University News
Students at the University of New Haven have raised the fourth highest total of any college and university in the country through the Up ‘til Dawn campaign to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
February 29, 2016
More than 600 students stayed up all night on Feb. 27 in honor of those battling cancer and raised more than $111,000. Last year’s effort raised nearly $90,000 and was one of the most successful in the country. This year, the goal was to raise $100,000.
Julianne Toce ’17, of East Hampton, Conn., has witnessed firsthand the impact that cancer can have. The disease has impacted many loved ones in her family.
"It is one of the scariest things out there," she said. "I couldn’t imagine a child going through the pain I saw my family members going through."
To help raise money in the fight against cancer, Toce got involved in Up ‘til Dawn, an initiative that supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, during her first year at UNH.
"It was the first organization that I became a part of," she said. Last year, she applied to be part of the executive board, and this year she is the campaign’s executive director. Over the past summer, she had the opportunity to spend time volunteering at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which further fueled her passion to help.
"It truly changed my life," said Toce, who has raised nearly $1,800.
Jacqueline Hinrichs ’16, of Manorville, N.Y., the campaign’s president of fundraising, said her decision to get involved with Up’Til Dawn stemmed from her meeting with a little girl from her hometown who was diagnosed at the age of two with a rare form of brain cancer.
"Doctors told her she was not supposed to live, but she was sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, and they saved her life," she said. "She is now seven years old."
After graduating, Hinrichs hopes to find a job that allows her to continue spreading awareness and fundraising. "I really just want to make a difference and help others," she said. "It is what I have a passion for."
Melissa Capalbo ’18, of Brooklyn, N.Y., the top fundraiser with more than $6,100 raised, encouraged students to get involved because of how rewarding it can be. "It gives us the opportunity to share our talents with others and be part of something greater than ourselves," she said.
She got involved to make her grandmother, an ovarian cancer and two-time breast cancer survivor, proud and to give hope to those fighting their own battles every day.
"Helping the children of St. Jude and giving them a chance for a better future has been an unbelievable experience," she said.
"Up ‘til Dawn truly is an amazing event," added Lauren Granato ’16, of Plantsville, Conn., the campaign’s president of awareness, who has raised more than $1,000. "Any type of community service is great, and I happen to think St Jude is one of the best."
For more information about the campaign, click here (http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/UTD/UTD?pg=entry&fr_id=40631).
About the University of New Haven
The University of New Haven is a private, top-tier comprehensive institution recognized as a national leader in experiential education. Founded in 1920 the university enrolls approximately 1,800 graduate students and more than 4,600 undergraduates.
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