Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo courtesy Delta Psi Delta Run for your life. Two Delta Psi Delta sisters pose after staying up all night to raise money for the American Cancer Society. [Click to enlarge]

It's relay season again.

"We are one of the first relays, which last throughout the summer," says Kate Hersey, this year's co-chair for Relay For Life and college service-learning coordinator, explaining how Ripon's event is one of the first in a series of Relay for Life events that will take place nationwide.

Ripon's annual Relay For Life is April 21 to 22, from Friday night to Saturday morning at Ripon High School.

"Relay For Life is an annual benefit for the American Cancer Society where teams of seven to 15 people get together and get pledges for walking through the night. The money raised goes for the American Cancer Society for research, education, advocacy and service," Hersey says.

Her job is to make sure that everything stays on track. She is also the contact for teams when they have questions. This event brings both the community and the college together.

"Ripon's relay is easily one of the largest nonprofit events in the community," Hersey adds.

The Greek organizations involved in the fundraiser include Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Psi Delta, Theta Chi and Sigma Chi.

This will be sophomore Tricia Barker's sixth year participating in Relay For Life.

"In my high school it was a really big thing. I've been really active with it," she says.

As a member of the Alpha Chi Omega team, she says the society tries to be as active in the community as possible. "We have been doing Relay For Life for a few years. It gives us more time to bond and be with each other while helping the community," she says.

Alpha Chi Omega hopes to raise $500 through the creation of a webpage, www.riponrelayforlife.org, and will also fundraise on their own.

Delta Psi Delta also has a goal in mind. "It would be awesome if we got $200," says senior Jen Baker, member of the team. "We are fundraising by selling candy bars and suns and moons in the commons for the next two weeks," she adds.

Baker became involved because of personal experiences. "My grandpa had been diagnosed with cancer. Dealing with it from a personal point of view made me want to help out," she says.

Delta Psi Delta has been involved with Relay for Life since the sorority was founded.

Hersey's recruitment work with college students seems to be paying off. There are other students who are not on teams who are volunteering to help and entertain during the event.

The jazz band will play, Sodexho is providing food and Photogenesis is taking team pictures, to name a few.

The theme for this year's event is Cancer Education and Awareness. Each team will put together a presentation about a different kind of cancer.

Between speakers there will be a silent auction with big prizes. "You never know what great stuff will be there until you get there," says Charles Oberweiser, service-learning coordinator and a member of the Relay For Life Committee.

Hersey hopes that everybody stops by. "If you are not a member of a team and would like to donate contact me," she says.

The Ripon Relay for Life has a name to uphold. Fond du Lac County, which includes the cities of Ripon and Fond du Lac, is ranked number two in the nation for its participation in the fundraiser for the American Cancer society.

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