ULM will begin this year’s “Up ‘Til Dawn,” the student-led, student-run national philanthropy benefiting St. Jude’s Hospital, with an awareness week Sept. 17 – 20, culminating with jailbirds and candlelight vigils Thursday, Sept. 20.

“Captured for a Cure” occurs from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Quad, and features ULM students and faculty “in jail” until they gather enough donations to cover their bail money.

Later that evening at 8 p.m. in the Quad, students, faculty and community members will conduct a “Candlelight Vigil” to remember the brave children who lost their battle with cancer.

To participate in the program, ULM students have to recruit a six-member team composed of ULM students and faculty/staff who pledge to raise $750 for St. Jude's through various activities. The major fund-raising activity is a letter writing campaign, where participants ask family and friends for donations on behalf of their team.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tenn., was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. The hospital is an internationally recognized biomedical research center dedicated to finding cures for catastrophic childhood diseases. The hospital's work is supported through funds raised by the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities. All St. Jude patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay. ALSAC covers all costs for families who have no insurance.

The program extends throughout the year, culminating in the spring with an extravaganza that keeps college students up all night.

For more information on ULM's Up 'Til Dawn project or to make a financial donation, contact Meghan Olinger at (318) 342-3694 or at olinger@ulm.edu.