The Observer, April 4, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 23
Relay for Life on its way to meeting fundraising goal
With two weeks to go until Case's first Relay for Life, over 400 participants have already put together two-thirds of the $30,000 fundraising goal.
The event, benefiting the American Cancer Society, takes place April 18-19 at Case Field. The 49 teams currently registered are each working toward a suggested goal of $1000 per team, though some smaller teams have more proportional aspirations.
President Barbara Snyder was recently selectedto be the honorary chair of Case's campaign, and sent a letter to the university community via Case Daily. "I don't need to tell you about the devastation cancer can wreak; too many of us have personal experience with loss. Nor do I need to explain the amazing progress researchers have made in battling the disease…What bears repeating, however, is that so much more work must be done. Your support of our Relay For Life can make a concrete and measurable difference in this effort," Snyder wrote.
The Relay will bring together teams from campus organizations, as well as local businesses, churches, and families, for an all-night tribute to those affected by cancer. Team members take turns walking or running on the track at the North Residential Village. All money raised from the Relay For Life at Case Western Reserve University will go to cancer research, education, advocacy, and service.
In the next two weeks, students will have many chances to donate money to the event. Next Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m., the Jolly Scholar (formerly Wackadoo's) will be hosting a fundraiser co-sponsored by UPB. Tickets to the event will cost $10 and will provide the purchaser a free dinner, drink specials, and entrance in a raffle with gift certificates from local businesses. Members of Relay teams will be selling tickets to help achieve their fundraising goals, and tickets will also be on sale in Nord and Thwing. The entire ticket price will be donated to Relay for Life.
Thursday will also be "Power of Purple" day all over campus. Information tables will be set up in each building, decorated in the official color of Relay for Life. The Relay committee will also be placing signs around campus bearing facts about cancer.
The day of the event, teams will be manning game booths for extra fundraising on the grassy area between Case Field and Nobby's Ballpark. Some teams will also be providing entertainment throughout the night, including Swing Club and Footlighters.
Registration is still open for those interested in participating in Relay For Life. Students, staff, and faculty can create a new team or join an existing one at the Case Relay website, http://www.relayforlife-at-case.org. Those who can't make it to the actual event can also give a donation to an existing team online.
For more information or to volunteer, e-mail the organizers at relay@case.edu or contact Katie Rosenbalm at katie.rosenbalm@cancer.org or 1-800-ACS-OHIO, ext. 1201.
