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Printer-Friendly ModeMoney raised for cancer studies
Relay For Life activities culminate in courtyard all-night event
April 25, 2005 —
SVSU's courtyard came alive Friday, April 15 with food, games, concerts and tents, all supporting a common goal - raising money through the Relay For Life.
The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life is a program with more than 20 years of history.
According to the ACS Web site, the annual event aims "to celebrate [cancer] survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society,"
Participants collect donations and pledges for their team in preparation for the event, which is hosted at hundreds of locations each year in over 20 different countries.
SVSU kicked off its Relay For Life season in February, and teams had been hard at work since, hoping to collect more than their rival teams and contribute to a worthy cause.
Throughout the night, each team took part in a 12 hour relay around the courtyard, aiming to keep at least one member of the team walking continuously through the night.
Various activities and games kept the night alive, and free food kept the energy high.
The night's events were numerous and included a poetry slam, grill cook off, dance competition, and performances by multiple bands.
The focal point of the event was the midnight survivor's ceremony. As luminary bags lit the walkway in memory of cancer survivors or victims, testimonials were spoken and names of those directly touched by cancer were projected on a large screen. Even though the mood was somber, it reminded the participants of the reason they had all gathered.
Student Association had a hand in every part of organizing Relay For Life, from coordinating food and arranging entertainment to registering teams.
Julie Akright, a Student Association member, said SA had high goals for this year's event.
"Last year we raised $22,000," she said. "This year we want to raise at least $50,000. We're all working hard at it." She also pointed out that the success of this year's Relay laid in the hands of the students and community members who donated their time and talent.
Jon Dibartolomeo sat behind a table at the First Year Board's team site, selling purple bracelets and stars to raise money. He explained that his team didn't have a specific goal in mind for fundraising, but that they hoped to raise "as much as possible." After all, he added, "we're all here for the same cause."
As the night turned into morning and the sun started to rise, the Relay For Life ended. The final amount raised by the various teams to present to the American Cancer Society is still being collected, but is well over $28,000.
Relay For Life brought together students, faculty, and community members in support of a worthy cause, as they shared a night of fun and competition. In the end, the American Cancer Society came out as the winner.
Kelly, a member of the Pine Grove Apartments team, handed pieces of "survivor cake" to walkers who had personally survived a battle with cancer. Taking a break, she summed up the night perfectly: "I'm just here because cancer touches us all."