FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2009

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU volunteers raise $17,470 for St. Jude in ‘Up ’til 2’ event

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – An estimated 200 Slippery Rock University students stayed up until 2 a.m. having fun last Nov. 21 in the second annual “Up ’til 2’ event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. – and raised $17,470 in the process.

            “It was an amazing and fun event,” said Jaime Russell, assistant director of Living Learning Community/Development in SRU’s Office of Residence Life. Results from the program, which asked participating students to address letters to friends and family seeking donations, were announced Tuesday.

            Russell and two dozen program volunteers gathered in Watson Hall to hear the results of their late-night efforts.

            Stephen Ginter, an events marking representative with the hospital who works with SRU and a number of other colleges and universities staging similar events, had high praise for the SRU volunteers. “I want you to know that no child with pediatric cancer is ever turned away from St. Jude’s. The hospital covers all costs, including transportation and lodging for their parents. Funds to operate the hospital are collected from across the U.S. through programs such as these. I work with eight other Pennsylvania schools that hold events and only one had an increase in donations this year, but Slippery Rock University had the smallest decline.”           

            Ginter said the hospital spends about $1.25 million per day in operations and cancer research, adding, “Every drop in the bucket helps.”

            Russell congratulated the SRU volunteers and pointed out that many sectors of the American economy saw 40 percent decreases over a year ago as part of the nation’s economic difficulties. Last year’s drive, SRU’s first, netted $21,000. “We are already planning next fall’s event for Nov. 20,” she said. “The event is also an opportunity for students to get involved in a wonderful cause while developing leadership skills.”

            The two fund raisers have been in the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. The program offered food, inflatable games, student bands and disk jockey, three-on-three basketball and visits by the SRU dance team and cheerleaders, among other activities. 

            Sponsors included the SRU Association of Residence Hall Students, the National Residence Hall Honorary, the William Welkner Memorial Fund, the Living-Learning Communities and the Office of Residence Life.

            The letters, prepared and mailed by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, described the hospital’s medical and research work in helping children with cancer.

            Certificates of achievement were presented to 15 SRU students to mark their service on the planning committee. A slide show depicting events at the late-night program was also presented.

            Colleges across the nation sponsor similar programs to benefit the hospital founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. His daughter Marlo continues the work.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.