Ole Miss Relay for Life: Rebels for Life will be holding Paint the Campus Purple Week with various events and fundraisers happening throughout this week.
The goal of the week is to make students and faculty aware of all that Rebels for Life does and how easy it is to become involved. Relay for Life is a fundraising unit for the American Cancer Society, a philanthropic organization that not only raises money for cancer research but also works to raise awareness for cancer and to educate people on the subject.
“When people think of Relay for Life, they think of the big run each year in the spring. They don’t know that we fundraise all year long,” said Tracy Brooks, the faculty adviser for Rebels for Life.
Rebels for Life will have a booth in front of the Student Union for the entirety of the event. They will also be holding two fundraisers this week: a bake sale in front of the Student Union on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a benefit at McAlister’s from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday. Ten percent of the proceeds from McAlister’s will go to Rebels for Life.
As part of the week, all major buildings on campus will be garnished with purple ribbons, the official symbol of Relay for Life. A 5K run will also be held Nov. 2 to support Relay. Anyone who wants to volunteer for this or any other fundraisers can visit the booth during the week to sign up.
The organization is enjoying an increase in interest and support from the public, according to Adam Blackwell, Rebels for Life co-chair.
“The number of volunteers and money raised has gone up each year,” Blackwell said.
Rebels for Life had more than 600 people participate last year and raised $53,000. They are looking to grow again in participation and funds raised, with this year’s goal being $57,000.
Paint the Campus Purple Week is intended to raise awareness for the fundraising events occurring throughout the year including the Relay for Life held in March.
For more information on Paint the Campus Purple Week, visit the Ole Miss Relay for Life: Rebels for Life Facebook page.
