Presley Mays Serves on Up 'til Dawn Executive Board at Mount Union

2015 Apr 7

Presley Mays, a Junior Biology major of East Liverpool, Ohio, holds a position on the Up 'til Dawn (UTD) executive board at the University of Mount Union.

UTD, a nationwide collegiate fundraiser for St. Jude, raises funds yearlong, gathering millions in donations, which has led to an average overall survival rate of over 80% for various childhood cancers. The nationwide goal for UTD was $3.4 million, and the Mount Union community has been successful doing their share by raising more than $55,000 this spring.

During the seven years Mount Union has participated in UTD, more than $415,000 has been raised for St. Jude.

UTD is a group students can join to promote awareness, to collect funds, to educate others about the mission of St. Jude and to celebrate all the successes patients, families and researchers achieve.

"Awareness and understanding are fundamental in educating people about St. Jude because we want to foster lifelong supporters," said Jessica Douglas, director of first year initiatives and UTD advisor.

The fundraising finale for Up 'til Dawn, which is aptly named, is held from midnight to six a.m. to show support for the children and families who are up all night with treatments at St. Jude.

Students raise funds by sending email and letters to their friends and family, by posting on social media and through various side events such as raffles or car-smashes at football games.

There are about 200 participants each year at Mount Union with an executive board made up of 12 students and a staff advisor.