ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ will host Relay for Life, beginning Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m. and ending Saturday, April 18, at noon in the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Field House.
Relay for Life events are organized, overnight community fundraising walks that benefit the American Cancer Society. The event, which helps to fight cancer, celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer and remembers loved ones who lost their battle against the disease.
ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ has participated in Relay for Life since 2003. This year, 53 teams are registered and more than $34,000 has already been raised. Teams have been raising money all year long; however, some teams will have onsite fundraisers to encourage even more donations. Fundraising will continue through the summer until Aug. 31.
Every year, Relay for Life has a theme for teams to decorate their booths and surroundings. This year, the theme is βCelebrating More Birthdays.β Teams are encouraged to plan their booth accordingly.
ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ students Maggie McQuaid, sophomore human development/family studies major, Kaitlyn Somody, early childhood education major, and Lauren Blumenthal, fashion design major, are the undergraduate planning committee leads. ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅βs Nathan Beals, graduate advisor for Relay for Life, assists the undergraduate leadership team that plans the event.
βI hope this is an opportunity for anyone who attends to get the chance to help out a tremendous cause and the fight against cancer,β Beals said. βThe planning committee has spent the entire year finding ways to help teams fundraise and raise awareness in ways that are fun and unique to our event.β
The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a survivorβs reception and activities to celebrate those who have battled cancer. The Luminaria Ceremony will begin around 9:30 p.m. as a time to remember people who have lost their battle with cancer. Luminarias can be bought on the or at the event for $10. Food-eating contests and a variety of entertainment events will run every half-hour, highlighting other ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ student groups and organizations. The closing ceremony will take place at noon on Saturday.For more information about the event, including how to register or donate, visit .
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Photo Caption:
Pictured are participants at the 2014 Relay for Life event at the ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Field House. The 2015 event will take place Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m. and end Saturday, April 18, at noon. (Photo provided by Nathan Beals)
Media Contact:
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595