by Kristen Shlakman
Every year, the Cap family comes together to support wonderful causes of all different types. Relay For Life is one such event that has taken off in a major way here on campus.
For those who aren’t familiar, Relay for Life is an event that started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt who raised money for the American Cancer Society by running around a track for 24 hours.
Every bit of the $27,000 he raised went to cancer research, and ever since then the event has taken off nationwide.
“Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are over night,” Erik Morris, co-chair of this year’s Relay, said. “Here at Capital, our relay is 18 hours in length.”
Even though the event isn’t until March 23, everyone on the committee is looking forward to a great year with an even greater event.
“We hope to establish camaraderie between Capital’s students, faculty, and the Bexley community.”
“Everyone can come together at Relay as the ‘Cap Fam’ to have fun while working towards our goal,” Allison Erford, co-chair, said.
The committee’s goal is to raise $20,000 for the American Cancer Society and have at least 30 teams participate in this year’s event.
“Personally, I think our goal is achievable,” Morris said.
“However, I would be happy just improving from last year.”
This year, the Eastern-Central region for the American Cancer Society has come up with the motto “Dream Big. Hope Big. Relay Big”
“We as a committee have taken this as our motto,” Morris said.
“We want to use the cliché, ‘go big or go home.’”
That mentality is already well under way with 25 teams out of their 30 teams goal signed up.
With only a few months left before the event, the committee is focusing on team development, finalizing the entertainment for the night, and continuing to fundraise.
The team is hard at work to make sure the entire event is an experience to remember.
“Attendees can expect an all-night celebration full of music, dancing, and most importantly, walking!” Erford said. “There will be plenty of spirit and games surrounding our theme, “Relay Around the World.”
Even though the event’s almost here, the committee is still actively looking for volunteers and donations.
“Help is something we can never really get enough of,” Morris said.
“The biggest thing people can do right now is get signed up, form a team, or help raise money.”
Both Morris and Erford share a strong passion for raising money to fight cancer and find a cure, but Morris has an especially heartfelt connection to the event.
“I have a rather big history of cancer in my family. All four of my grandparents have had cancer of some type, with three of them having at least three different cases of cancer each,” Morris said.
“It is for my family and all survivors that I Relay.”
Anyone interested in signing up for relay, or contributing a donation, can email the organization at capitalrelay@gmail.com, or contact Eric Morris or Erford directly.
“Join the Relay team March 23 to remember, celebrate, and fight back!”
kshlakman@capital.edu
