Photo courtesy of Michael Notarnicola.
Relay For Life, truly a great to support.
Montclair State University has a spring in their step and a song in their hearts as they prepare for their Relay For Life event. All around America, people are coming together to participate in Relay For Life from the American Cancer Society. Since its start, Relay For Life has been important and has grown into the biggest effort to support cancer research.
In 2011, the event reached its all time high in gross revenues at about $415 million raised worldwide. It is now that time of year where major preparations are being made for Relay For Life at MSU.
Cancer never sleeps and neither will the students of MSU. Each team involved will have one member walking in the relay and will be switching off throughout the duration of the relay, which will be a 12 hour event. This year, Relay will be held on from April 26-27, beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until 7 a.m.
There will be many things throughout the event, such as a DJ, food, drinks, fundraisers provided by participating teams and themed laps for the walkers. Additionally, people will be able to see the Luminaria bags that line the track. Luminaria are white bags filled with a candle that is lit once is gets dark. Each bag is decorated to commemorate someone who has been lost to or has won the fight against cancer.
Colleges Against Cancer is the campus organization that is getting students, faculty and local businesses to participate in the event. They host multiple events and meetings throughout the year leading up to Relay in order to fundraise and spread awareness.
Some fundraisers taking place before the actual Relay event. Such events include the Pulse Dance Competition on Tues., April 2, where many organizations on campus will be competing to win proceeds for their team.
Additionally, on Wed., April 3, College Against Cancer will be hosting Paint the Campus Purple, where Chevy’s of Clifton will be provided tacos and selling them as a fundraiser. This event will be taking place during Public Health Week alongside multiple organizations.
“Our ultimate goal is to raise $80,000 for our event this year,” said Catherine Baxter, president of MSU’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter. “However, we have even bigger goals. The students who participate are just so passionate and are a great help in spreading awareness and raising money. We hope that we can make Relay the biggest event on campus, and that we can make even a small contribution towards a world where no one hears the words ‘you have cancer.’”
As of today, MSU has raised about $15,500 for Relay For Life this year. Some local businesses such as Studio042 have been kind enough to donate a banner and monetary funds to the Relay event. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved.
There is still time to register teams at the Relay web page. Aside from the MSU event, other local events can also be found under the “find an event” tag. Businesses can donate to the effort or buy a banner and customize it.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event beginning April 26. It will be held in MSU’s Student Center Quad, until the event moves inside the Student Center at midnight. Those interested in donating or participating in any way can contact Colleges Against Cancer at msuagainstcancer@gmail.com.
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