For the fifth year in a row, Michigan State University is among the top five schools raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
The 2009 MSU Relay for Life event won the Gordy Klatt Nationwide Top Five Income Award for raising a combined total of $349,314.
Between the $242,588 raised by the Greek community, and the rest of campus raising $106,726, MSU Relay for Life has maintained its position as a top five competitor. Placing third in the nation, MSU follows behind Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Georgetown University.
The 2009 MSU Relay for Life, held April 17-18, had 90 teams and more than 1,800 participants. Activities included a survivor lap to honor survivors, a Miss Relay contest, performances by bands, singing groups, and dance clubs, frozen t-shirt contest, scavenger hunt and a Relay’s signature luminary ceremony.
“What our students have done through Relay for Life is remarkable and recognizes Spartans for their extraordinary effort and dedication to fighting cancer,” said Emily Hendershot, community representative with the American Cancer Society. “MSU is sending a clear message that this campus community is leading the way nationwide. Our volunteers' time and resources truly make a difference in the mission of the American Cancer Society, we could not do it without them, and we are so grateful for all of their hard work.”
Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s biggest nationwide fundraiser, Relay started in 1985 when Klatt, a surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., ran alone for a full 24 hours to raise money for the society. Now more than 3.5 million people in the United States and 19 communities throughout the world participate.
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