RECORD-BREAKING Relay for Life raised awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. S tudents stayed up all night at the Relay for Life event and raised a record-breaking total of $26,057.47 for the American Cancer Society in fall 2018. The event took place Friday night through Saturday morning on Oct. 5-6, 2018. Along with extra money raised, there was a heightened focus on music and a new dynamic between social clubs and potential new members. "We wanted to change things up and keep the night interesting so people would come out of their tents and have a good time," Lisa Bryant, assistant professor of education and "We couldn't be more thankful for their willingness to participate in this event," senior Relay for Life Co-Director Abbie Lippincott said. The 2018 year was unique with regards to the dynamic between social clubs and their potential new members because the event happened before fourth-round invitations came out. In the past, Relay for Life took place between visitation invitations and Club Week, meaning the new members could sign up with their clubs, but in 2018, freshmen signed up to participate in the event through their peer guides. The event organizers believed Relay for Life advisor, said. In 2017, the Relay for Life event raised$ 16,100, and in 2018, the event organizers wanted to raise the goal to $20,000. By Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, the event had already raised over$ 14,000. The Harding Relay for Life event was mainly for students, but the coordinators wanted to reach out and have more participation from the Searcy community, "I want that image of cancer survivors walking with their family members and everyone applauding them to be remembered because it provides hope..." "standing strong through the decades" was a perfect theme and aligned with the goal of the American Cancer Society. The night began by honoring those who had been affected by cancer and everyone who had contributed to the success of the event. - Lisa Bryant "I love Relay for Life because if people aren't going through a cancer trial, they forget it's happening, so to have an event on campus recognizing cancer exists that students can be a part of is really important," senior Bailey Patterson said. "Having a personal struggle to cope with can be really hard when you're far from home, so it's nice to have an outlet that honors the struggle you're going through." and, according to Bryant, they accomplished that goal. "We have lots of sponsors --- the book store donated for the silent auction, Unity Hospital donated $15,000 and First Community Bank donated over $4,000," Bryant said. "This is one of the few community events going on in Searcy right now so more businesses are becoming involved." Live music performances included Belles & Beaux, sophomore performer Olivia Nutt, Hemmed in Hollow, Good News Singers, junior performer Dara Niemi and Diamond A. A total ofsix live bands performed free of charge, allowing all proceeds to go directly to the American Cancer Society. According to Lippincott, the survivor lap had grown in numbers annually, and in 2018, 23 survivors participated. "I want that image of cancer survivors walking with their family members and everyone applauding them to be remembered because it provides hope, and for a lot of people, myself included, it's a way to feel like we're fighting back because we've lost people that we love," Bryant said. story by Kendra Christopher 21 I RELAY FOR LIFE
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