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Printer-Friendly ModeLetters raise cash for St. Jude
November 9, 2009 —
Kellie Whitaker found a cause she could believe in.
The occupational therapy senior led students on a fundraising campaign that culminated in Monday’s letter-writing party in the Student Activities Room. Funds raised from this and other activities throughout the year benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Whitaker is serving her first year as student director of SVSU’s Up ’til Dawn program. She and 12 members of the executive board brought students together to write 2,457 letters seeking donations for St. Jude.
“I saw a sign for the informational meeting, and I went,” Whitaker said. “They showed us a video of the hospital, and I instantly got teary-eyed. I knew it was something that I really wanted to be a part of. It’s a great cause.”
Founded in 1962 by actor Danny Thomas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital addresses catastrophic childhood diseases by advancing cures and prevention. St. Jude engages students in the mission of “finding cures and saving children … so that patients can grow up and go to college, too.”
Nursing senior Steve Green joined about 30 friends from his nursing class at the event. Green had several community service projects to choose from to meet curriculum requirements, but he chose Up ’til Dawn to be with members of his practicum group.
“The only time we get to see each other is in clinicals,” Green said. “There, we’re under a lot of pressure. This is a more relaxed atmosphere.”
Green said his presence at the event is a continuation of his support for St. Jude.
“I’ve had the opportunity to donate money to [St. Jude] in the past with my wife and family,” he said. “They do a lot of good research and they’re one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation.”
Elementary special education senior Rachell Busch said students such as Green are making an impact.
“Even if you don’t think you’re doing a lot, you’re making a huge difference,” she said. “These letters are how [St. Jude] makes a majority of the money. It costs over $1.4 million a day just to run the hospital.”
Busch said she was impressed by the student presence at the event.
“It’s early in the night to have this many people,” she said. “We’re really happy about that.”
Sarah Mauer was sending letters to 37 friends and family members and enjoying event activities.
“There are lots of fun things to do while you’re here, and there is free food,” she said.
The theme of the event was, “Be a kid, save a kid,” and featured kid games such as a cake walk and Twister.
The event was run entirely on donations. Local business such as Souper Cafe, Olive Garden and Chili’s made the event possible. The radio station WCEN 94.5 The Moose provided music, and the executive board donated baked goods for the cake walk.
Mauer said that every letter counts.
“They like you to have about 35 [letters],” she said. “But you could have five or 10 . . . and you’ve made a difference.”