Press Release

Atlanta’s Relay for Life 2008

ATLANTA - Oglethorpe University’s Center for Civic Engagement is hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay Around the World Relay for Life on April 11 and 12, on the university’s track and in the Steve Schmidt Sports and Recreation Center (4484 Peachtree Rd NE) from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.

Over 400 participants will celebrate, remember, fight back and walk for 12 hours in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS). As the largest nonprofit fundraising activity in the world, Relay For Life allows participants to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle, educate the community on early detection and prevention of cancer and celebrate the funds raised by the community.

Survivors are honored with a reception prior to the relay and are cheered on in the opening ceremony through a Victory Lap around the track. The Luminaria Ceremony will be held in the center of the track at 10:00 p.m. and will also honor the community’s cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. Survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminarias while the names of survivors and those lost to the disease are read aloud.

Participants will walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track. A DJ will be spinning music all night to encourage the walkers, and food will be sold on site with all the proceeds going to ACS.

Oglethorpe University is holding a Poetry and Jazz Night fundraiser on Thursday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Emerson Student Center. Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families. Funds also support cutting-edge cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.