ODU Relay For Life Will Race Toward $57,000 Goal

The highest-grossing annual charity college relay in Hampton Roads is set for April 15 and 16 in Old Dominion University's Webb Center.

The 11th annual Relay For Life, which each year attracts hundreds of people from the ODU community, will see teams set up campsites throughout the student center, participating in a range of activities in the overnight event.

It's all designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society through the organization Colleges Against Cancer. After raising $52,000 last year, organizers have a goal of raising $57,000 with the help of the 942 participants and 84 teams (so far).

ODU's Center for Service and Civic Engagement is coordinating the event. "It's one of our favorite events of the year," said center coordinator Tami Park. "There's such spirit in Webb Center throughout the event, even in the middle of the night."

The theme for the 2011 event is Relay Around the World, because the relay runs simultaneously around the world. It is modified for each individual site to give participants in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.

Relay For Life committee member Janette Julio has a very personal reason for taking part. "I participate in Relay For Life to honor the life of my father, who lost his battle to lung cancer 10 years ago. Even though he is no longer around, I keep his memory and spirit alive," she said.

At the ODU event, participants will engage in a variety of activities and games. Teams are also charged with selling items they produce, with all proceeds going to Colleges Against Cancer. A dinner at 6 p.m. for survivors of cancer kicks off the event. RSVP is required for the dinner, which is sponsored by Aramark.

A series of activities, starting with the opening ceremony at 7 p.m., will take place on the Relay For Life main stage in Webb Center. This will be followed by a kids' relay at 8 p.m., a luminary ceremony at 9 p.m., a Miss Relay Pageant at 1 a.m. and the closing ceremony at 6 a.m. the next morning.

To participate in Relay For Life, contact the Center for Service and Civic Engagement at volunteer@odu.edu or 757-683-6948.