Students in the area have begun gaining their donations to reach their goal for the St. Jude Teen Gala. It is the fourth annual Red Carpet for Hope Teen Gala. You have to make a minimum of $250 by Dec. 31 to be able to attend the event which takes place on Jan. 7, 2018 at The Depot in Minneapolis.

The event was created in 2014 by Orono graduates, Carter and Crosbie Francis. They were inspired to create the event due to their sister Marit Francis, a Sophomore at Orono High School, who was treated for a brain tumor at six years old. Marit is currently cancer free and is continuing her siblings’ legacy as she continues to promote the Gala.

In 2017, surrounding high schools worked together to raise over $101,000. The event consisted of over 200 teens from more than 14 schools, according to St. Jude.

The donations go towards paying for families bills of housing, food and their travels. This is so the families one concern is helping their child live. The treatments created by the St. Jude hospital have increased the childhood cancer survival rate by 60 percent, according to St. Jude.

Everyone has the opportunity to create an account on stjude.org and to begin receiving donations. All donations go directly to the St. Jude Research Hospital, based in Memphis, TN. The goal for 2018 is to raise over $125,000. St. Jude openly shares the discoveries they make. This motivates students to work hard on gaining more donations. Orono students have the opportunity to sign up for the event this week during lunches.