Cassie Tokach/Winonan

It currently takes $1.9 million dollars to keep St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital open each day.

In the weeks leading up to Nov. 15, Winona State University St. Jude-Up ‘til Dawn participants will be doing their part to raise money for the hospital.

Up ‘til Dawn is an all-night event in celebration of the hard work and fundraising that students partake in. Prior to the event, put on by Winona State club St. Jude-Up ‘til Dawn executive board members, students register online and fundraise with a 6-person team of peers.

Alyssa Griffith, who has been executive director for two years, said she is extremely excited about the outcome of this year’s event.

“My expectations for this year are that we reach an all-time high for participation and fundraising,” Griffith said.

This year will mark the third annual event for Up ‘til Dawn on campus.

Since 2012, Winona State students have raised more than $25,000, Griffith said.

Kelly Bergman, recruitment chairperson of Winona State’s Up ‘til Dawn division, is also anxiously waiting for the success of participation and fundraising.

“I expect really great things this year for fundraising. We have done better and better each year,” Bergman said.

This November will mark the first year the event will be all night. Starting at midnight, the night will kick off with an opening ceremony, followed by a text sent to participants letting them know where to go for the first event.

Throughout the night will be games, food and prizes. Minute-to-Win-It mini-games and card-making for kids at St. Jude are only a few things the executive board has planned. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast provided by Chartwells.

While any amount raised is appreciated, every participant’s initial goal is $100 dollars. However, students who don’t reach their goal are still welcome to participate in the event.

Together the club has already raised $5,000. Campus and students have not been the only contributing factors; the Winona community has also been a incredibly supportive, Bergman said.

Though the goal is to raise money, that’s not the entirety of the event. Students raise awareness for St. Jude’s just by participating, Griffith said.

Griffith represented Winona State University at the Collegiate Leadership Seminar at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

“I was able to see and hear first-hand what a difference we’re making,” Griffith said. “Hearing a parent tell you how grateful they are for you donating some of your free time to help their child puts it all into perspective.”

Bergman said it is important for college students and herself personally to pass along opportunities.

“The children going through this battle with illness deserve just as much of an opportunity as all of the rest of us.  We should be using the opportunities that we have been given to provide opportunities for others,” she said.

When St. Jude opened in 1962, the childhood cancer survival rate was only 20 percent. In part because of protocols developed at St. Jude, the survival rate is over 80 percent today.

“This organization has changed my life. I’m inspired by everyone involved,” Griffith said.

To be apart of the fundraising and all-night event, students can sign up online at utd.stjude.org. Students will have their own page with access to prewritten emails that they can personalize for fundraising. Teams are encouraged to reach out to family and friends as well as hold bake sales, car washes or other small events for raising money.

Contact Cassie at [email protected]