From Relay For Life Chairwoman Jennifer Long’s perspective, there appears to be a David versus Goliath battle on Northwestern’s philanthropy scene. Dance Marathon, which raised over $900,000 this year, continues to be NU’s fundraising colossus, standing head and shoulders above other student philanthropy groups. Long is committed to help Relay For Life attain similar success, especially in terms of student participation.
The Weinberg sophomore said she recognizes the fundraising might of NU’s largest student-run philanthropy, but wants to build upon the success of last year’s Relay.
“We want to get more people involved,” she said. “I see no reason why (Relay) shouldn’t be as big as DM.”
Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society’s premier fundraising event, holds an annual event that raises funds for cancer research and encourages Americans to take an active role in the fight against the disease. This year’s NU Relay will take place May 16 and run from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day.
NU’s Relay For Life event is relatively new to campus in comparison to the 34-year-old DM. Now entering its sixth year, Relay hopes to join DM as one of NU’s most well-attended events, organizers said. Nearly 1,000 students took part in last year’s Relay, and the event’s organizers anticipate approximately the same number of students to walk or fundraise this year.
Last year, Relay raised $178,000 and was recognized as the nation’s largest per-capita fundraiser for a medium-sized school at the Illinois National Youth Summit. The event also gained increased campus attention last year when it was elevated to a B-status student group by Associated Student Government, Long said.
“We’ve really expanded the scope of everything and we’re building on feedback and results to try and improve the whole package we’re giving students,” said Golbus, a Weinberg senior and fellow Relay co-chair. Golbus said she is proud to see the group’s progression from a single relay event to a year-long fundraising program.
Long and Golbus also emphasized that one of their main goals this year has been to increase cancer awareness.
“This year, we’re trying to bring in more of the education component,” Long said. “We’re looking to be more informational because we realize people are tapped out financially (from DM).”
To jump start Relay’s educational program, the team will bring in Steven Rosen, the director of NU’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, to speak May 7. Rosen will discuss progress in cancer treatments and research as well as “debunk cancer myths,” Golbus said.
Long also said the group has had to become more creative in their fundraising campaigns. Bar nights and a dodgeball tournament have supplemented the customary letter writing to friends and family. The efforts have also gotten a boost from Weinberg sophomore Ben Winerip, whose unofficial 8.4-mile run to Lincoln Park raised $770 for Relay.
“The run was so cool because it was about people giving whatever they could contribute, whatever they had,” Winerip said.
Winerip’s Relay group, IntensiTEAM, is producing a “Men of Northwestern” calendar to benefit Relay For Life. Weinberg sophomore Elizabeth Green, a member of IntensiTEAM, said “the guys are having a good time with the calendar.”
The “every little bit helps” mantra is shared by the women’s fencing team. They are Relay’s top fundraising group this year, having amassed nearly $3000. Communication sophomore and team member Alice Weinert said the main reason her group has been so successful is their attitude that no donation is too small.
One major change this year is that Relay will take place in the Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center instead of Welsh-Ryan Arena, where it has been held in the past. Long said because Relay is held in a more accessible location, it will enhance the event’s exposure.
This year’s Relay will have a Hawaii surfing theme and will feature entertainment such as Guitar Hero, board games and an “undie fun run,” Golbus said. Confirmed performers include TONIK Tap, dance group BLAST, fraternity Phi Beta Sigma and Graffiti Dancers.
Long said she would like Relay to eventually rise to the level of DM’s fundrasing power, but right now she is content to see the two philanthropies doing so much for NU and their respective beneficiaries.
“The more money that goes to fighting cancer the better,” Long said, “but if you already danced for 30 hours to fight cancer, then walking 12 hours for it should be a breeze.”
