A UA student group is recruiting members of the community to help with a letter-writing campaign, where all benefits will go to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital early next year.

“”I think a lot of (students) aren’t aware of a lot of non-profits out there, which is why we’re trying to do this to spread the word,”” said Angela Chu, public relations officer for the group. “”It’s campuswide; the community is welcome to come as well, so it’s not just for students.””

Up ’til Dawn is a student-run philanthropy project where members recruit teams of six to participate in the letter-writing campaign scheduled for March 2009.

This is the second year the event is being held at the UA, and while other schools across the nation often have their campaign go through early the next morning, “”we kind of just want to do it until 12:30 and see how that goes,”” Chu said.

“”The organization gained its name because the founder of the program said cancer doesn’t sleep, so neither should we. So we go from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.,”” Chu added.

Each person on the registered teams will send 50 letters out, Chu said.

Although no actual writing will take place, it is more about bringing addresses and mailing out the donation forms, she added.

“”We’re going to have raffle prizes, hopefully a hypnotist, hopefully a previous patient speak and we’re going to have a DJ,”” she said.

Up ’til Dawn will be at Bear Down Friday on Dec. 5 recruiting teams for the event.

While there is no deadline for teams to register, Chu said it is important for people to register soon so the group knows what to prepare for and so that all participants receive a t-shirt.

Currently, forms can be picked up at the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership office at the Student Union Memorial Center.

“”It is $5 per person or $30 for a team. The money goes toward research and the hospital,”” she added.

Last year Up ’til Dawn raised nearly $18,000.

The event will be held March 7 at Wilbur’s Underground in the Student Union Memorial Center.