November 17th, in Coburn Dinning hall, Relay for life held a “Paint Party” to raise money and awareness to the American Cancer Society. The event started at 6 p.m, and for those who participated, a donation of $20 was asked of anyone who attended.
Christy Young, the team captain for the Union University Relay for Life team, was the coordinator for the event. She said that though they have had several different fund-raising events on campus, this event is different because it was Christmas themed and brought the Christmas spirit out in people.
“We’ve done several other things on campus to raise money, but the painting party have become very popular,” Young said. “It’s a great way to raise a lot of money and to also have fun while you’re doing it.”
Though the cold weather has been an issue for the Jackson area lately, Young says that she is very grateful for people to still have the will to come out and support a cause such as this.
“Just the fact that a bunch of people coming together to have fun and raise money is great,” Young said. “The hard part, sometimes, is getting people to come out once they are off of work and the weather starts to get cold on a night like this. But we are very thankful for the turnout.”
Kieral Courtner, the coordinator for the Experiential and Continuing education in the school of Pharmacy, said events such as these hit home to her, and she was willing and happy to help where she was needed.
“We are here to raise money for the Relay for Life, and this particular has a special meaning to me because my husband passed away this past May from cancer,” Courtner said. “It means a lot to me, so I’m just hoping that we raise lots of money and that our fellow friends here at Union have fun painting a Christmas picture.”
The night’s picture was a painting of Santa Clause, which was taught by a professional artist. The night ended with laughs, fun and a generous donation to the American Cancer Society. Younger said the reason why she got into the fight to find a cure was because of her dad.
“My dad died 10 years ago from colon and liver cancer, and I watched him battle cancer, and I realized people that fight cancer are some of the strongest people I’ve ever known,” she said. “So, after he passed away, I wanted to do something to honor and be in memory of my dad so I got involved with Relay for Life.”
In the spring semester, Relay for Life will have other events that will also help raise money and awareness. If you missed the opportunity to participate in the painting party and to donate money, visit http://www.relayforlife.org and make your donation.
