With less than a month to go, students are working hard to spread the word about Binghamton University’s third annual Relay for Life fund-raiser. The event, which is sponsored by both the American Cancer Society and Colleges Against Cancer, will be held in the BU Events Center overnight between Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14.

‘Relay is a worldwide event that all can relate to as cancer does not discriminate,’ said Hiliary Humble, director of special events for the American Cancer Society. ‘All money raised supports research, education, services and advocacy in hopes that one day cancer will be eliminated and all affected will be survivors.’

BU’s first Relay for Life in 2005 raised $74,000, and $94,000 was raised at last year’s event. This year students are aiming higher with a goal of $115,000.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life began in 1985 when a doctor who enjoyed running marathons wanted to help raise more money for his local American Cancer Society office. He raised $27,000 as he circled a track for 24 hours. The next year 19 teams participated in the first team Relay for Life and raised $33,000.

‘I could list so many reasons why students should participate: how cancer affects everyone, the difference that can be made ‘ said Jacqui Tomo, one of this year’s Relay for Life co-chairs. ‘But it’s the feeling of achievement and participating in an event that does so much good. It makes you just happy to be there.’

The Relay for Life 2007 student committee will be tabling in the New University Union on April 10. Students wishing to participate can sign up or donate at these tables, or on the event’s Web site for a fee of $10. This money provides the participant with food, an event T-shirt and entertainment for the night.

Event organizers stress the importance of fund-raising in advance.

‘It [fund-raising] sounds like a daunting task but it’s actually easy,’ said Jenna Sykoff, a co-chair for the event. ‘Participants can use prewritten e-mails found on the Relay for Life Web site to ask for donations,’ she added.

‘People who have done this have gotten good responses back,’ she said.

Other fund-raising suggestions include holding parties for the cause and contacting family and friends and informing them about the event. All of the money raised is used locally, helping the American Cancer Society help the people of Broome County who have been affected by cancer.

While Relay for Life is primarily a fund-raiser, it also provides a night of entertainment for participants. More than 15 BU student groups have already signed up to perform during the event, and that number will continue to grow as the deadline draws closer. Throughout the night there will be a variety of activities held by both student teams and student groups. There will also be a Luminaria Ceremony held at 10 p.m. during which participants will be given the opportunity to remember and celebrate those who have survived and those that have died of cancer.

Humble said the night will be a memorable one, and one that will hopefully inspire students to participate in the future.

‘Once you have been to a Relay, chances are that you will attend every year,’ Humble said. ‘It’s the party with a purpose!’

To sign up a team for Relay for Life visit: http://www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/binghamtonuniversity