Hofstra's Annual Relay for Life Breaks Fundraising Goal!

This year’s annual Relay for Life was another incredible success! More than 900 members of the Hofstra community divided up into 74 teams came out to the soccer intramural field on Saturday evening to spend the night (7 PM to 7 AM) walking to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The goal set for the evening was to raise $110,000, up almost $5,000 from what was raised last year. We are proud to announce that the Hofstra community not only met their goal, but exceeded it! In total, we raised $111,000! Congratulations!

Sigma'Cappella sings the National Anthem as the ROTC completes the Presentation of the Colors

All year the Relay for Life student committee, spearheaded by tri-chairs Rob Canobbio, Alyssa Legnetti and Kimberly Wilkens, worked to not only encourage participants to raise money for an important cause but to put together an event that honored all those who have been impacted by cancer: survivors, caregivers, and those whom are currently fighting and those whom have lost their battle with cancer. During both the opening and luminaria ceremonies members of the Hofstra community shared their personal stories about how their lives have been impacted by cancer. Their bravery and their stories touched everyone in attendance, especially those whom have struggled with cancer in one way or another themselves. For the evening, we were all one big Hofstra family supporting one another. 

Participants start the first lap with the support of the Hofstra Cheerleaders

The luminaria ceremony was especially moving.  Members of the Hofstra community were able to buy a luminaria bag in remembrance of someone whom they lost to cancer. During the ceremony everyone walked a lap in silence as those who bought a luminaria lit their bag. The entire field was lit up in remembrance of everyone we came together to remember. We stay-up all night and walk because cancer never sleeps.

If you were unable to attend the walk this year, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, 2014 as the date for next year’s Relay for Life has already been set! Again, congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s Relay!