Instead of sleeping this weekend, at The University of Memphisstudents will be raising money for sick children.
At the annual Up Til Dawn event, more than 400 students willstay up all night with the goal of helping children at St. JudeChildren's Research Hospital.
"Our goal is to raise $100,000 this year," Director Alvin BondsII said. "I don't know if we'll get there, but I'm really hopingfor it".
Last year students raised $84,000, Bonds said.
The all-night marathon, now in its sixth year, has raised atotal of more than $600,000.
Students pay $150 each or $750 as a team to participate. Eachstudent must also submit 50 names and addresses for aletter-writing campaign.
The event was started in 1999 by U of M students but has becomea tradition for other schools as well.
"It originated here but has spread to over 150 campuses acrossthe nation," said Lauren Toddy, patient relations chairman.
The popular event will start today with team and studentcheck-ins in the morning and evening and will end early Saturdaymorning.
"There will be about 70 teams consisting of around 450students," Bonds said.
There will be a smorgasbord of activities to keep students busyas they count down the hours.
"We'll have lots of different entertainment," said Todd,including a few surprises.
"There will be basketball, food, bands, videogames all night,"Todd said.
St. Jude patients also attend the fundraiser so students willhave the opportunity to interact with some of the children they aretrying to help.
"Some patients come to speak about their experiences withcancer, and some just come to share their appreciation for whatstudents are doing," Todd said.
Students can also read cancer information facts, and eachstudent will be a given a wristband with a patient's name on it toremind them of the cause.
Despite the sober purpose of the all-nighter, Todd said theevent is a fun experience.
"Our goal is to keep our morale up since we are staying up allnight to show how dedicated we are to St. Jude."
