Zoe Jefferies deserves more than the title of Campus Celebrity. Zoe and friend Jake Knight started the Coins for Cancer student group at the University of Utah to help raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Since bringing Coins to Cancer to the U just this semester, the group already has forty students involved! That’s forty jugs around campus for students to donate coins to, to help raise money for cancer! Zoe is doing amazing work here on campus and we at Her Campus Utah are so excited to have her as one of our Campus Celebrities!
Name: Zoe Jefferies
Graduation Year: 2017
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Her Campus (HC): Tell us about Coins for Cancer.
Zoe Jefferies (ZJ): The purpose of Coins for Cancer is to raise money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). We collect coins in water jugs throughout the community. Upon joining the group, University of Utah students are responsible to fill at least one gallon jug full of coins. Ways students are fundraising are by placing the jugs in public places such as libraries, schools, and offices. Other ways students are collecting coins are by participating in events we call “backpack excursions.” These are events where students take our five gallon jug backpacks to larger events such as a farmers market or carnival to collect coins. Of the money fundraised, 100 perecent goes straight to the Huntsman Cancer Institute where it can benefit those receiving treatment.
HC: How did you get involved?
ZJ: This past spring I spent a lot of time at the HCI with my grandpa Bill while he was getting treatment. While I was there I realized all of the awesome things the HCI had to offer and saw how they really did care about their patients. Seeing both my grandpa Bill, grandpa Dale, and many other family members suffer from cancer, I realized that fundraising for the HCI would be something that would really benefit people in need. So this semester I decided to organize a student group on campus that would help raise money for the HCI. Together my friend Jake Knight and I began organizing the student group throughout the summer and ultimately started the group this fall semester. Jake has been so much help in getting this going and I honestly don’t think this student group would be successful without him. Together we are excited for what’s ahead for Coins for Cancer and we can’t wait to see its success!
HC: How can others get involved?
ZJ: We are always looking to have people get involved with our group! The easiest way to get involved would be to email me at cancercoins@gmail.com. Others can get involved whether they are a University of Utah student or just want to help with a worthy cause. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the student group, knows of a place or event we could fundraise at, or simply someone who wants to donate!
HC: How many peopl are apart of Coins for Cancer at the U?
ZJ: Coins for Cancer consists of approximately forty U of U students. Students are only a part of the people who make Coins for Cancer a success. Many individuals within the community have helped with our cause as well.
HC: Where can people find the water jugs to donate coins?
ZJ: We are going to be holding fundraisers at many elementary, junior high, and high schools during the next few months, so most of our water jugs will be used for those events. We are also looking into securing a few spots on campus for donations. Right now if someone is looking to donate the best way would be to contact me through our email, cancercoins@gmail.com.
HC: Are you part of any other activities on campus?
ZJ: I’m part of the running club on campus that started this year. Also, I have enjoyed being involved in intramural sports on campus. I am excited for the volleyball season that is coming up!
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
ZJ: In my free time my favorite thing to do is art. My favorite is to do ceramics, but when I don’t have access to a potting wheel I’m happy with a sketch pad and pen. Recently, I have started doing some wood burning art and have really enjoyed that as well. Also in my free time, I love to be active and I love to be outdoors. I enjoy hiking the most, but running has been something that I have loved doing ever since I was a little kid. I am also always up for a good game of volleyball whether it’s just on the grass in the backyard or if I am playing competitively. If it involves being outdoors, chances are it is something I love to do!