The 13th annual light the night walk is to take place at 7 p.m. Saturday. The two-mile walk is to be held on campus.
The event is held to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness society.
According to campaign coordinator Angelina Shilcosky, the walk is to celebrate cancer survivors and raise money to help battle leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers.
“For those who decide to walk with a team or individually, they will receive a ‘Light the Night’ illuminated balloon when they raise $25; a balloon and long sleeved T-shirt when they raise $100; and a balloon, T-shirt and sweatshirt when they raise $150 or more.”
Shilcosky said the goal is to raise $125,000 for cancer survivors.
She said that there also will be music by the Southside Strays, and food kicking off the event at 5 p.m. at Blackington Hall.
“We hope to increase the number of participants this year,” Shilcosky said.
Donations are to go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the largest voluntary agency supporting cancer research. The society’s goals are to find cancer cures and better treatments for cancer patients.
Light the Night donations can offer many things to the agency, such as improving treatment safety, helping patients and their families make decisions and providing financial aid.
Shilcosky said the walk is noncompetitive, and can also help student organizations and community service groups log hours. She also said that Light the Night can help increase teamwork skills and group bonding.
“The event is unique because the participants carry red illuminated balloons and cancer survivors carry white illuminated balloons to light up the sky,” Shilcosky said.
Shilcosky also said she would be grateful for more individuals and organizations willing to volunteer at the walk.
There is not a registration fee for the walk, but participants have been encouraged to raise $25.
“Any walkers that submit their e-mail address when registering become the proud owner of an online fundraising page that can be personalized,” Shilcosky said.
“Then they can e-mail everyone they know and ask them to donate to their Light the Night personal page.”
Anyone interested in the Light the Night Walk can register the night of the event at Blackington Hall.