Students, faculty and Memphis residents gathered last night for a dinner and silent auction to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The pre-fundraiser, in anticipation of March’s Up ‘Till Dawn event, has collected donations from companies and groups all over Memphis. Donations auctioned included tickets to Memphis Grizzlies’ games, department store gift certificates, jewelry and appliances.
As volunteers for Up ‘Till Dawn served dinner and provided live entertainment, visitors walked around and bid on the various items in the auction.
The event is one of many small fundraisers this committee organizes prior to the main annual Up ‘Till Dawn event, in which participants stay up all night and play games, eat and watch performances. This event takes place from 9 a.m. March 16 to 9 a.m. March 17, and raises approximately $55,000 annually.
Up ‘Till Dawn began at The University of Memphis in 1998, and has since expanded to over 80 colleges and universities in the region.
“I think The University of Memphis students should be proud to know that this huge annual event originated here,” said Bryn Wulf, the co-advisor of the Up ‘Till Dawn committee. “The students who organized it are so dedicated to the cause.”
Stefanie Moll, a 13 year-old diagnosed with gemanoma (a type of brain tumor) was one of the special guests of honor last night. She, and many other children like her, attend Up ‘Till Dawn functions such as the silent auction to show people their appreciation and share their experiences.
“I cut out a funny Ziggy cartoon from the newspaper,” said Moll, laughing. “It says, ‘At least I don’t have to worry about bad hair days!’”
She and her mother graciously assisted with the auction, thanked participants and explained the St. Jude cause.
“We have to continue to raise money, because the amount it takes to research cures and administer treatments is phenomenal,” said Ginger Moll, Stefanie’s mother. “And you cannot put a pricetag on the number of kids’ lives that St. Jude has touched all over the world.”
Students at The University are encouraged to volunteer and participate as much as possible. “We are always taking committee members,” said Scott Bendure, the director of Up ‘Till Dawn. Interested students should call the Up ‘Till Dawn office at 678-0106 for more information.
