The second annual Relay for Life of Quinnipiac University, held April 24-25, raised more than $115,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life, the main fundraising activity of the American Cancer Society, increases awareness of cancer prevention and treatments, celebrates cancer survivors and raises money for research.
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a cancer survivor, delivered the event's opening remarks and stressed the importance of supporting cancer research. During the overnight event, at least one member from each participating team was walking on the track. Students, faculty and staff participated in the event. The year's theme was "A Time to Celebrate." Each hour included activities and music from a different decade, beginning with the 1920s.
"There were a lot of people involved this year and everything ran smoothly," said event co-chair Daisy Vargas, a senior journalism major. "Everyone really had a good time."
Student organizers will continue to collect pledges through August and hope to reach their goal of $130,000. Last year, the organization received the American Cancer Society's "2008 Nationwide Top Five Youth Per Capita Award" and the "Rookie of the Year" award for being the No. 1 new event.