UT’s Relay for Life Surpasses Goal by $10K

In just four short years, The University of Tampa’s Relay for Life event has become one of the top college Relay events in the U.S. This year, the event surpassed its goal by $10,000, raising a total of more than $75,000.

Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. During the 18-hour event, participants camp out at the site, typically a track or intramural field. At least one person from each team must be walking at all times. Relays are held throughout the year across the U.S. and in countries all over the world, with proceeds going toward cancer research and outpatient care.

“We Relay to celebrate the survivors, to remember those who have lost their battle, and to fight back against cancer,” said Erin McDonald ‘14, event chair for UT’s Relay for Life.

This year’s event at UT was held April 13-14 at the University’s intramural field. There were 59 teams — 769 participants total — with the goal of raising $65,000.

“Every year, more students join our Relay family, not necessarily knowing what Relay is, but knowing that they want to help because cancer has touched their lives in some way,” said McDonald.

UT Relay for Life was started by Samantha Lauf ‘12 and Lucy Monette ‘11, and held its first event in 2009. Since then, UT’s Relay has consistently raised and surpassed its annual fundraising goals.

“I think it’s truly amazing that UT’s event started with a two-person committee and about 100 participants, and they managed to raise $30,000,” said McDonald. “Now here we are, four years later, with a committee of over 20 people, almost a thousand participants, and we have raised over $75,000.
We have come so far in such a short time, and I believe that we, as a school, are coming together with a common goal.”

For more information, contact Erin McDonald at erin.mcdonald@spartans.ut.edu.