Amanda Mackay – Leading For a Cause

Name: Amanda Mackay

Hometown: Wakefield, MA

Year Graduated: 2009

Major/Minor: Management 

Current Occupation: 9th grade Reading Intervention Teacher

In 2008, Amanda Mackay established Up ‘Til Dawn at Bryant University. Up ‘Til Dawn is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital where students address letters to friends and family asking for donations. St Jude Children’s Hospital is the leading pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children’s catastrophic diseases. The hospital is so amazing because families do not have to pay for any treatments or amenities; but this results in $1.7 million in operating costs per day. That’s why our help is needed. The first year, Bryant raised about $8,000 and the fundraiser has happened every year since. With the growing support each year, the event raised over $35,000 this past year!! Up ‘Til Dawn occurs annually during the fall semester, so keep a look out for the event if you are interested in getting involved!

HC: What inspired you to start Up ‘Til Dawn for St. Jude Children’s Hospital at Bryant University?

AM: I was studying abroad and had this overwhelming realization of how lucky I was. I wanted to do something for those not as lucky.  My family had always donated to St. Jude so I grew up knowing the organization. I decided to look into what I could do to help them. That is when I found their Up ‘Til Dawn fundraiser that took place at colleges across the country.  I thought that, with my sorority support behind me, this was something I could bring to Bryant.

HC: What was it like to start Up ‘Til Dawn?

AM: I am not sure I could have done it without Tri Sigma. Knowing I had at least one organization behind me gave me the courage to try this fundraiser. With them in my corner, I knew we would at least raise some money and I knew I would have people willing to help me. It began with a lot of conversations and meetings with a St. Jude representative. I needed to learn a lot about the organization and fundraiser in order to speak knowledgeably and passionately about it on my campus. The girls helped me promote the fundraiser. We started off simply going to every club, organization, sports team, etc. on campus and asking for a few minutes of their time. We would present to each group about St. Jude and then about Up ‘Til Dawn. Slowly but surely we began to get groups involved in the cause.

HC: How has the experience of introducing such an important event helped you after graduating?

AM: Starting this fundraiser has had a major impact on my life outside of Bryant. It has given me confidence in myself in what I can achieve if I put my mind to something. It has also allowed me to trust myself enough and take risks, both personally and professionally. It also showed me if you are passionate and believe in what you are doing, you will not only be successful, but have people who want to join in.  

HC: What is your advice to people planning a philanthropy fundraiser?

AM: Be passionate. Trust in what you are trying to do and present it as such to others. That kind of attitude is contagious. Put yourself out there and test your own boundaries.