View source for Relay for Life

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'''Relay For Life''' is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate
survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your
American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at
schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps.
Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all
times.

[[Image:Relayforlifecu2009-1.jpg|thumb|2009 Relay for Life on [[Low Plaza]]]]

==National History==
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted
to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He
decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he
enjoyed—running marathons.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at
Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than
83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30
minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year,
nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he
ran and walked the course.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others
could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could
raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a
small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City
of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track
at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An
indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that
dotted the infield.

==Relay at Columbia==
(for someone more verbose to rephrase) Columbia officially began relaying in 2003(?).  The annual event takes place each spring and attracts over several hundred participants.  It is one of the campus' largest fundraising events.  Activities on-site include live entertainment, fun games, and fundraising booths/tables run by campus student organizations.  Some examples of on-site activities from the past include: bake sales, button-making, the French Society kissing booth ("oui, oui!"), SigNu/SigChi dodgeball tournament (totally worth it to make a team and purchase your entry ticket...the winner gets boasting rights), water-balloon toss, Miss Relay Pageant, Lip Sync Contest, free food and SOO much more.

==Miss Relay Pageant==
An entertaining event where dudes wear dresses and heels (and other choice items...wigs...makeup...etc). They first have a talent competition as part of their introduction to society.  Go bar-hopping.  Acquire money for ACS.  Have a blast!  Each dude usually make a few hundred dollars in two hours.  The winner is the one who raised the most bar-hopping funds.

==Lip Syncing Contest==
Each year, there is a lip syncing contest.  Entries are taken earlier on during the festivities, but last-minute entrants are allowed to participate.  For the past 3 years, Shanice Naidu and Alex Hinton have dominated the lip syncing scene at Relay.  Their performances include choreographed sequences in addition to the lip syncing...Truly a tough act to follow.  The winners receive prizes.

==Survivorship==
(TBW)

==Themes==
Every year the Relay for Life Chooses a theme to try to engage participants and raise spirit.  The most recent themes at Columbia have been:

'''2011'''-Candyland Carnival

'''2010'''-Around the World

'''2009'''-Super Heros

'''2008'''-Monopoly

==The Committee==
'''Co-Chairs'''

'''PR Chair & Committee '''

'''Financial Chair & Committee'''

'''Entertainment Chair & Committee'''

'''Recruitment Chair & Committee'''

'''Food Chair & Committee'''

== External References ==
* [http://www.relayforlife.org/columbiauniversity Relay For Life]

[[Category:Annual events]]