Members of Sigma Sigma Sigma raise money for Relay for Life during Shepherd University’s fundraiser. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN – Students and staff joined together to inch closer to their $25,000 fundraising goal on April 5, at Shepherd University’s Relay For Life event in the Wellness Center.

The university’s Wellness Center was transformed into a cancer-beating, fundraising machine, as students and staff set up shop to raise money from 4 p.m. into 4 a.m. the next morning. Starting at McMurran Hall with a torch run, the Relay For Life event was host to power dancing, flip cup competitions and a Survivor Caregiver Lap, amongst a full itinerary of sponsored fundraising activities. The $25,000 dollars was almost met by the end of the event, when the fundraising totaled $23,392. The event ended with a closing ceremony, honoring those participating, those offering support and those who are battling cancer.

“The fundraiser that we did for Relay for Life was called Bench for Breast,” said Phi Kappa Tau President Aaron Carter. “Participants had to donate $3 to be able to bench the bar which was 45 pounds, or they had a second option of lifting 135 pounds. If the participant could get more than 10 reps, they were entered into a raffle for gift cards.”

Phi Kappa Tau raised more than $200 with its fundraiser.

“My advice for students that are not involved is to join Greek life,” Carter said. “Greek life is a way to better your connections on campus, to get the opportunity to get involved in Homecoming, Relay for Life, Greek Week and a whole lot more.”

Phi Kappa Tau members man their booth at Shepherd University’s Relay for Life fundraiser. Toni Milbourne

During the fundraiser, Shepherd’s co-ed business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, provided an assortment of Krumpee’s donuts and fresh-brewed coffee. Attendees getting coffee could personalize the experience, by painting their own ceramic mug to hold the fresh brew. Sigma Sigma Sigma, the university’s chapter of the national women’s sorority, offered a variety of walking tacos to keep the crowd fueled for the night ahead.

Joshua Hooper, a lead coordinator for the event, was happy with the turnout and urged more students to join Shepherd’s Relay for Life committee.

“Right now, we only have three people returning to the committee for next year, so we need a lot of help,” Hooper said, mentioning the committee works hard every semester, making sure its fundraising efforts will succeed.

According to Hooper, the fundraiser not only helped the committee get closer to its fundraising goals, but it also encouraged Shepherd University students to view charitable work with a new perspective.

“My highlight of the night was seeing over 100 students play water flip cup,” Hooper said. “Almost everyone in the Wellness Center was participating together. It was a very cool atmosphere.”