Relay for Life raises hundreds of thousands of dollars nationwide each year for the American Cancer Society through their main relay event, which usually occurs in April. However, the University’s Relay for Life organization has made it their mission to continue to spread awareness and raise funds.
Relay for Life will host their first Oktoberfest fundraising event at the Kappa Alpha house. The event will feature games and competitions, as well as grilled hamburgers for attendees. Christin Spencer, the president of Relay for Life and a junior majoring in management and public relations, said the goal of Thursday’s event is not only to raise money for Relay for Life, but also to increase awareness.
“We are trying to increase participation through these events throughout the year,” she said.
Spencer said the University’s Relay for Life organization was able to raise $70,000 last year for the cause.
“Through our events this year we are hoping to bump it up to $100,000,” she said.
Spencer said the Oktoberfest event will feature games such as a pie eating contest, a potato sack race, a three-legged race, a wheelbarrow race, and contests.
Will Kenan, a junior majoring in biology and a member of Relay for Life, said the event is important because it raises awareness for an issue that affects vast amounts of people across the country.
“Everybody is affected by cancer,” he said. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by it.”
Oktoberfest will take place Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kappa Alpha fraternity house on University Boulevard. Tickets will cost $5 at the door and all proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life.
