This weekend, on Friday and Saturday, students will have several opportunities to help raise money to fight cancer. The Harding Relay for Life will take place tonight on the front lawn from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Students are encouraged to participate in purchasing baked goods, drinks and other goods from club-sponsored vendors. Even if students do not wish to stay out past curfew, they still can participate in most of the evenings festivities. Harding has assembled over 25 teams and boothes to attend the relay.
Senior Craig Thomas, activities director for men’s social club SubT-16, said the club will rent the portable climbing wall from Zion Climbing Center. Thomas says he loves the difference that this night makes for those who are struggling with cancer.
“As cheesy as it is, seeing so many people gather to help fight cancer is the best part of the night,” Thomas said. “I have a friend back home that has already expressed what it means to him that (Harding) does this.”
Thomas said he has many friends who are or have known those with cancer, and understands how much it means to them.
“It makes such a bigger difference than we realize,” Thomas said. “Aside from the money raised, having people stricken by cancer know that we are aware and care, that makes an unmeasurable impact.”
SubT-16 also invites students to come play Wii Sports with Harding presidents as characters. Students can find puppies and kittens to hold and play with from a few vendors, including women’s club Chi Omega Pi and men’s club Omega Phi. Men’s club Knights will be continuing a booth where members are auctioned off for a date.
The following day in downtown Little Rock, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be taking place on Main Street. Racers are encouraged to wear pink to support those who have survived breast cancer. According to the Director of Special Events Jessie Gillham, participants have three options to walk or run; a 5k Timed Run, the most popular 5k Walk and the 2k Family Walk.
“No matter how many times you have participated in the race, the energy and celebration you experience at Race for the Cure is exciting and new every year,” Gillham said. “I love watching Downtown Little Rock turn into a sea of pink on race morning.”
Gillham also said that the majority of funds raised during this race stay in Arkansas, while the rest is sent to fund national studies.
“Seventy-five percent of the funds raised from Race for the Cure stay right here in Arkansas to fund breast cancer education, treatment and research grants,” Gillham said. “The remaining 25 percent directly funds national breast cancer research.”
Students can register as a team or individually for Race for the Cure or donate at Arkansas.info-komen.org. In case of rain, Relay for Life will be held in the Ganus Athletic Center.
