Salisbury University Relay For Life Gears Up For 2007

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Relay For Life continued its reign as one of the nation’s top Relays in 2006 and organizers are already gearing up for next year’s event. A kickoff and planning meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, in the Ritual Room of the Scarborough Student Leadership Center.

As the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising activity, Relay For Life proceeds benefit cancer research, education, patient services and advocacy programs. Last year, SU’s Relay was No. 2 in the nation among mid-size colleges, raising some $138,000, said Kim Bartlett, former SU co-chair. The amount surpassed 2005 totals, despite bad weather and a shift indoors that prevented some teams from participating, she said.

“Cancer affects thousands and thousands of people and I don’t think I’ve ever seen opening ceremonies where people weren’t in tears because of their memories,” said Bartlett (’06), a Relay enthusiast since middle school.

Last year, SU took the fight against cancer online, increasing both participation and dollars raised. Team registrations and credit card donations will again be accepted through the interactive Web site launched last year, said junior Julie Bayer, co-chair of SU’s upcoming Relay. For specific information about the event and cancer related topics visit the site at www.acsevents.org/SUrelay.

Next year’s SU Relay For Life is May 4-5, with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. and closing ceremonies at 6 a.m. at SU’s Intramural Fields. Participating teams of family, friends, co-workers or community groups camp out for 24 hours, walking laps, visiting and participating in planned activities. “It’s one of the largest events on campus and it helps to make a difference because it goes directly toward finding a cure for cancer and its fun,” Bayer said.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through efforts such as Relay For Life, which in the past 20 years has spread to more than 4,500 U.S. communities and 12 foreign countries. For information, visit www.cancer.org.

Anyone interested in participating is invited to attend the kick-off meeting. Teams of 8-15 and planning committee members are needed; faculty and staff are encouraged to participate. For more information contact Bayer at Relay4Life@salisbury.edu.