Rockin’ for a cause

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On Saturday, the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity hosted Rock ‘Til Dawn. During the event, attendees wrote letters to friends and family, requesting donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Photo by Taylor Phillips/The Jambar.

On Saturday, Youngstown State University’s chapter of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity hosted its national philanthropy event, Rock ‘Til Dawn, in Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room from 4 to 10 p.m.

During the event, the TKE brothers, as well as various YSU students, stuffed envelopes with letters to friends and family asking for donations to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while local bands played music.

Since opening in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has raised the overall survival rate for children from less than 20 percent to more than 80 percent.YSU junior Sarah Kollar attended the event and wrote a few letters to her family and friends.

“It is extremely important to get the word out about what St. Jude’s does for the kids,” she said. “Raising this money could help the hospital find a cure for whatever a child may have and maybe even save lives along the way.”

Jimmy Pisano, a senior TKE brother, said he volunteers to help the children.

“These kids haven’t had a chance to live their lives and develop coping techniques that time can teach you,” he said. “By raising awareness, we build a support group for these kids to rely on when they need someone.”

Kiyan Taghaboni, a YSU freshman and singer for the band Friendship Brigade, said he is glad to give back to the community.

“We are always more than happy to play for any charity event,” he said. “It’s for a really good cause, too, so playing for this one is really great.”

Jake Clasen, lead singer for the electrocore group Alteras, said the event helps bring the community together.

“It’s also great for YSU as well. It’s awesome to get the word out about such a good organization like St. Jude’s,” he said.

Fundraisers like Rock ‘Til Dawn help pay for the care the hospital gives to ill children.

“Thanks to donors, no family ever pays St. Jude’s for anything,” said Vinny Valentino, the public relations chair for TKE.