Some students stayed up all night last Friday for a good cause by participating in this year’s Relay for Life event.
More than 20 teams and 150 participants signed up for the event, which was organized to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society.
Participants walked around the Markin track throughout the night in honor of friends and family who lost their battle to cancer, as well as those who are currently battling cancer, said Jamie Sarius, the co-chair and vice-president of Relay For Life.
“I wanted to participate because I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved and help raise money for cancer patients and survivors,” said freshman finance major Ryan Johnson. “My team of six raised more than $1,200.”
Pizza, grilled cheese and waffles were provided throughout the night for participants, as well as several activities including “Fear Factor,” “Minute to Win It” and eating contests. Another popular event was the “Miss Relay” pageant, where the male participants dressed up as women to raise money for donation.
Freshman accounting major Kevin Freedman performed popular songs with the male a cappella group On the Rocks at the event.
“I sang with On the Rocks and it was a lot of fun, but also for a great cause,” Freedman said. “It was a great experience and it was personal for me because my family has had to deal with cancer in the past.”
The American Cancer Society will be grateful for any donation, no matter how small, said freshman nursing major Nichole Howell.
“Every little bit helps, so it’s awesome that people get together to raise money,” she said. “Every penny makes a difference.”
Sarius said Relay for Life raised more than $9,000 for this single event, and the fundraising is still continuing.
“There are about 20 people on the Relay For Life committee who all helped to make this event a success,” Sarius said. “It was with their help and hard work that we were able to raise so much money in the fight against cancer.”
