One of the biggest fundraising events, Relay For Life, occurred this past Friday, April 20, 2012. The event featured delicious food, performances by the Ramblers, Satin Dolls, and B-Sides, amazing raffles such as gift cards and Yankees tickets, and games including a scavenger hunt and “Bring Your Own Buddy.” Many Fordham students had been raising money for the American Cancer Society during the school year and were very anxious to see how much the Fordham community as a whole has raised for this great cause.
Throughout the evening, participants continuously walked or ran numerous laps around the track, each one supporting those who have suffered from, are currently suffering from, or have died of cancer. The track was lined with paper bags decorated with the names of loved ones who have died as a result of this terrible disease. They served to remind us Fordham students exactly why we participate in this event—to fight for a cure for cancer. Towards the end of the night, the lights in the Fieldhouse were turned off, and candles inside of the bags were lit to begin the start of the Luminaria ceremony. Students solemnly walked around the track as a slideshow representing loved ones of the Fordham community who have been affected by cancer played. This tradition was highly emotional, as almost everyone present at the event had admitted to have been affected by this disease.
As the event came to a close, American Cancer Society Staff Member Jillian Ladouceur, who had worked closely with the Relay For Life Committee at Fordham throughout the year to organize this event as well as other fundraising events for ACS, revealed the grand total of money that was raised. As a result of donations from Fordham students and their families and friends, a total of $22,000 was raised, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. The event was a major success, enjoyed by all who attended and the committee members, which included co-chairs and graduating seniors Christina Diaz and Lorenzo Ferrigno, who worked so hard in planning the event.
“I am so thrilled with how Relay For Life turned out and with the fact that we raised so much money and beat our total from last year of $21,000!” said Michelle Ioannou, FCRH ’13, who will be the chairperson of the Relay For Life Committee next year. “I’m very excited to work with the committee in making the event even bigger and to raise even more money next year.”
Although Relay For Life has already come and gone, donating to the American Cancer Society has not ended yet. Until August 31, you can still log on to www.relayforlife.org/fordhamuniversity to continue donating money to this great cause. Also, if you would like to find out more about this event or get involved in the committee at Fordham, contact Michelle Ioannou at mioannou@fordham.edu