Meet Belmont’s top Up ’til Dawn fundraisers

Belmont University’s annual St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn event will take place Friday, and three students — Nicole Jackson, Annie Pfost and Olivia Steiner — have gone above and beyond with their fundraising efforts to help Belmont reach its goal of $120,000.

As the top individual fundraiser with $5,215 raised, Nicole Jackson, a freshman morale captain, was drawn to UTD because of her background working with the Children’s Cancer Association.

Jackson took to social media as her primary method of fundraising. After reaching $2,500 in donations, she received a matching donation from a construction company in her hometown.

“I was blown away by the generosity of people,” Jackson said.

Annie Pfost, director of fundraising for UTD, is returning to the program for her third year.

“It felt good to be a part of something greater than myself,” Pfost said.

Pfost has been fundraising since last spring, with a current total of $3,280 raised. Pfost was persistent to gather such large donations; she noted the importance of social media and even included her donation link in her Christmas cards.

“As college students, fundraising and helping ensure these kids will be in our spots one day is incredible. I want to get them to college,” said Pfost.

In addition to participating in UTD, Pfost currently works as an intern in the St. Jude National Fundraising Office. Through her experiences with UTD, she discovered her passion for nonprofit work and plans to pursue it as a career.

Pfost realized through this work that “the service of others is the most worthy in the world.”

For Olivia Steiner, a freshman morale captain, St. Jude was already an organization close to her heart.

Steiner’s cousin Lizzy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma two years ago and is currently being treated at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee. Through witnessing Lizzy’s treatment, Steiner developed a passion for St. Jude and the work it accomplishes.

“There’s not really any other hospital that goes above and beyond like they do,” Steiner said.

Steiner has raised $1,150 for St. Jude. She knew the fundraiser gave those who had already been following her cousin Lizzy’s story an opportunity to donate and make a difference. For Steiner, it’s important to tell the stories of patients like Lizzy to display the impact that donations to St. Jude can make.

“Belmont having this campus-wide philanthropy that the entire school can get behind is really cool. There are very few things that can bond a whole university,” said Steiner.

To follow Lizzy’s story, you can follow her Facebook page — Elizabeth Joy’s Walk of Faith: Together Standing for Victory.

The Up ‘til Dawn “Big Game” takes place Friday. To donate or register for the event,click here.

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This article written by Lindsey Falgoust. Photos courtesy of Annie Pfost, Olivia Steiner and Nicole Jackson.