MEADVILLE, Pa. – May 9, 2008 – This year's student-driven Relay for Life at Allegheny College raised nearly $40,000 to fight cancer, approximately $6,000 more than last year's total.
Relay for Life events, the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising activities, are designed to provide an annual opportunity for people within local communities to celebrate cancer survivors, to remember those lost to cancer and to fight back against the disease by raising money and awareness.
During the 12-hour Relay for Life event at Allegheny, 420 participants walked laps on a luminary-bordered Brooks Walk and, along the way, visited the decorated campsites of Allegheny's 36 participating teams.
The luminaries, small white paper bags holding candles, honored specific individuals who have faced cancer. The campsites served as bases for each team and were used to host fundraising activities such as bake sales and carnival games of chance.
For many, the motivation to participate in Relay for Life is often exceptionally personal. Ian Coyle, a senior from Conneautville, Pa., served as this year's recruitment chair. “Personally, I am not only aiding in the fight for cancer's cure, but also honoring David Ferrari, as he continues to battle cancer, and in remembrance of Rex Newton, and his son, Robert Newton, who endured cancer until their recent passings,” Coyle said.
Brett Fuchs, a sophomore from Milford, Pa., who served as the event's web site chair, urges those who haven't yet contributed to visit www.acrfl.org and consider making an online donation. Funds collected through the summer will be credited to the 2008 event.
An additional event in Crawford County, the Relay for Life of Meadville, will take place June 21-22 in Saegertown, Pa. For more information, contact Colleen Munn at no1relay@zoominternet.net.
