Relay for Life raises more than $80,000

The 2009 FIU Relay for Life surpasses its initial goal of $80,000. That brings the group’s five-year fundraising total to more than $280,000.

By Isadora Rangel

The atmosphere was one of celebration and fun. On the main stage, participants listened to live music, DJs and watched performances. Off to the side, they played games and ate underneath tents put together by more than 70 teams that participated at the event.

This could be any student event or party on campus, with only one difference: the fun was for a purpose — the 2009 Annual FIU Relay for Life fundraiser that took place at University Park in March. Participants pledged $80,200 in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS), surpassing last year’s mark of $74,000 and this year’s goal of $80,000.

One of the biggest student fundraisers on campus, the event has raised more than $280,000 since it started five years ago. The money goes to support  ACS programs on education, patience services, cancer research and prevention studies.

This was the first time FIU President Modesto A. Maidique participated in the Relay. His participation, the greater involvement of the community and FIU students and faculty, along with more publicity, made a big difference this year compared to the previous editions, according to Barbie Erched, director of the Relay for Life Student Committee.           

“I think this was a great success. Without the students, faculty and staff this would not have been possible. We educated FIU on what ACS has to offer and we hope next year is even better,” said Erched.

Some of the highlights of the event included performances from local bands Dear Daddy Yours Truly and Los Primeros, and the Luminaria Ceremony, in which participants lit candles under a darkened sky to honor cancer patients. The theme of this year’s edition was Hollywood, and each of the team tents was decorated according to a movie.

The top three fundraising teams received awards for their achievement. The winning teams were Golden Key, Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs.

The top participant and biggest sole donor was professor Jeffrey Knapp, from the Academy for the Art of Teaching. Going into his seventh year as a cancer survivor, Knapp raised $5,610.

“Having the opportunity to turn [cancer] into something good is an honor. I have not been shy to go through my email address book and ask for the help of people I know,” he said.

It won’t be long until planning for next year’s Relay starts. The committee begins making preparations in June.