Relay for Life raises money, battles cancer
Numerous GCS&SU students, staff and faculty members will attend the 12th annual Baldwin Co. Relay for Life at Walter B. Williams Park to support the fight against cancer on April 8-9.
Celebrating its 20th year of commemorating survivorship during an overnight fundraiser, Relay for Life raises money for cancer research and programs for the American Cancer Society. This year’s relay will be no different from years past when it comes to the presence of GC&SU, according to Benfield.
Opening ceremonies for Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by the traditional Survivor’s lap, Luminaria lap and just added this year, the “Future Team Captain’s Lap” where participating children will be recognized, according to Kim Benfield, co-chair for this year’s Relay for Life (and also assistant director of GC&SU Admissions).
“We always have great support from our students,” Benfield said. “Many of our students have been affected by cancer in some way. Cancer also has affected our campus and we are able to honor our staff, faculty and students who are survivors.”
Benfield has been working with the ACS for many years. She is a strong supporter of finding a cure for cancer and recently participated in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk in New York City.
“[Cancer] affects everyone. I realize that I am at risk, and by educating myself, I can hopefully prevent it or have hope of surviving the disease,” Benfield said. “The event will primarily be the same in the main events and schedule although we have several added bonuses. We will also be having a tent decoration contest, karaoke, showing movies, crafts and other games and contests such as Twister, Frisbee golf, and dance contest.”
In 2004, 97 teams helped raise over $203,000 for the ACS. This year’s goal is to raise $205,000 and have 100 teams. Everyone is welcome to participate and must be on a team of at least 8-15 in order to do so.
“Our biggest goal is to have an event where the community can get together, honor our survivors and remember those we have lost to cancer,” Benfield said.
The last day to register a team for Relay for Life is Monday, April 4 at 5:30 during Bank Night at Magnolia State Bank. The registration fee is $10 per member of a team and everyone is encouraged to raise $100.
Over $30,000 has been donated from local businesses for this year’s relay, many of which will be present at the relay with their teams.
For more information, contact Benfield at kim.benfield@gcsu.edu or co-chair Nancy Mills at millsrelay@yahoo.com
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Apr 1 2005. Filed under Other.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
