Slippery Rock University students once again come together for a night of fundraising, competition and community with the return of St. Jude Up ’til 2. The annual, student-run event raises money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and this year’s carnival theme is bringing a new level of energy to campus.
The organization’s mission is centered on both participation and impact. In a statement posted to its CORE account, the group explains, “St. Jude Up ’til 2 strives to raise awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by engaging and challenging the collegiate student body to raise money and actively participate in an annual event. Students who register for Up ’til 2 are highly encouraged to raise a minimum goal of $50 that will go directly towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
Students who sign up receive a personal fundraising page that allows them to share donation links on social media and send outreach messages. Many participants also form teams ranging from four to 15 members, creating a competitive and collaborative environment leading up to the event. Those who meet their fundraising goals are invited to attend the celebration in the spring, which includes games, food, music and raffle prizes.
Behind the scenes, the planning process is extensive. Addison Shaffer, one of the main coordinators for the event, said the experience has required a lot of time and effort from the executive board, but the outcome makes it worth it.
“It would probably be stressful, but also rewarding, in a way, because I know that I’m planning an event that has been very well earned by our club throughout the year,” Shaffer said. “It’s something that we’re all very proud of. I would summarize it as rewarding, and it’s definitely been a lot of work, but seeing it all come together has been amazing, and just knowing that we’re gonna have a great time celebrating how much money we raised.”
The event has maintained consistent participation over the years, typically drawing in around 100 students. While the number of teams may fluctuate, overall turnout has remained steady.
“We had 22 teams last year and 107 people, but we have 10, 11 teams this year and the same amount,” Shaffer said. “The amount of teams means nothing, it’s the people that show up.”
This year’s carnival theme adds a new dimension to the event, with organizers planning interactive and competitive games that reflect the theme while keeping participants engaged throughout the night.
“We play some pretty competitive games. That’s actually really fun,” Shaffer said. “Yeah, this year it’s a carnival theme. I’m excited. Nervous, but excited.”
Even with the focus on entertainment, the purpose of the event remains rooted in awareness and fundraising. Shaffer emphasized that the impact of Up ’til 2 goes beyond just one night.
“I think our biggest main reason for our club is to raise awareness,” Shaffer said. “Just by getting one event in there, it could impact one person to then continue to take that initiative.”
The organization is also using the event as a way to build its future leadership. With the executive board constantly evolving as students graduate, recruiting new members is essential to keeping the event going.
“We are looking for new e-board members, so we’re hosting that in our event,” Shaffer said. “If we can get new e-board members, that allows us to continue the club, and that just makes an impact in itself.”
Student involvement is not limited to attending the event. Fundraising plays a major role, and students across campus, including members of Greek life and other organizations, contribute by forming teams and sharing donation pages.
“Make a fundraising page. When you make a fundraising page, that allows you to spread the word on your own,” Shaffer said. “We don’t technically have members of our club, we’re an only e-board-run club, but we have a lot of sororities and different clubs on campus that will kind of make their own team.”
By expanding involvement beyond a single group, the organization is able to reach a wider audience and increase its impact.
“By getting other clubs, sororities and fraternities involved and having them spread the word, that just makes it even more effective,” Shaffer said.
For Shaffer, this year’s event also carries a more personal meaning. After spending more time involved with the organization, she said her connection to the cause has grown stronger.
“And then this year I’m much more invested in it,” Shaffer said. “I cared last year, but I think I just cared 1,000 times more this year than I ever did. Also because I do have a connection with the experiences I’ve had with somebody who’s had cancer…and a lot of people do. So I just see how much that makes an impact.”
That connection is something many students share, which helps drive continued participation and support across campus.
“I don’t think it had anything to do with me,” Shaffer said. “I just think the cause on campus is just great, and anybody involved has made an impact.”
While there may be some nerves leading up to the night, the overall goal remains clear: to celebrate the hard work students have put into fundraising and to continue supporting St. Jude’s mission.
“It is about fundraising,” Shaffer said. “So, I mean, anything, any event and any money we get has an impact in itself. It doesn’t matter how much; you’re still raising something.”
With a mix of competition, community and cause, St. Jude Up ’til 2 continues to be a meaningful tradition at SRU, proving that even one night can bring lasting impact.
