VSU is hosting awareness events organized by the philanthropic organization Up ‘Til Dawn. The organization is affiliated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and helps raise and contribute money towards the cause.

“As an executive board, we come up with fun and creative ideas to get participants, by forming teams,” Alisha Noland, a member of Up ‘Til Dawn, said. “These teams can consist of other organizations, honor societies, local businesses, or anyone from the general public.”

So far, the group has conjured up 33 members, nine teams and has raised $1,306. Team Konnect is the leading team with a total of $437, and UTD is still actively recruiting others to join teams.

“Participants can send letters or e-mails to family or friends and ask them to support them in this fundraiser,” Noland said.

Letters are the most used method that the members use to spread the St. Jude message. St. Jude provides the materials with the letters already pre-printed.

The group also raises awareness by hosting events like Carnival for a Cure in September, a carnival themed tent that brought out organizations like Golden Key, Blazer Corps, and Alpha Lambda Delta to support their cause.

This month, Up ‘Til Dawn is hosting four events to further educate the student body about their cause and get them involved in the organization.

They are also conducting a Captain’s meeting/informational meeting Nov. 17 for anyone wanting to learn more about the group.

The group is also hosting a bake sale on the Pedestrian Mall Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to fund money for St. Jude. Check out it’s Facebook page “Up Til Dawn,” for more details.