Despite the remnants of a chilly winter, Friday night’s seventh-annual Relay for Life was successfully held on Franklin Field. The event started at 8 p.m. and went well into Saturday morning, symbolizing that cancer never sleeps.
More than 2,000 student participants formed 215 teams, raising approximately $94,000 for cancer efforts. One member from each team is supposed to be walking around the track at all throughout the night.
Teams can still host fundraisers up through August 2010 to add to the 2010 Relay grand total, Lewkowitz said.
“We set a record number for participants and teams, which shows that people are getting more and more excited about the event. We think it was a very successful year for Relay actually during a recession,” said College senior Rachel Darivoff, Relay publicity chair.
Throughout the evening, various performing arts groups graced the stage at Relay, contributing to a fun atmosphere. Participants gathered around to watch the Quaker Girls, the West Philly Swingers and various bands perform.
Greek life was also present during Relay through registered teams and fundraising events. Zeta Beta Tau fraternity hosted Charity Drinking Games, in which participants got to play Flip Cup — with water — in exchange for donations. Phi Kappa Psi fraternity’s “Mug on a Jug” competition allowed students to pie April Herring, the Fisher Hassenfeld College House Dean, in the face.
Business fraternity Phi Gamma Nu held their annual Balls 4 Balls falafel eating contest at Relay, challenging Relay participants to eat as many Hummus falafel balls as possible for an entry fee of five dollars. All money raised was donated to testicular cancer research.Participants also had the chance to eat snacks as Allegro’s Pizza made multiple deliveries of complimentary pizzas and pasta for hungry participants. Various student groups also set up bake sale tables around the football field. Circle K donated the proceeds from their sales of “puppy chow” to the Relay grand total.
“It was an amazing night seeing everyone enjoying themselves while supporting a great cause,” said Circle K Vice President of Membership and Wharton and Engineering sophomore Matt Vogel.
For the first time this year, the Penn football team held a bone marrow registry at the Relay for Life. Hundreds of students signed up to become potential donors.
“It was incredible to see over 1,000 Penn students walk outside for hours in the cold weather in support of this cause,” Relay for Life Co-chair and Wharton senior Michele Lewkowitz. “I think this says a lot about the student body here, and I am so grateful to the entire Penn community for supporting Relay and the American Cancer Society.”
This article has been corrected to reflect that teams can host fundraisers until August 31. The article previously stated July 31 as the last day.
