Relay for Life event aims to raise $30,000 for American Cancer Society

Oct. 1, 2019 | Relay for Life | Harding University is hosting its annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society (ACS) Friday, Oct. 4 through Saturday, Oct. 5. The theme of the event is “Carnival for a Cure.” The Relay for Life executive committee is aiming to raise $30,000. The committee raised $27,000 in 2018, surpassing their goal of $20,000. Twenty-eight teams will participate in the event, each hosting a booth featuring games, food and more to contribute to the fundraising goal. The executive committee will provide entertainment throughout the all-night event, including a slideshow, a survivors parade and musical entertainment. “Relay for Life truly exemplifies the community of Harding University,” said Abbie Lippincott, student co-director of Relay for Life. “Getting to join together on the front lawn all night to show our support for the American Cancer Society and all it is doing in the fight against cancer is so special. It touches more people than we can count.” The event will begin at 5 p.m. Friday with an opening ceremony and opportunity for cancer survivors to walk a lap around the front lawn of the Harding campus. Additional groups will make a lap around the front lawn at the top of every hour until 5 a.m. A luminary ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. The white paper bags containing small candles will be available for $5 each to commemorate those who have been diagnosed with cancer. The luminaries will be lit and displayed around the front lawn as a symbol of hope for a cure. “Relay for Life is an opportunity to provide hope, celebrate victory and dedicate yourself to finding a cure for cancer,” said Lisa Bryant, assistant professor of education and Relay for Life adviser.