"One small step for Greek Life...One giant leap in the right direction."
Banners emblazoned with the 2004 Greek Week slogan hung below the cover of a tent while members of fraternity and sorority teams walked laps during the second annual Relay for Life.
The relay, along with other kick-off events, was held Friday at Munn Field. Starting at 5 p.m., teams had at least one member walking around the tent. The walking didn't stop until 1 p.m. Saturday.
Relay for Life benefits the American Cancer Society.
"Most relays are 24 hours, but we made it less. It's easier on people," relay Chairman Nick Whitehurst said.
The Greek community raised $77,000 last year, and he said this year Greek members already have raised $64,000, but the final total won't be known until today.
"A lot of people donated online," he said. The event was sponsored by Menna's Joint, Sterling University Housing, Spartan Corner and The Village at Chandler Crossings Apartments.
Sukie Decker, community development director for the Capital Area Service Center of the society, said Relay for Life started in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985.
"It was one man walking around a track for 24 hours to benefit cancer research, education, advocacy and service," she said, adding that her service center coordinates 14 annual events in five counties.
Decker said the average participation in a relay is 10 to 15 teams. Fraternities and sororities combined for 15 teams and more than 2,400 participants.
"This one is like a monster. It's phenomenal," she said.
Other Greek Week events will benefit the Area 8 Special Olympics and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Lyman Briggs freshman Jason Jaekel, a member of Farmhouse fraternity, said he was enjoying his first Greek Week. He signed up to walk for an hour and a half.
"It's nice to see everyone contributing," he said.
Also in the tent were couches, armchairs and mattresses for participants to wait for their turns and rest after walking.
One sorority had a raffle, charging $1 a ticket. Other members organized a euchre tournament to pass time.
Mechanical engineering senior Robert Rachedi started walking about a half-hour into the event. He said members from his team walked in five- and ten-minute shifts.
"It's good to have fun while you're raising money," the Kappa Sigma fraternity member said.
There are five remaining events in Greek Week, which ends April 18. The next, MTV Night, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Auditorium. The night is a dance competition between all the teams. Admission money will benefit Special Olympics.
Greek Week Director Julee Albers said the events are more spread out this year than in others because of Easter.
"We didn't want to invade," she said. "It's easier scholastically."
