University to host seventh annual Mini-Relay for Life
WAYNESBURG — Waynesburg University will host its seventh annual Mini-Relay for Life Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the university’s Johnson Commons.
Every spring, Waynesburg students rally together to generate awareness and raise funds for the American Cancer Society. A representative from each student group on campus must walk for an hour at a time, making sure a team member is always on the course.
The public is cordially invited to attend and enjoy food, games and prizes.
During this year’s “superhero” themed relay, campus organizations sell food and products as well as host activities to engage the campus and community in the fundraising cause. Organizations are also encouraged to fundraise as teams or individually before the event.
“It is crucial for each student group to fundraise,” said Theresa Butler, junior accounting major and president of the Relay for Life. “Without each different club and organization, it would be impossible to host the biggest event on campus and reach our overall goal.”
The event will commence with a morning Ecumenical service led by Reverend Carolyn Poteet, director of faith and mission at the university, an opening ceremony led by University President Douglas G. Lee and a revamped version of ‘Why We Relay.’ Additional activities will include a karate demonstration, music, student talent, inflatables, caricature artists and the Sheetz truck, among others. Kelley Hardie, assistant dean of student services, has implemented seven mini-relays at Waynesburg. According to Hardie, Relay for Life gives the community hope because everyone is striving to make a difference in finding a cure for cancer. Every year, Hardie and the relay captains establish a certain monetary goal.
“This year we hope to reach an overall goal of $18,000,” said Butler. “If every team reaches their individual goals, this will be 100 percent possible.”
The Mini-Relay for Life will conclude with an acoustic Upper Room service and a closing ceremony with an American Cancer Society Representative.
“If you really take time to consider the people who are battling cancer, survived cancer or lost the fight to cancer, they’re all heroes, and that is why we do Relay for Life,” said Victoria Kapp, junior psychology major and publicity officer for Relay for Life. The event may be a smaller-scale version of the massive Greene County Relay For Life that is held every spring at Waynesburg Central High School. However, there is no doubt that the initiative’s goals — not to mention the dedication and support of those coordinating the event — is anything but small. The Mini-Relay is held in coordination with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Coordinated by ACS, the 24-hour Relay is an event where children and adults of all ages join together to honor loved ones who have been victorious in their battle against cancer and remember those who lost their fight. For more information on the Mini-Relay For Life, contact khardie@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3402.