SU Named Top College Relay For Life Team in America

SALISBURY, MD---One year after being named the best college relay team in the nation by population, the Salisbury University community is hitting the streets to raise money for its 2004 Relay For Life. SU’s relay event raised $4.95 per capita based on its student population in 2003, netting some $35,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society. SU has been named the No. 1 college relay in the Mid-Atlantic Division by population. The University named Relay For Life its best new community service event and best new registered student organization in 2002, when it raised $23,000 in its inaugural year. SU’s event also helped Wicomico County earn an award as the No. 1 fund-raising county in the nation based on population. “Cancer has become a disease that touches almost everyone's life in some way,” said Rebecca Lyons, co-coordinator of SU’s Relay. “Working with Relay for Life on campus gives all of the students a chance to make a difference and to participate in such a worthwhile cause.” At SU, Relay For Life teams are asked to raise at least $100 per member, averaging $1,200 per team. Team members take turns walking or running around a track set for the event in 30-minute intervals. Each team makes a commitment to have one member on the track during the entire 12-hour relay period. “The common goal is the fight against cancer,” co-coordinator Jason Copley said. “The money that each team raises goes towards cancer education, research and patient services.” Event highlights include opening ceremonies, the survivors’ first lap and a luminaria ceremony to remember those who lost their battle with cancer and honor cancer survivors. Entertainment, activities and fund-raisers take place throughout the relay. SU’s 2004 Relay For Life is scheduled 6 p.m. Saturday, April 24-6 a.m. Sunday, April 25, at the Intramural Field on Wayne Avenue. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.