and sorority life, and the faculty advisor of Up ‘til Dawn. “Plus, the leadership skills students on the executive board develop are valuable ways to learn and build their skill set for their careers after college.”