Relay for Life
What is Relay?
Relay for Life is like an overnight, anti-cancer party. It's a 12-hour event that usually lasts from 8 pm to 8 am. Students, faculty, and staff form teams and raise money for the American Cancer Society. Teams can be of almost any size, though we suggest 10-12 people. Anyone can form a team--student organizations, departments, dorm residents, or even just friends. Throughout the night, participants work together to keep at least one person from each team walking around the mall all night--that's why it's a "Relay". We also have lots of entertainment--bands, dancing, and games--and food--muffins, coffee, and more!--for participants.
When and Where is Relay?
The 2009 UT Relay for Life date, time and location have not be finalized yet. Please check our website periodically for updates.
How Can I Participate?
There are three main ways to participate in Relay: start a team, join an existing team, or donate money. If you start a team, you will automatically be the team captain. This simply means that you will be in charge of recruiting teammates (friends, family, members of an organization, etc) and encouraging them to raise money. We will have periodic team captain meetings to answer any of your questions and help you have a successful team. However, these meetings are not mandatory, so don't worry about the extra time committment! If you do not wish to start your own team, you can always join an existing team. It only costs $5 to register, and there is no minimum amount that you must raise to participate. However, we strongly encourage everyone to raise at least $100. If you are a survivor or do not have a team to join, but would still like to participate, feel free to sign up for the Colleges Against Cancer team.
If you decide that you do not want to participate in the actual Relay, but would still like to help out, you can donate money to help our cause. You can support an individual, a team, or the entire event with your donation. With at least a $5 donation, you can also light a luminaria. We light luminarias in support of those who are fighting cancer, in honor of those who have beaten it, and in memory of those whom we've lost. There is a luminaria ceremony at Relay for Life, during which we light the luminarias and take three laps of rememberance.
Team sign up has not begun yet. If you are interested in participating please check back in January to register. If you have any questions contact us we are glad to help.
Where does the money go?
Though there is only a $5 minimum donation for participants, we encourage everyone to raise at least $100. However, one of the most common questions we are asked is "Where does the money go?". We donate all of the money we raise to the American Cancer Society. From there, the money goes to support research, educational and preventative initiatives, survivor services, and advocacy issues. Check out the ACS website for more information.