The SUNY Canton Running Club invites the North Country to help alleviate the chaos caused by Hurricane Katrina by participating in a 24-hour walk or run relay.

The Hurricane Katrina Relief Relay is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 and end at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Village Park in front of the First Presbyterian Church, Canton. This event is free and open to the public. However, donations will be requested for the American Red Cross. Food and drink donations will be accepted to help the runners and walkers keep the baton in the air for the full 24 hours. This is a rain-or-shine fundraising event.

"The response has been fantastic, " said Christopher P. Marquart, Residence Hall Director and Running Club Coordinator. "Members of SUNY Canton's Greek organizations and others have expressed interest in this event. I think everyone is looking for a way to help. "

Marquart said he found himself in the same situation as many North Country residents; he wanted to help those whose homes had been destroyed and whose lives have been uprooted by Hurricane Katrina. He decided that a relay to show support and collect donations would be a way for people to rally for those individuals who need it the most.

Marquart has begun running around the SUNY Canton campus to make all of the pieces of this event come together. He said he envisioned as many people as possible taking turns carrying the baton around the park. He said individuals, teams, organizations, and families are invited to come help keep the 24-hour relay going. "I hope people don't feel like they have to run for the entire time we are there, " Marquart said. "People can just walk and run as much as they want. People can even just come by and show support. "

The Pi Nu Epsilon sorority, advised by Michael J. Perry, SUNY Canton College Association Executive Director, is also planning to sell bottled water for a $1 donation at the event. The bottled water is symbolic; each bottle sold will represent one sent to Katrina victims, according to Perry. All proceeds from the fundraisers will be donated to the American Red Cross.

For more information contact Marquart at 386-7585 or e-mail marquart@canton.edu.

September 6, 2005

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7527.

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