Spaghetti dinner raises money for Relay For Life

Every year, Relay For Life raises money to support those who have been diagnosed with cancer. This goes on nation wide through several middle schools, high schools and colleges, including Virginia Wesleyan. They provide many services such as giving rides to those who need transportation and offering recreational activities for kids whose parents might be diagnosed with cancer.

“The good thing about the relay here is the money that is raised stays here in Virginia Beach and Norfolk to research cancer as well as aid the families that have had to cope with this,” said Elaine Aird, assistant director of business operations.

On April 8, VWC’s Relay For Life team will be hosting an Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction in the Boyd Dining Hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. There will be food, music provided by DJ Astro, an Elvis impersonator and exciting games for all to enjoy. The price is only $5 per person and $2 for students and children.

“The big thing for us is the spaghetti dinner where all the food is donated to our team,” said Aird.

Along with the food being donated, there are many prizes that people who attend this event can win that have been donated as well. This year they have an oil painting, an 8-foot sofa, DVDs, movie passes, scented candles, beach chairs, jewelry, a cordless phone and several other prizes.

Even those who don’t win anything can still enjoy the many games that Relay For Life has to offer during this event. They’re going to have Wheel of Fortune, a 50-50 raffle and a silent auction.

“The big thing is the auction,” said Aird.

Plus, DJ will choose other games to be played.

“Based on the past he always comes up with some good games,” said Aird.

VWC also been calling and welcoming several nursing homes to come and enjoy this great event. So far, they’ve heard from Brighten Garden and Marian Manor.

“We have invited several of the nursing homes in the area,” said Aird, and we’ve heard from a couple of them, so they’ll be joining us.”

The members of Relay For Life, who are hosting this event consists of Jessica Tibbetts, Matt Richardson, Diana Ray, Melissa Vindigni, Jessica West, Amanda Wolk, and Daniel Proud.

“It’s a small group, but it’s a very enthusiastic group,” said Aird.

West expressed her excitement and enthusiasm for this event.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said West. We’ve done it for three years now and it’s a good way to raise money for cancer for the relay.”

This event means a lot to Virginia Wesleyan. Especially due to the deaths of recent cancer victims, Dr. Catherine Cookson and Dr. Thomas Fanny.

“The college has a very personal attachment to the relay due to the recent death of Dr. Fanny as well as Dr. Cookson,” said Aird.