Fun, games, dancing and hanging out with over 1,000 people for a good cause is what the Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) Relay for Life is all about.
On Thursday in the Student Union, the CAC held a kickoff event to raise awareness for the upcoming Relay for Life, which will be held March 21-22 in Alumni Arena. Free popcorn, cupcakes and a prize wheel were set up to lure in potential participants.
"These kickoffs really help establish our presence," said Stacie Waddell, adviser for the CAC and partner of the American Cancer Society. "It raises our visibility to students, so they hopefully come and check us out."
The main goal of the kickoff event is to get students and faculty to sign up on the organization's Web site and create a team, according to Waddell.
"In the past we have found that these events have doubled the turn-out rate," Waddell said. "Our goal this year is for 150 teams of students, administration and faculty members to participate. We would also like to raise at least $80,000 for the event."
The CAC, as well as several other groups from UB, are preparing for the event, according to Waddell. The Center for Student Leadership comprises the planning committee, and many different SA groups have already signed up to volunteer their time at the event.
To register for the event, a fee of $10 per person will be active until March 6, after which the admission fee increases to $20, according to Waddell.
Relay for Life is a great opportunity for students to give back to the community, according to Jim Martin, a second year graduate student at the school of pharmacy. Students are not only donating their time and money, but are working towards a great cause.
"I think it's a great thing," said Kate Cervone, a senior English major. "The event not only attracts students, but community members as well. Relay is a great experience because there are so many people sharing a common goal."
There is always something exciting going on during the 12-hour event, according to Cervone. Participants remain active with many different contests, raffles and activities throughout the night.
"I'd have to say there is almost never a dull moment," Martin said. "It can really be a lot of fun, and once someone comes, they will keep coming back for years."
The event can be kind of like a roller coaster ride, according to Katie Kestal, a research analyst for the psychology department. In the beginning, there is initial excitement as everybody sets up their designated areas, but as time goes on people tend to get settled in.
As the event starts, participants can watch live bands and bust a move with some salsa dancing, according to Kestal. However, once the guest speakers begin, everyone is reminded why they actually attend the event-- to fight cancer, remember those who were lost and celebrate those who have defeated the disease.
For some students, personal reasons serve as the primary motivation for taking part in the event.
"My grandmother passed away from lung cancer," Cervone said. "I try to do everything I can to help raise money and awareness so that one day we can hopefully see a world without cancer."
UB is host to the biggest Relay for Life event in Western New York and all of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
"What's great about hosting this event here at UB is that so much of the money raised is given back to the community," Martin said. "UB and Roswell Park Cancer Center receive portions of the money to aide in research and find treatments for the disease."
For more information on Relay for Life at UB, potential participants can visit www.relayforlife.org/universityatbuffalo.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
