The Nicholls chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon held a “Stay-Up-A-Thon” Nov. 30 in Shaver Gym to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
While many students were home celebrating the last day of classes and planning their study day, the members of SAE were raising money for their philanthropy, the Children’s Miracle Network.
Kendall Babin, health care management senior from Thibodaux, came up with the idea after brainstorming. He said his first idea was whatever the event, it should end in “A-Thon.” Babin said he participated in Relay for Life events where he would stay up all night for a cause. He used this experience to come up with the “Stay-Up-A-Thon” idea.
“It just came to me, more or less,” Babin said.
Chapter President Reid Amedee, allied health senior from Houma, said each SAE member had businesses, family members and people on campus pledge a certain amount of money per hour they stayed awake. Each member’s goal was to receive $100 in pledges or other monetary donations.
The members met at 5 p.m. and stayed up until 2 p.m. the next day. They stayed awake for 21 hours.
Amedee said the event raised almost $5,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, which is an average of $85 per member.
The members spent their time studying for finals, watching television, playing video games, basketball, volleyball and poker, Amedee said.
He also said many sorority members, faculty, staff and family members also spent time with the participants. SAE members were also visited by a child representing the Children’s Miracle Network to whom they presented a check to on behalf of SAE.
Amedee said it was an excellent event and he could not imagine it going any better than it did.
“I am glad we got to raise a lot of money for a good cause,” Babin said.
Amedee said SAE plans to make the “Stay-Up-A-Thon” an annual event.
According to Amedee, the “Stay-Up-A-Thon” is not the only event SAE sponsors. SAE has recently adopted a soldier in Iraq who they send items to.
Amedee said, SAE is planning a fishing rodeo in Grand Isle and a chili cook-off and plan to participate in Extreme Spring Break.