UVa-Wise students raise money for
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pictured are: First row: Jen Jenks, Jessica Johnson, Caitlin Adkins and Julie Scott Second row: Julie Yates, Santana Vasquez, Bonnie Shortt, Kristi Foster, Lora Wharton, Cleo Lightfoot and James Pena Third row: Brandon Webb, Carrie Read, Janet Yates, Jamie Close, Chad Wils and Lena Green Fourth row: Brittoney Stiltner, Mario Harvey, Jason Matlock, Michael Chan, Seth Witten, Nathan Dotson, James Booker and Edwin Rodriquez

The Students at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise put their creativity to work during the spring semester to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The UVa-Wise Residence Life staff, led by student Julie Yates of Coeburn, developed the idea for the “Date Auction” fundraiser, sought donations from local businesses, and recruited volunteers from across the campus.

“So many young children in this area have been treated by St. Jude,” explained Julie Adkins Scott, coordinator for placement and residence life, and one of the event’s organizers. “We felt as an institution, we could raise money to help St. Jude and help save a child's life.”

Scott has a very personal appreciation for St. Jude. Caitlin Adkins of Wise, a cancer survivor who was treated at St. Jude in Memphis, is Scott’s cousin and was also the guest speaker at the event.

“Caitlin was diagnosed almost three years ago with Ewing's Sarcoma. She was treated in Johnson City at a St. Jude facility and then eventually went to St. Jude in Memphis,” Scott explained. “Had it not been for St. Jude, Caitlin wouldn't be in my life today.”

Nearly 200 students attended the event, which raised $1,599.87. More than two dozen faculty and staff worked to help make the “Date Auction” a success.

Several local businesses made generous contributions including: Bonterra; Harvest Time Coffee Shoppe; Monterrey Mexican Restaurant; China Garden; Nut's Grill; Mosby's; Shannon's Restaurant; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Reno's; Mr. Gatti's; Kathy's Korner; Bonanza; Prime Sirloin; Fish Tales; Golden China; Mi Finca Mexican Restaurant; Roma's; Sturgill & Kennedy Law Office; Soft Petals; and Geneses Salon. Norton Presbyterian Church also made a generous donation to the event.

Scott plans to host another St. Jude fundraiser at UVa-Wise this year. “I recently met with a St. Jude representative to discuss bringing a national fundraiser to campus. Carrie Read, a senior from Bristol, and I will be traveling to St. Jude in Memphis to attend a leadership conference. We will then begin our year-long St. Jude fundraiser "Up ‘til Dawn," in honor of the parents and the hospital staff at St. Jude who stay up all night to take care of children."