Athens, Ga. – More than 2,000 students participated in the 15th Annual University of Georgia Relay for Life overnight from April 4-5 in the main gym at the Ramsey Student Center. The night culminated with the announcement that the student fundraising teams had raised a total of $202,568.27 toward this year’s campaign. The top Greek fundraising team, Pi Beta Phi/Pike, raised over $22,000 while the top non-Greek team, Team Laura, raised more than $10,000.
The University of Georgia’s event is notable for being Relay for Life’s first event organized by, led by and composed entirely of college students. The student group is an affiliate of Relay for Life that is registered with UGA Student Affairs’ Center for Student Organizations. The university’s intramural fields traditionally play host to the event, but for the second year in a row, rain forced the event indoors.
Kate Plumblee has served as executive director of UGA Relay for Life for two years. She and the other members of UGA Relay’s board of directors were thrilled with the results of the fund raising efforts of the participant teams.
“UGA Relay for Life is a unique event because of the success of the past 15 years,” said Christine Harding, marketing director for this year’s Relay for Life. “We have raised more than $3 million for the American Cancer Society since our first relay in 1999 and are one of the top collegiate relays in the nation.”
The university’s administration is equally pleased with the philanthropic efforts and impact of students. Eric Atkinson, assistant vice president for student engagement, said that UGA students are known nationally for their passion for philanthropy.
“UGA Relay’s student leaders and participants exemplify the passion and dedication of UGA’s students in giving back,” said Atkinson. “Our students are not only the future leaders of our communities, but their current leadership is making a great impact now.”
Relay for Life is a national non-profit organization benefitting the American Cancer Society. Local events are held at schools and in communities across the country each spring. Participants walk around tracks, play games, enjoy music and food and recognize and celebrate individuals and families touched by cancer.
Notable features of most Relay for Life events are: a Survivors Lap in which survivors celebrate their victories over cancer while participants congratulate them; a Luminaria Ceremony where candles are lit in honor of those lost to cancer and in support of individuals whose fights continue; and a Fight Back Ceremony which inspires participants to take action.
For more information, see www.ugarelay.org or follow UGA Relay for Life on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
UGA Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs comprises 20 campus departments that enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia by stimulating the learning process, integrating the in-class and out-of-class experiences, promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery and facilitating intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, physical, cultural and emotional development. For more information, see studentaffairs.uga.edu.
