Over 360 members of the Gustavus community came together to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. April 23-24, during the College’s first Relay for Life event. Twenty-nine teams of ten to fifteen people took turns walking around a track on the College’s South Mall for the 12-hour period.
“The teams were amazing,” said student organizer Gina Quiram, “some went all out with a theme like ‘The Glow Girls,’ ‘Team Random,’ or ‘The Bandana Gang’ — in honor of all those who have lost their hair from chemotherapy. Next year we think that the numbers will only be larger.”
Other activities included a luminary ceremony, cookie-eating contest, make-your-own jewelry, and tug-o-war. Several live musical acts performed, and one student delivered a stand-up comedy routine.
All participants fundraise individually, and team members at the Gustavus fundraiser were asked to raise a minimum of $50 each. The combined efforts of all participants raised over $16,500 for the American Cancer Society.
“The relay was more than we could have hoped for,” Quiram said. “We had more volunteers than we knew what to do with at first — the response from the Gustavus community was amazing.”
Relay for Life began in 1985 when Gordy Klatt made a 24-hour, 83-mile, walk/run around a track in Tacoma, WA, raising $27,000. As a signature activity of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
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