The Events Center will be illuminated by thousands of glow sticks next weekend, as students participate in Binghamton University’s 2009 Relay For Life.
So far, $36,000 has been raised from 1,364 students on 188 participating teams. Last year, $74,000 was raised by the end of the night.
The theme of this year’s event is a campout, and organizers hope the glow sticks will provide an ambience similar to a campfire.
Students can still register online at relayforlife.org/binghamtonuniversity for $20. Participants can create a new team, or join a list of available teams on the Web site.
“We’re really proud to be working with Binghamton University students and administration for this fundraiser,” Meghan Mooney, coordinator of special events for the American Cancer Society, said.
Relay For Life is a fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research and prevention.
From 5 p.m. Friday, April 24 to 5 a.m. Saturday, April 25, teams of students will continuously walk the Events Center’s indoor track and attend ceremonies to remember victims of cancer.
In the Luminaria ceremony, hundreds of illuminated bags will line the track to celebrate those who successfully battled cancer and to honor those who lost their lives.
As part of the camping theme, students are encouraged to bring sleeping bags, and teams that raise more than $1,000 are allowed to pitch tents.
Free s’mores and trail mix will be given to participants, as well as crafts like lanyards and friendship bracelets.
“Usually community Relay For Life events don’t have a special flavor like this,” Meaghan Trainor, event co-chair and Pipe Dream Release writer, said.
Music and dance entertainment will be provided by BU’s Pep Band and Kickline, as well as local bands including Soundhouse and The Tins.
Camp-themed activities offered include sleeping bag races and a scavenger hunt.
“One of the items on the checklist for the scavenger hunt is to get your shirt signed by a member of one of the bands,” Jessica Rubin, event co-chair, said.
Teams can compete in inflatable twister and boxing, and sink their friends in a dunk tank.
Throughout the night, raffles will be held for barbeque grills from the BU Alumni and Parent Association.
“You can even show up at the door and participate — you don’t need to be part of a team to become involved,” Rubin said.
Teams raise money by e-mailing friends and family for donations.
BU’s women’s rugby club, Delta Sigma Phi and the Division of Student Affairs are the current top donors, with a combined total of $9,158.
Even though the economy is in a downturn, participation remains strong.
“More students have already registered online this year compared to this time last year,” Mooney said.
Last year, the event drew $85,000 from 1,900 participants on 155 teams.