Stripes for St. Jude at Fort Hays State University is raising money to help fund cancer research and treatments for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by raising awareness and hosting events throughout the year.
Stripes for St. Jude’s first event was Sept. 11 in the Memorial Union. The event included ice cream sundaes, making cards for St. Jude patients, and watching videos about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The FHSU community has responded well to Stripes for St. Jude’s efforts by helping to expand the organization and start a membership program.
Stripes for St. Jude 2014-2014 Executive Board Members
Executive Director – Kaylie Towles, El Dorado junior
Fundraising Director – Trevor Henningsen, Hays senior
Public Relations Director – Trey Basa, St. George sophomore
Event and Logistics Director – Michaela Sasse, Gaylord junior
Recruitment Director – Lizette Avalos, Liberal senior
Side Events Chair – Shaelyn Kisner, Copeland senior
Education and Logistics Chair – Ashley Templeton, Wilson sophomore
Student Organizations and Partnerships Chair – DeJuan Thompson, Park City junior
Social Media Chair – Clancy Masterson, Leoti junior
Consultant – Korby Boswell, Onaga senior
Advisor – Marcella Marez, Communication Instructor
Advisor – Brett Bruner, Director of Persistence and Retention
“The social was amazing,” said Kaylie Towles, executive director of Stripes for St. Jude. “We planned on fifty people and we ended up having to pull out extra chairs.
“There were about 65 potential new members for our organization, and it was just a blessing to have to get more chairs.”
According to Towles, the organization has raised over $150,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the last five years.
As an effort to bring more awareness to childhood cancer, Stripes for St. Jude hosted events during the week of Sept. 22-26 including their annual “Give Cancer the Boot” event.
This event will be held in Cunningham Hall Gym 121 on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m., which will include a five dollar donation fee to St. Jude.
The biggest event of the year for Stripes for St. Jude was the letter writing event, which was held on February 24 from 5 to 10 p.m., in the Memorial Union. The event was about writing letters for family and friends to spread awareness and ask for donations.
Volunteering is an essential aspect of Stripes for St. Jude.
“Community service is a big thing,” Towles said. “All we do is volunteer. It’s all about giving back. Our organization gives back to those kids and so that is what we want to find. We want to find members who are serious about volunteering and giving time to others who are in need.”
Stripes for St. Jude has a Facebook and Twitter page you can follow for updates and reminders about events. Like their page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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