Rob DeGrand, junior electronic media major, throws a baseball at Relay for Life. Participants played catch, Frisbee and lacrosse between laps Saturday. KATIE ROUPE | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Jason Hall

Although a bit short of its goal, this year’s Relay For Life was still considered a success by many.

“The event kicked butt,” said co-chair Lindsay Jakab. “We have until Aug. 31 to raise $4,237 to meet our total goal.”

The event almost met its goal, raising $95,762. The total event goal was $100,000.

Ohio State was the first school to make $100,000 at a Relay For Life. Kent State, however, is trying to surpass this amount.

The 5th annual Kent State Relay For Life was held this weekend behind the DeWeese health center. Despite some bad weather, more than 1,200 people attended the event and 79 teams participated.

This year’s theme represented the year-round fight for cancer, and the teams lined up around the track in calendar-year order. Some team themes included holidays, such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. The Kent firefighters took a more somber approach, choosing to commemorate Sept. 11.

Relay For Life is a national 24-hour walking event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research. Kent State began Relay For Life in 2003 with 27 teams, which raised about $15,000. The event has grown in past years, incorporating themes and elaborate fundraising stunts.

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