Virginia Tech's student-run Relay For Life raises more than $600,000 for American Cancer Society
On April 22, Virginia Tech Relay For Life and its 5,500 participants raised more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society. Virginia Tech is currently ranked the No. 1 university in terms of online fundraising, according to American Cancer Society reports.
Virginia Tech has hosted Relay For Life fundraisers for the past 10 years, with an outstanding history of community participation and charitable donations. Virginia Tech received the organization’s Gordy Klatt Award for No. 1 net income in the youth/college category for both 2009 and 2010, as well as past awards for top college participation per capita, top online fundraising, and greatest number of survivors present at an event.
“I think that everyone who came out on Friday had a really great time,” said Emily Feeney of Olney, Md., a senior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and Virginia Tech Relay For Life director. “There was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement at the event.”
Reuel Johnson, national vice president of Relay For Life, attended the event, which marked the 10th anniversary for Relay For Life at Virginia Tech. “He was able to show his support and his appreciation of Virginia Tech’s hard work,” Feeney said.
"Relay For Life allows the entire community to come together and support a cause that makes a positive difference in so many lives," said Edward Spencer, vice president for student affairs at Virginia Tech. "The students who participate have the opportunity to witness and practice the service that is such an important part of our university's character."
Virginia Tech Relay For Life is a year-long fundraising event organized by a registered student-run organization at Virginia Tech. Proceeds from the community-wide event, held every spring on the Virginia Tech campus, support the American Cancer Society. The Virginia Tech Relay For Life website provides the latest updates and explains the many ways to get involved, specifically how to volunteer for the event, join a team, or donate to the cause.
Written by Stephanie Paradiso of Rockville, Md., a senior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
