Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: cancer.org Relay for Life, a volunteer experience that changes the lives of others.

With Relay for Life being held at Pace for the first time on April 25 and 26, the American Cancer Society has begun organizing events to recruit teams and volunteers.

A kick-off was held on Feb. 7 in Gottesmen to officially launch the event. In addition, the organizers of the event will also be holding an informational meeting on Feb. 28 in Kessel.

Relay for Life, according to the America Cancer Society, is the largest fundraising walk in the nation.

"Relay for Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer," they said in a Jan. 30 press release.

Last week's kick-off went "really well," according to junior communications major, Vanessa Dones, the publicity chair for the event. Over 50 people attended the event, which featured pizza and games such as Guitar Hero and Nintendo Wii, as well as a couple of guest speakers, one who spoke about his mother battling leukemia.

"It was a touching speech that he made," Dones said. "The whole room was practically crying."

Approximately thirty teams have signed up so far. Dones said that their goal is to get at least 50 teams, each with eight to 15 members, to raise $1,000 each. The organization also needs people to help organize and recruit teams, seek community support, find refreshments and prizes and help out in any way they can.

"We're always looking for more help," Dones said.

On April 25 and 26, tents for the teams will be spread around the perimeter of the gym in Goldstein around a carnival, which will take place in the center. Dones said the organizers of the event want participants to have fun as they participate.

Although the event is being held on Pace's Pleasantville campus, Dones said that the NYC campus is also invited to attend, as well as the general public.

"The whole Westchester community is welcome," she said.

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