Also: Putnam County Relay For Life Web Site
April 30, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — The wet weather of the past week has cleared out in time for the opening of 2011 Putnam County Relay For Life, which started today at noon at DePauw University's Blackstock Stadium. A collaborative effort by the college and the community to benefit the American Cancer Society, the event hopes to raise more than $157,000 by the time it ends at noon tomorrow.
More than 1,000 participants had pre-registered for the event, representing 92 teams. When the 2010 event kicked off, $44,0000 had been collected. "We have been even more impressed by the generosity in the community this year,"
Tyler Archer, a DePauw senior and event co-chair said today as Relay began, noting that contributions were at $92,000 before the first walker took to the track.
"Today is an important day where we recognize courage, we celebrate lives, and most importantly we try and raise more money to get rid of a disease that has affected too many for far too long," Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray told the crowd in her welcoming remarks.
DePauw President Brian W. Casey stated, "It's such an honor for DePauw to host this. I believe firmly that an education is only as good as how it influences the world. This is a 
moment when this really happens on this campus."
Learn more about the event and contribute online here.
First hosted by DePauw in 1996, Putnam County RelayFor Life has won several awards for being among the best of its kind among American colleges and universities. The first fundraiser raised nearly $15,000. The total grew to approximately $20,000 by 1998, $30,000 by 1999, and $42,000 in 2000. Then, 2001 brought in $80,000; followed by $127,000 in 2002; more than $162,000 in 2003; 2004's $208,735; and a 2005 total of more than $230,000. The 2006 and 2007 Relays each raised approximately $220,000 for the cancer fight. The recession kept donations to about $160,000 in both 2008 and 2009 and about that same amount last year.
A video shot and edited by Ken Owen '82, executive director of media
relations for DePauw, provides a glimpse at the opening of the 2011
event: 
[Download Video: "2011 Relay For Life Begins" - 5812kb].