The American Cancer Society (ACS) will receive upwards of $70,000 from this weekend's sixth annual Tufts Relay for Life fundraiser, according to junior Zachary Parris, co-chair of the event's planning committee.
The 12-hour walkathon, which began on Friday evening and took place in the Gantcher Center, brought in 60 teams and 725 participants, Parris said. This marks a 45-percent increase in attendance from last year's relay.
Parris was proud of his committee's efforts. "That's a huge number of people, especially for a non-profit fundraising event," he said.
Individual participants raised most of the money, although local businesses like Pizzeria Uno also contributed.
Senior Melanie Hyman, who alone raised about $6,200, brought in the largest sum of any individual. She said her father, who is currently being treated for pancreatic cancer, donated generously to her campaign.
Participants signed up for the relay in teams. Each team had to have at least one member walking at any given time.
Theta Delta Chi raised the most money, reeling in $7,635. The other top-five teams were OH EIGHT, of which Hyman was a member, Chi Omega, Team Leslie Parris, of which Parris was a member, and Team Houston.
When not walking, participants spent their time playing poker, ping-pong and other games. They could also buy snacks to raise money, play volleyball or enjoy performances by student groups.
Among the night's performers were the Beelzebubs, sQ!, Essence, Spirit of Color, BEATS, Tufts Burlesque Troupe and several student bands.
One of the relay's highlights, the Luminaria Ceremony, took place at 9:30 p.m. on Friday night. Participants set up lighted bags around the track and listened to speakers' descriptions of their experiences battling cancer.
Sophomore Matthew Gaeta, who suffered from leukemia between the ages of 16 to 19, was one of the night's speakers. "I spoke about my story and how it affected me and about how I think it is important to help kids in my situation," he said.
A large percentage of the money will go to ACS research projects like Cancer Prevention Study-3, which is designed to allow researchers to "better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations," according to the Relay for Life Web site.
