The Greek Council received the Most Outstanding Event award from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for its Up ‘Til Dawn fundraising effort.
The Greek community raised a record $42,235 last spring for the event, named for the patients and their families who sacrifice many nights of sleep. Out of 88 participating universities, Cal Poly Pomona was recognized for having the most outstanding event in terms of planning, attendance, creativity and fun. Approximately 1,000 Cal Poly Pomona students are affiliated with the Greek organizations under the council.
“Being part of Up ‘Til Dawn for two consecutive years was definitely a life-changing experience, and made me realize what I am passionate about,” says Andrew Martinez, a Pi Kappa Phi member and last year’s executive director for the event. “I was proud of myself and my committee for all of their hard work. We work hard to educate everyone that Greek organizations are values-based and offer opportunities for philanthropy, brotherhood or sisterhood, and most importantly, leadership. Up ‘Til Dawn has given the Greek community those opportunities.”
The Greek community has participated in the event since 2004, and in total has raised over $142,000. The council received the award at the hospital’s Collegiate Leadership Seminar this summer in Memphis, Tenn.
The Up ‘Til Dawn committee consisted of Martinez; Stan Gershkovich from Phi Kappa Tau; Diane Ahn from Chi Omega; Jesse Taylor from Tau Kappa Epsilon; Dana Catone from Zeta Tau Alpha; and Jennifer Tincopa and Raven Arias from Alpha Pi Sigma.