Relay for Life 2015
Six-hour event ends at midnight this year
Relay for Life provides an opportunity for the campus and community to come together to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, remember loved ones lost, and celebrate the lives that have been saved.
The 2015 Notre Dame Relay for Life takes place 6 p.m. through midnight Friday, April 17, at the Compton Family Ice Arena. This year’s event takes place over six hours rather than overnight as in previous years.
One of the University’s three sponsored charitable initiatives, Notre Dame’s Relay for Life has raised over $1.2 million for the American Cancer Society, growing from a grassroots initiative to a national, award-winning event. For the second year in a row, Notre Dame in 2014 won the nationwide Number One Youth Per Capita Award and the Gordy Klatt Number One Collegiate Power of Hope Award.
The tangible results of the fundraising efforts of Relay can be measured in the research grant money that has come back to Notre Dame from the American Cancer Society, the single largest nongovernmental, not-for-profit investor in cancer research.
Over the past decade, Notre Dame has been awarded 13 research grants, totaling $4,723,518, allowing faculty and student researchers to conduct pioneering cancer research. Harper Cancer Research Institute, a partnership between the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine South Bend, and Zachary Schafer, Coleman Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology were recently awarded a combined $1 million, providing seed money to fund their ground-breaking research.
There are many ways to participate in this year’s fundraising and awareness activities.
Back by popular demand is the “Put Your Feet Up” campaign, challenging every building and department on campus to help pave a path of purple in solidarity across campus now through April 17.
For just $1, participants can purchase a purple foot to be displayed on windows, walls, doors, etc. The feet can be purchased at LaFortune, the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore and through participating departments. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the venue, division or building with the most feet sold and most innovative display.
In celebration and remembrance, the RFL committee is accepting names to be displayed on the jumbotron during the event of loved ones lost, those currently battling cancer, or those who have won the fight. Please submit your names to relay.nd.edu/honorees. Luminary bags are also available for purchase and will be displayed during the luminaria ceremony at 9:00 p.m. during the event. Bags can be purchased for $5 each or 3 for $10 either online or by contacting a committee member.
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be an online mobile auction conducted by partner Auctions by Cellular, allowing you to bid via cell phone while still participating in other activities. You can preview items up for bid and begin online bidding Monday, April 6, continuing through 11 p.m. Friday, April 17.
Items being auctioned include autographed Notre Dame and Blackhawks memorabilia; a summer concert package to see Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire, including backstage meet-the-band passes and an autographed guitar; custom-framed photographs and prints; restaurant and spa gift cards, hand-made items and more. Visit ndrelay15.myab.co to register, preview and bid.
Notre Dame Security Police will host their Jail-n-Bail fundraiser on Friday, April 17. If you would like to participate by throwing a friend or colleague in jail, complete with mug shot and bail bondsman, complete the online registration at relay.nd.edu.
Relay for Life 2015, Friday, April 17, is a family-friendly event that will appeal to children and adults alike with activities and food items for all ages.
New this year is a zumbathon and karaoke provided by All Star Entertainment in O’Brien’s. Family skate, inflatables, face painting, ice sculpting, broomball tournament, open and closing ceremonies are among the featured events.
Meal packages will be offered for $5 from vendors including CJ’s Pub, Ben’s Pretzels, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Hacienda and more.
Everyone must register before entering the event. To avoid the line, we encourage everyone to sign up online in advance. Registration is $10 per person, with children 12 and under free. Registration includes entrance to the event and a 2015 ND Relay for Life t-shirt.
Please visit our website at relay.nd.edu for upcoming fundraisers, schedule of events, news and registration.
Follow us on Facebook at Notre Dame Relay for Life and Twitter @NotreDameRelay.