California State University - Chico, PHC

We did it guys, and I do not mean we as in PIKES.  Yes, we were recognized for having written the most letters, but this was and is not about us. This is about the whole of Chico State, the student body, the faculty, and the staff. Yes, we are an individual campus organization and are proud of this accomplishment, but the success of this event is something to be shared and not hoarded. We are proud, we are glad, and we are thankful that through such an amazing act consuming only our time and ability to jot down names and addresses we helped raise enough money to help save the lives of children who otherwise would have no hope for survival.

 

I’m not sure if anyone really understands the impact of what Chico State has done, but I for one felt it firsthand this afternoon while at the Up’Till’Dawn ceremony in front of Kendall Hall. As I stood there in the presence of the frame which was given to us by the children of St. Jude’s, one which contained their own hand drawn pictures of happy children complete with words of gratitude I was swarmed with an overwhelming sense of happiness, gratitude and disbelief at what we as a school had done.

 

We gave these kids hope guys, because of our efforts they have the potential opportunity to survive another day; THEY HAVE A CHANCE, this is huge. It is life, something almost all of us take for granted every day and every weekend while we’re out throwing our own lives to fate as we chug alcohol and do ridiculous things for entertainment and not ever think twice about. They will live, and I for one am honored that we had a chance to participate in an event which will ensure that those children will wake up again and have another opportunity to laugh, to play, to be with their friends and family, and live a life which every child should be entitled to.

 

The St. Jude’s representative who was present during the ceremony informed us that during the early days of St. Jude’s most of the cancer stricken children at the hospital only had a 20% chance of survival, a statistic which is horrifying in any situation. But through the years and with the help of events like Up’Til’Dawn the funds which were, and are raised have helped raise that survival statistic to 80%. This truly is something amazing.

 

In the wake of such a horrific event which occurred only two weeks ago, an event which we as PIKES felt first hand, it is very uplifting to have seen our own Joseph Igbineweka deliver a speech of thanksgiving to the university for having helped reach the goal of raising one million dollars for St Jude’s.  Chico State is hardly recognized for the good things that we do and truly, it is very gratifying to know that we CAN come together and make miracles happen.

 

Everywhere up and down the coast of California people refer to us at Chico State as the kids who just like to party and only make it on the news when tragedy strikes, or when havoc is wrecked on the streets of downtown Chico.  But this event, this act of selflessness, will hopefully show the state and the rest of the country that we ARE serious students who DO care about more than wild nights, alcohol, and partying. We care, and we proved it.

 

Be proud gentlemen, we as a school did something great, and our contribution as PIKES to this project helped make an impact which we can only ever wonder about, because really, most of us do not know what those children are going through and probably never will, but what we DO know for sure is that we CAN help save lives, we CAN make a difference, and we ARE proud, because we know we’re not just a bunch of party kids. We care, and this time we showed not just the country, but the world what Chico State can do.

 

Be Proud.

 

Ali Landeros

The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity

Public Relations Chair

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