College Softball News – Guilford Prepares for Second Annual Relay for Life Event

GREENSBORO, N.C. – In addition to preparing for the upcoming 2013 season, Guilford College’s softball team is working on the school’s second Relay for Life event. The Quakers are partnering with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

In 2012, some 200 members of the Guilford community assembled April 13 in the Armfield Athletic Center on campus for a night of walking, entertainment and games. Team members worked throughout the year, not just to organize the event, but also to generate contributions. Their efforts paid off in nearly $9,000 raised for cancer research.

“Last year worked really well,” said Guilford head coach Dennis Shores. “It united people from different parts of the campus and provided valuable funds for research and programs.”

After the success of last year’s event, Shores and his team aim to double the fund-raising total from 2012. Guilford’s 2013 Relay for Life event is scheduled for Friday, May 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Armfield Athletic Center. It will be held rain or shine.

“Since we have the process down, we have more time to prepare this year,” Shores said. “We would like this to reach beyond the Guilford community and be a positive event for all of Greensboro.”

This year the team is partnering with Guilford’s Office of Advancement with hopes of involving more people, particularly Guilford alumni. Team members continue to reach out to their fellow students and faculty leaders with hopes of involving even more of Guilford’s community.

The event will again feature teams of walkers who take turns walking laps around the field. Groups and individuals from the community are welcome to form or join teams to raise support and awareness for cancer research and programs. When not walking, participants will enjoy music provided by local bands, games sponsored by Guilford student organizations and food. The night will also celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, and provide opportunities to remember lives lost to the disease. In addition to raising funds and community spirit, event organizers hope the event inspires participants to fight cancer throughout the year.

Guilford’s softball team will also host two ‘Score for the Cure’ games April 6 versus Old Dominion Athletic Conference-rival Sweet Briar College. The games begin at 1:00 p.m. on Guilford’s Haworth Field. The Quakers will solicit donations based on the number of Guilford runs scored and donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Guilford has held Score for the Cure games each season since 2010, which have yielded over $2,000 in donations.