Society Sets Goal to Raise $10 Million to Fight Cancer by 100th Anniversary in 2018

From 2004 to 2006, Phi Theta Kappa chapters successfully met their goal and raised more than $1 million for the American Cancer Society. Now they have a new goal.

Through Relay For Life, the main fundraising program of the American Cancer Society and now a Phi Theta Kappa civic engagement initiative, the Society chapters hope to raise $10 million by 2018, the Society's Centennial Anniversary.

During the four years that Phi Theta Kappa partnered with the American Cancer Society in an International Service Program aimed at conquering cancer, the Society was twice honored as the top collegiate fundraiser for Relay For Life.

Of the $1.3 million that chapters raised for the American Cancer Society, more than $686,000 was secured through Relay For Life events. An estimated 200 chapters sponsor Relay teams annually, and many more chapter members participate in school-sponsored or other teams.

It was a relationship that seemed too valuable to lose - leading the 2005-06 International Officers to propose that Phi Theta Kappa continue to support Relay For Life.

"Phi Theta Kappa chapters have supported the American Cancer Society during the years that the International Service Program targeted cancer awareness, education, prevention and advocacy, " said 2005-06 International President Arthur Vargas.

"Many chapters have also taken the lead to establish Relay For Life events in their communities, which earned Phi Theta Kappa the recognition as the top collegiate organization for most team participation and funds raised," Vargas continued.

"The 2005-06 International Officers would like to see this momentum and excitement continue, as Phi Theta Kappa embraces Relay For Life as a civic engagement initiative. We hope that part of the celebrations of Phi Theta Kappa's Centennial Anniversary will be the announcement that we have met our $10 million goal," Vargas said.

The Relay For Life initiative and the $10 million goal also have the support of the current International Officer Team.

"Inevitably, we all have or will be touched by cancer, but Phi Theta Kappa can make a difference in the way we fight back," said 2006-07 International President Tycia Foster.

"As the top collegiate contributor for two years, we take partial responsibility in seeing the first decrease of cancer-related deaths in 70 years. Relay For Life Events help to support education, awareness programs and research - key elements in the fight against cancer," Foster said.

"Victory is in sight and your 2006-07 International Officers encourage all Phi Theta Kappa chapters to stay in the fight," said Foster.

"Phi Theta Kappa is eager to address environmental concerns through our new International Service Program, yet many chapters are reluctant to sever their ties with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, due to the overwhelming success of this partnership," said Executive Director Rod Risley. "As the nation's top's collegiate Relay For Life fundraiser for two years, Phi Theta Kappa has made a real difference in the fight against cancer. Our Society leaders as well as our chapters want to continue this win-win partnership."

Phi Theta Kappa's International Service Program, Conquering Cancer, was introduced in 2002, and continued in 2004 for an unprecedented four-year period.

During that time Phi Theta Kappa chapters enthusiastically embraced the service program, especially Relay For Life. Chapters have been involved in starting Relays in their communities, have become leaders and committee chairmen of existing Relays, and have devised innovative plans for securing new teams, raising additional funds and educating their communities about good health practices.