Waynesburg University hosted its annual Mini Relay for Life Sunday, April 15.

The university set a goal to raise $16,000 this year, but has not reached quite that level, according to Assistant Dean of Student Services Kelly Hardie, who planned the event.

“We have not reached it yet,” said Hardie. “But students can still fundraise online and turn money into our office until May 1.”

Hardie said that while the university didn’t reach itsgoal yet, they have managed to raise a little over $12,000 so far.

The day featured participation from 22 different teams through on-campus clubs and organizations, which she said is more participants than usual.

Of the 22 teams that participated, Hardie said there is not an official winner of who raised the most money but that was a distinct leader.

“I don’t know [who won] yet because we still have money coming in,” said Hardie. “However, WCYJ-FM with their 24-hour broadcast has raised a significant amount of money.”

According to General Manger of the radio station, Luke Goodling, the goal for them was hard to set based off past experiences.

“Honestly, I didn’t really have an idea because my freshman year we raised well over $2,000,” said Goodling. “And then last year we raised less than $1,000, so I had no idea how to ball park it.”

Goodling said the big fundraiser the radio station does is the 24-Hour Broadcast, which has become a tradition. It is a broadcast that starts and finishes the Thursday and Friday before the university’s Relay for Life date, running from 4 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“[The 24-Hour Broadcast] has been an ongoing thing for probably about 5-10 years,” Goodling said.

With this year’s Relay for Life behind her, Hardie has already started the planning for next year’s relay for life event.

“We already have a planning meeting set,” said Hardie. “To start the wrap up, evaluation of this year and begin planning for next year.”

This year’s Relay event was moved inside due to the weather and Hardie said it was the first time it was moved indoors.

“I’ve been planning it for 13 years and this was the very first year we were ever inside,” said Hardie. “You never know what mother nature is going to bring.”

The event also featured a designated time for survivors of cancer to be recognized and for some of them to speak to everyone in attendance.

“This year was the most survivors we’ve ever had participate,” said Hardie. “We had 12 survivors attend and typically we have anywhere from 3 to 5 survivors speak.”

One of the speakers this year was Donna Huffman, who was asked to speak because this was her 13th time doing Relay for Life, according to Hardie.

“She was able to participate and walk as a survivor” said Hardie. “Her [story] was fitting because she has participated in all of our Relay for Lifes and is a huge supporter of our Waynesburg University Mini Relay for Life.”