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OU Paints The Town Purplr To Raise Awareness For Relay For Life
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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Ohio University is painting the town purple to raise awareness for the 10th annual Relay for Life event on Friday, May 11 at Pruitt Field.
Ohio’s Relay for Life is one of the largest annual fundraising events on campus. It has raised $541,342 for the American Cancer Society over past nine years.
Purple is the signature color. To paint the town purple is aiming to promote the popular fundraising arm of the American Cancer Society among the Ohio University community, according to its press release on May 9.
The student-run relay planning committee expects more than 700 students can involve in at Friday’s event.
The university community is encouraged to participant by registering or joining a team. University members who are not registered with a team are still encouraged to check out the event.
“Not everyone signs up for a team, but I think that Relay has made everyone more aware,” Natalie Meyers, the co-president of Relay for Life planning committee said. “People are curious, and we have gotten Relay for Life’s name out there.”
Relayers will gather at Pruitt Field for the event as always. Choosing Pruitt Field is because its on-campus location is within walking distance for most participants, and the turf field can suit any weather conditions.
At the event, during the 18-hour-period, each team is required at least to have one member walking the track at all times. Teams usually consist of eight to15 people representing organizations, sport teams, Greek life, faculty and friends.
Apart from walking, Relay for life will also have food, entertainment, ceremonies, games and prizes.
The event’s opening ceremony celebrates survivors, providing gifts and dinner to attending survivors.
“Not only do we raise money for a great cause, but for a cause that people are really passionate about.” Meyers said. “We have brought cancer awareness to our campus and try to educate as best we can.”
The group of Relay for life has been working to prepare this event since last year.
“We have a core group of about 35 students who have worked all year to put this event along with their schoolwork, work and organizations…I’m really proud of them,” said Hilary Patrick, planning committee income development representative for Relay for Life.