The Hope Riders team for Relay for Life of Shepherd University will be hosting a Sweetheart Paint Night tonight at the Clarion Inn. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN – Valentine’s Day is sometimes viewed as only a holiday for those in a romantic relationship. But for students in Shepherd University’s Relay for Life team, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to support those who are fighting cancer with the American Cancer Society.

On Feb. 15 at 5:45 p.m., the doors will open for the Sweetheart Paint Night at the Clarion Inn. Welcoming everyone in the community, the event is open to both singles and couples who want to enjoy a relaxing evening and support an important cause.

“I believe this is the first time we’ve held this, actually. The Clarion Hotel is a fantastic partner with us for events like this,” said ACS Communications Director Vivienne Stearns-Elliott. “This is being held by the students who are part of the Hope Riders team for Relay for Life of Shepherd University.

“You don’t have to come with a sweetheart, you can just come out if you like to paint,” Stearns-Elliott said. “However, it’s a great activity for a guy who doesn’t know what to do for his sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. But for anyone who likes painting, it’ll be a wonderful night.”

According to Stearns-Elliott, the painting will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will be led by a member of Hope Riders.

“One of the art students from Shepherd will be teaching the painting portion of the class,” Stearns-Elliott said, mentioning the event is a great idea, because it incorporates the students’ talents into the program.

“It’s fantastic. The students at Shepherd University have a very active Relay for Life program. They’re passionate,” Stearns-Elliott said. “This is a great way to bring the community together, to celebrate the holiday and utilize the students’ talents, while also having a fun night.”

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. The cost of painting tickets per person is $35 and per couple is $60. The ticket price includes canvas and paint. For $75 more, a couple can order a couples package, which will include the canvas, paint, five raffle tickets and a to-go gift with a bottle of champagne and chocolates.

Tickets to the event will not be sold at the door, but can be ordered at www.eventbrite.com/e/sweet-heart-paint-night-tickets-55879989553 through Thursday at 11:55 p.m., or reserved by contacting Hope Riders members Amanda Rau at arau01@rams.shepherd.edu or Hannah Brumbaugh at 304-876-5402 through Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

“For those who cannot make it to our paint night, any and all donations are accepted for the Relay For Life of Shepherd University through our website secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=relay_donate_now or via cash and check in the Office of Student Engagement located in the Shepherd University Student Center, Suite 216,” wrote Shepherd University Relay For Life of Shepherd University Committee Chair Devin Spinks in an email. “And as always, we welcome you to join us at our main event ‘Ramming Out Cancer’ in the Wellness Center on April 5 from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.”

According to Stearns-Elliott, the proceeds from these events add up.

“Since 2003, Shepherd University has raised over $500,000 in support of the American Cancer Society. These events are very important,” Stearns-Elliott said. “Not only do they help build awareness about cancer risk, the cancer prevention resources we have and the cancer support that we provide, but they’re also about fundraising. We are the largest nongovernmental cancer research funder in the country. We have given more than $4.8 billion into cancer research since 1946, when we started our research programs.”