Southeastern’s Division of Administration and Finance will be hosting a fundraising project on Oct. 9 at the Southeastern Lions versus Texas State football game. The fundraising project is for the Relay for Life charity.
The annual South Tangipahoa Relay for Life event will take place on Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at North Oak Park in downtown Hammond. The day’s events include the “Survivors Lap,” the “Luminaria Ceremony” and the “Fight Back Ceremony.”
“The Luminaria Ceremony is in memory of those individuals lost and in honor of those who beat the disease,” said Mary Lou Imbraguglio of Human Resources and one of the captains of the Division of Administration and Finance Relay for Life team. “It’s absolutely breathtaking to see the candles lined on the field as the sun goes down.”
To start the fundraising events early this year, the Division of Administration of Finance will start raising money at the Oct. 9 football game. There, they will have a tailgating spot where a number of things will be sold to raise funds.
“We are selling lunches for $5,” said Imbraguglio. “Individuals can choose from pulled pork or fried fish. Then they can choose fries or coleslaw, and each meal comes with a homemade dessert.”
They will also be selling the “Fight Back” T-shirts with a purple ribbon and a fleur de lis. Short sleeve shirts are $15, and long sleeved shirts are $20.
Lastly, there will be $1 raffle tickets. The prizes value at over $650 and include the following: a 35-inch grill, an autographed Southeastern football, a Relay for Life gift basket, two tickets to the Nov. 21 Saints versus Seahawks game and many other prizes.
This year’s event holds a special place in Imbraguglio’s heart. It is in honor of her son’s girlfriend, Jessica.
“Jessica was diagnosed with lymphoma when she was 22,” said Imbraguglio. “She is now 23 and in remission. We are just so proud of her.”
Relay for Life is part of the American Cancer Society Organization. This event gives individuals a chance to remember loved ones who have lost the battle against cancer and to celebrate the loved ones who have won the fight. It is also a chance to raise money to further provide research funds for finding a cure for cancer.
This event began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked a track for 24 hours in hopes of raising money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, 20 countries and over 3.5 million people have joined in the effort to fight this life-changing disease.
For more information on both the tailgating event and the Relay for Life event, individuals can contact Imbraguglio at 985-549-5773.