by Bailey Basham, Messenger Staff Writer

Last year, the Rotaract Club of Sewanee had a goal of raising $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. After working for months to prepare for the event, the group was able to donate more than $37,000. Planning is currently underway for the second annual Relay for Life, which is scheduled for Oct. 26 on Hardee-McGee Field at Harris Stadium, Sewanee.

The Relay for Life honors those who have passed from or are battling cancer, cancer survivors and their caregivers. Though the club prioritizes planning for the relay, they are busy year-round working to raise money and awareness for other causes as well.

Last year, the club partnered with the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club to support the work of the Hunger Walk. This raised more than $25,000 for the Community Action Committee (CAC) in Sewanee and the Morton Memorial UMC Food Ministry in Monteagle.

Jenna Land, who serves as the community service chair for the Rotaract Club, works to bridge the gap between the Sewanee community and those on campus. One of the projects she found to be a success is Treats for Troops.

Caroline Sweetin, president of the Rotaract club, said in the past, the club has raised money for Global Health Charities, which works to prevent deaths that occur in mothers and newborns who do not have access to hospitals, healthcare resources and clean supplies.

“I think it’s really important for younger generations to know the effects that cancer has on our families and friends and our communities. In a community as tightly-knit as Sewanee, it seems that it has a farther reach. They’re placing the emphasis now on research and preventative measures just so we have that knowledge and we know how deadly of a disease this is,” Sweetin said. “For us, being able to rally the community around work for the Relay for Life is huge.”

This year’s relay goal is $50,000. This event will take place from 4 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Hardee-McGee Field at Harris Stadium. For more information on how to donate, form a team or get involved, go to www.relayforlife.org/sewaneetn or email amasoek0@sewanee.edu.