CARBONDALE - Students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will stay up into the wee hours of the morning to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Up 'til Dawn event will last from 9:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. Sunday in the Student Recreation Center. The event includes a battle of the bands, the Ebony and Ivory Step Show, and dodgeball and volleyball tournaments. The event may also include speeches from a parent of a St. Jude patient.

Jessica Stout, student executive director for the event, said there are more than 750 students signed up for the event.

"We are all passionately involved to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which costs over $1.4 million every day to keep it run-ning," Stout said.

St. Jude treats children with cancer and other illness and covers medical and living expenses not paid for by insurance. Participants have been asked to bring addresses of friends and family members where pre-written letters will be sent to educate about the hospital and ask for donations.

Stout said the goal is to not only help the hospital but encourage community service.

"We are looking to help the children of St. Jude as much as possible, but also to encourage service to the community by SIU students and promote a campus-wide unity towards one cause," Stout said.

Amanda Phillips, coordinator for leadership and involvement programs for Student Development at SIUC, said it is great to see the students devote themselves to the cause.

"It's exciting to watch them be passionate about something that's so beneficial," Phillips said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

618-351-5804