02/26/14
The Big Event promises Fort Hays State University students a night of celebration, prizes, food, head shaving and, most importantly, awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. FHSU's Up 'til Dawn will hold the Big Event from midnight to 6 a.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Memorial Union on the FHSU campus.

Up 'til Dawn is a nationwide organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for St. Jude. The funds raised help benefit the children of St. Jude, their families and cancer research. So far, FHSU has raised nearly $14,000.

Students are encouraged to raise at least $10 for St. Jude to gain entrance to the Big Event. Registration begins at 11:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the Memorial Union.

During the Big Event, "Shave for the Brave" will raise even more money for the children. Participants will choose one student to have his or her hair completely buzzed. Five FHSU students have agreed to shed their hair in honor of the children at St. Jude. Each of the five students will have a jar and whichever jar receives the most donations, that student will have his or her head shaved by the end of the night.

Students participating in the Big Event will also have a chance to win big prizes, including a Keurig coffee system, flat screen TV, tablet computer, digital camera, grill, gift cards and other great prizes.

One week later, Up 'til Dawn will partner with the FHSU soccer teams and the Hays Recreation Commission to hold a youth soccer camp, with proceeds benefitting St. Jude from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at the FHSU Soccer Stadium.

Children ages 5-14 are welcome to participate and are encouraged to bring their soccer practice gear including practice clothes and shin guards. Soccer balls will be provided.

Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt. The deadline for registration is Monday, March 3. Late registrations will be accepted, but there will be limited T-shirts available.