Illinois "Mini" Relay Raises Funds, Awareness for Fight against Cancer

Phi Theta Kappa members from Shawnee Community College in Illinois have found a new way to support the American Cancer Society. By conducting a "mini" Relay For Life during a break from classes, the chapter raised money for the college Relay team by enlisting support from students who would otherwise be unable to participate.

According to chapter advisor Craig Bradley, Shawnee Community College serves a large multi-county area in southern Illinois, meaning that students commuting from different and sometimes distant towns often cannot participate in campus Relay For Life events held on weekends - so the chapter brought the Relay to them.

During the college's annual Spring Fest, the chapter organized a "mini" Relay during the hour designated for outdoor activities. Relay participants walked one lap to raise donations for the American Cancer Society.

"We raised a total of $60.75 and gave that money to our school staff Relay team to include in their collections," Bradley reported. The "mini" Relay attracted 35 walkers and one participant in a wheelchair, he said.

While the "mini" Relay may not have been a top fundraiser, Bradley said the event was a success. The chapter was pleased with the number of participants, and also reported that the event had raised awareness of Phi Theta Kappa's support for the American Cancer Society.

Phi Theta Kappa chapters across the Society are currently conducting Relay For Life activities, which raise funds for cancer research, honor survivors and help educate the public about health issues and cancer prevention.

The American Cancer Society was Phi Theta Kappa's 2002-2006 International Service Program partner, and Relay For Life is now a civic engagement initiative. Chapters have set a goal to raise $10 million for ACS by 2018 as part of Phi Theta Kappa's centennial anniversary celebration.

Phi Theta Kappa has twice been honored as the top collegiate contributor to Relay For Life, and was recognized at the recent International Convention as the leading nationwide organization in raising money for Relay For Life. Currently chapters have contributed more than $2.3 million to the American Cancer Society.

Report your chapter's 2008 Relay For Life totals online.

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