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April 2005

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Villanova Up 'Til Dawn Finale Event raises upwards of $119,000
By Amy Sirianni '06

   Over five hundred participants gathered in Dougherty Hall on March 18 to take part in Villanova’s third annual Up ‘Til Dawn finale event. The participants, divided into 92 teams, competed to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

   Team 37, comprised of team members Zoe Murray, Erin Jay, Mallory Karl, Brittany Gentile, Kristin D'Adamo, and Kim Lynyak, raised the most money this year, with Kristin D’Adamo as the highest fundraiser overall.

   According to the event’s executive director and Villanova senior Christine Brooks, Villanova’s Up ‘Til Dawn program has raised nearly $350,000 for St. Jude’s in the past three years, this year’s fundraising totaling upwards of $119,000.

   “Raising money and awareness on campus was our ultimate goal, and as a
result, there are so many thankful families all across the nation who
have benefited from our efforts,” said Brooks.

   The evening began with an opening blessing by University President Rev. Edmund Dobbin followed a few words from the Renna family whose son Kevin is a patient at St. Jude. The executive board was also introduced during the opening ceremony. The board was recognized by Jennifer Bedwick, the local ALSAC St. Jude representative.

   Other activities of the night included a performance by the Upright Citizens Brigade, moonbounce activities, a Plug ‘n Play Nintendo game tournament, card and board games, and wacky Olympics.

   In the morning, a Mass was held followed by the closing ceremony during which prizes were given away to Up ‘Til Dawn members. A patient hallway was set up to give participants the opportunity to recognize people they have lost.

   “I joined UTD the year that it started in the hopes of making it a fun, widespread and
worthy cause on campus,” said Brooks. “I lost six of my own friends over the past seven years and promised that I would do my little to try to help prevent that kind of loss for other people. I have been lucky enough to serve a place like St. Jude's.”