Relay for Life was held on Friday, April 26 in the Richie Regan Recreation Center. Doors opened for the event at 5 p.m. and closed at 9 p.m. Relay for Life lasted for 12 hours, ending at 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
For 12 hours, student Relay for Life teams walked laps around the rec center. The goal of the night was to have one team member walking at all times.
According to Colleen Dallavalle, assistant director for leadership development, more than $60,000 was raised by the Seton Hall community at this year's event. All money will goes to the American Cancer Society.
"It was well worth it to stay up all night and raise money for such a worthy cause," sophomore Jessica Bucci said.
Relay opened with the "Survivor's Lap." Traditionally, at all relay ceremonies the first lap of the night is taken by those participating who have survived cancer.
At 10 p.m. the Luminara Ceremony took place for those who have lost their battle to cancer. The lights were dimmed and a poem was read remembering them. Participants then took a lap in silence, guided by the lit luminaria along the path in memory of those patients.
"The silent lap was a touching moment of the night," freshman Gabrielle Owings said. "It helped everyone remember why we were really there and how important things like Relay for Life actually are."
Students enjoyed several forms of live entertainment at Relay for Life. A band played from 11 p.m. to just after midnight, and a German magician performed for the students. There also was a DJ and many students hit the dance floor in between laps.
In addition to live forms of entertainment, students were able to purchase food from local vendors such as Stony's and La Vera Pizza. Student-run organizations also set up tables at the event and sold goods, all in order to raise money for the cause. GDS supplied food as well.
Relay for Life started in 1985 and has since become a worldwide event that raises money and awareness for cancer. To date it has raised more than $4 billion.
Erin Williams can be reached at erin.williams@student.shu.edu
