Lycoming College held its eighth annual Relay For Life from 6 p.m. March 23 to 6 a.m. March 24 in the college's Recreation Center.
The event raised $24,016.56, according to Lorri Amrom, adviser for the college's chapter of Colleges Against Cancer.
Although the amount raised was less than the chapter's goal of $31,500, Amrom was pleased with the students' efforts.
"I think the economy is still impacting nonprofit donations, and also think that last year was extraordinary in that we surpassed the goal by a great deal," Amrom said. "This year's goal was set based on last year's achievement and it might not have been realistic to assume that we'd do that well, and even better, this year. But a challenge isn't a bad thing!"
Kayleigh Misner, one of the students who coordinated the effort, was happy with the results.
"We had $22,618 after the event and money is still coming in," she said. "We raised $8,000 that night."
Misner said teams held several fundraisers, including selling bracelets, T-shirts and Tree of Hope ornaments, along with activities during the Relay, such as a silent auction and Build-A-Bear workshop.
This year's theme was board games, a topic Misner said was selected by the chapter. Clubs and organizations decorated board game-themed tables and provided snacks, activities and a variety of entertainment during the 12-hour walk-a-thon. Students and faculty competed in volleyball, "minute-to-win-it" games and karaoke.
Misner said there are 15 committee members in Colleges Against Cancer and nearly 350 people took part in this year's Relay.
"I am very proud of the Colleges Against Cancer organization members. They work tirelessly all year on numerous creative fundraisers, the largest of which is the Relay," Amrom said. "Anyone who has gone to college or has a student in college knows how busy they can be and how easy it might be to let community service commitments take a back seat. Here at Lycoming, that's seldom the case and CAC members are no exception. I can't take credit for their accomplishments, but am very proud to be associated with these wonderful students."
