The Saint Louis University community raised more than $130,000 for the American Cancer Society at last weekend’s Relay for Life. Balancing music and entertainment with solemn remembrance ceremonies, the all-night event was a celebration of hope.
Relay for Life is an annual fundraising drive operated by the American Cancer Society. Colleges, high schools and local communities throughout the nation and world participate in the program. SLU Relay for Life 2006 culminated this weekend; from 6 p.m. Saturday to a little before 6 a.m. Sunday, relayers gathered at the Robert R. Hermann Stadium. To mark the struggle against cancer, a constant stream of relayers walked around the track at the edge of the stadium.
By the closing ceremony early Sunday morning, SLU Relay for Life had earned more than $130,000. Though below this year’s fundraising goal of $200,000, it was an improvement over last year. SLU Relay for Life’s fundraising total will continue to grow as it accepts donations until August. The money will go directly to the American Cancer Society to contribute to research grants and patient services.
More than $4,000 of the total came from selling luminarias. Participants could buy the luminarias-small candles in sand-filled white paper bags-for $5, in memory of a loved one lost to cancer or in honor of someone who survived or is currently struggling with the disease. Organizers arranged the more than 800 luminarias around the track, reminding participants of “why they relayed” as they made their laps.
During the Luminary Ceremony, relayers gathered in the bleachers while organizers turned off the overhead lights, shrouding the stadium in darkness. Several cancer survivors shared their stories, and the Melody of Praise Gospel Choir performed a song in remembrance of those lost to the disease. Then, to symbolize hope, relayers passed a flame from candle to candle through the bleachers, and organizers lit the lumanarias around the track. Participants then made a silent lap around the track, now illuminated in soft candlelight.
Several campus groups performed throughout the night. Bare Naked Statues and Beyond All Reason entertained relayers with a cappella musical numbers, and the Filipino Student Association performed several traditional dances. One involved using coconut shells as percussion instruments; another featured dancers leaping over bamboo poles. Melody of Praise Gospel Choir also performed several uplifting spiritual pieces.
In the Mr. Relay Competition, several male participants dressed in women’s clothing and solicited for donations. The winner, dressed in a slinky skirt, won the competition, after having raised more than $100.
During “food twister,” barefoot contestants wrapped in plastic bags wallowed in ketchup, mustard and relish. The two winners finished by licking the condiment-smeared mat, inciting disgusted shrieks from the crowd.
Several campus organizations sold refreshments to raise additional money. Participants could buy $1 Frito pies-a warming snack of chili and cheese poured over corn chips. Baked goods were also for sale, and the Indian Asian Student Association hawked samosas-savory pastries filled with potatoes and peas-from a track-side booth.
