As seen in the South Bend Tribune, April 12, 2015
By Catherine Ake, Intern in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications
The University of Notre Dame invites the community to join in the fight against cancer on Friday April 17, 2015 as we host the Notre Dame Relay for Life fundraiser. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at Notre Dame’s Compton Family Ice Arena. The annual event raises money for the American Cancer Society (ACS). This year, Relay aims to raise $200,000. In total, the event has raised over 1.2 million dollars since it began ten years ago.
There will be activities for both kids and adults throughout the evening. Activities include a mobile auction, ice skating, karaoke, a zumbathon, face painting, cookie decorating, and great food options.
The auction is currently open for bidding and will continue through April 17 at 11 p.m. There are many notable items, including: autographed Notre Dame and Chicago Blackhawk memorabilia, a summer concert package to see Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire that includes backstage meet-the-band passes and an autographed guitar, customized framed photography, restaurant certificates, and several experience packages. Visit relay.nd.edu for more information and to participate.
A special luminaria ceremony takes place at 9 p.m. to remember loved ones lost, those currently battling cancer, and those who have won the fight. Names will be displayed on the arena’s Jumbotron. Dedicate a luminaria bag online, and personalize it with pictures, names, and messages for a loved one affected by cancer. Notre Dame’s Campus Ministry will host an area for prayer and reflection throughout the event.
The Notre Dame Relay offers the opportunity for campus and local community members to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The event is sponsored by numerous local businesses and organizations, including: The Medical Foundation, JJ White, 1st Source Bank, Tire Rack, and the Harper Cancer Research Institute.
Due to the campus and community’s strong commitment to fight cancer, Notre Dame’s Relay for Life has won several prestigious awards. Last year, the event won two National Awards, both for the second year in a row. Relay won the Nationwide Number One Youth Per Capita Award, and the Gordy Klatt Number One Collegiate Power of Hope Award.
Participants can register at the door for $10 (children under the age of 12 are free); although, to avoid lengthy lines, pre-registration is encouraged. Visit relay.nd.edu to register and to find additional event details. Information can also be found on the event’s Facebook (Notre Dame Relay for Life) and Twitter (Notre Dame Relay) pages.