Up 'til Dawn at The University of Memphis will give away a car during its final event later this month.
The organization will sponsor the contest as one of the many events during the eight-hour event Feb. 23.
According to Rachel Vaughn, the Executive Director, this is the organization's biggest finale yet.
"It's bigger and better every year," Vaughn said.
A 2007 Nissan Sentra was donated to The U of M chapter because they raised more money than any of the other 200 colleges in the United States that participate in the fundraiser.
"Memphis is unanimously known across the nation for this organization," Vaughn said.
Up 'til Dawn, founded at The U of M in 1998, is a national student-led fundraiser that benefits St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis.
"Since then, we've raised a quite of bit over half a million dollars," Vaughn said.
U of M students raised over $129,000 last year, but students are trying to surpass that this year.
"Our goal is to raise more than we did last year. We expect to raise $135,000 or more," said Chris Hawk, the External Assistant Director said.
Only one person in the whole 900-member organization knows the amount of money the school raises until it is announced at the end of the event.
"We don't even want to know," Vaughn said.
The year-long program raises money through various activities and usually concludes with a final event.
Brandon Jones, sophomore design major, said he would go to the event even if they were not giving away a car.
"It's for the kids," he said. "I love the kids."
Steven Bowman, computer science major, expressed similar sentiments.
"My family has had good experiences with them in the past - my brother was treated there two summers ago," Bowman said. "I would definitely enjoy the opportunity to help out St. Jude."
Teams participating in the event who have met the goal of at least $750 will be invited to the event.
"We also have bands, inflatable things, salsa dancing, improvisation acts, juggling, a basketball tournament and all types of things," Vaughn said.
The event will be held in the Campus Recreation Center on Echles Street from 6 p.m. until 8 the next morning.
"We have visitation hours from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.," said Vaughn. "People not on a team can pay $25 to enter the event. They can choose to enter the contests."
The Men of Ross Elementary, a local step show team, and the U of M Drumline will perform.
There will be free massages, an obstacle course, poker and basketball tournaments.
Hawk said that some of the entertainers will even perform for free, but the organization does have a limited budget.
"Some (funds) come from the community, some come from out-of-state as well," he said.
Hawk said the most rewarding thing for the participants is when the total is shown at the end of the night.
"This is our reward saying 'thank you,'" Hawk said. "It's a contest for the participants to reward them for all their hard work all year."
