Second Annual Relay for Life at DeSales Raises over $31,000 for Cancer Research
The second annual Relay for Life at DeSales University on April 27, showed, once again, how DeSales students can help make a difference in peoples' lives. During the event on the Center Valley campus, 24 teams of about 250 participants, including DeSales students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community at large, helped raise more than $31,000 for cancer research.
"We are thrilled at the results because we surpassed our initial goal of $25,000," said AnneMarie Fullerton, '09, from Philadelphia, who served as co-chair for the event.
In addition to individual student teams, groups from DeSales that took part included the Student Government Association, Peer Advising Counseling Education Team, Student Nursing Organization, and Student Life.
The first Relay for Life at DeSales was held last year. Also successful, the event raised more than $18,000 for the American Cancer Society and surpassed the goal of $15,000.
Relay for Life began in May 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt took a 24-hour run around a track in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Klatt ran a total of 83 miles and raised $27,000 for the ACS. The year following, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in the overnight event. Now, more than 4,200 relays are held nationwide every year, including at numerous colleges, such as the University of Illinois and Bloomsburg University.
A highlight of the annual event is the luminaria ceremony, or lighting of candles, to honor survivors and also remember those who have lost their battle.
"I take part in Relay, with the hope that one day soon, no one has to hear the words 'you have cancer' or go through the pain of losing a loved one," said Fullerton, a communications and business major. "I relay for my dad, my hero!"
For more information on Relay for Life at DeSales, contact Jaime Gerhart, director of social outreach at DeSales, at 610-282-1100, ext. 1889, or at Jaime.Gerhart@DeSales.edu.
Press Release: Second Annual Relay for Life at DeSales Raises over $31,000 for Cancer Research | Posted on: 5/7/2007
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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