A World with more Birthdays

The DePauw University pep band, along with the Tiger mascot, lead the first lap at the Relay for Life Saturday. By the time the first lap started, the organization had achieved $92,000 in donations.

Relay for Life 2011 kicked off Saturday at noon, with this year's theme being "Creating a World with more Birthdays."

Aside from being decorated with birthday cakes and balloons, the track was also covered in superhero memorabilia for the local theme, "Superheroes to the Rescue."

DePauw University President Brian Casey and Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray opened up the event with a few words before the first lap took place, led by the DePauw pep band. The survivor/caregiver lap occurred shortly after, with survivors and caregivers receiving a birthday sendoff by the crowd, which sang "Happy Birthday" as they took their lap.

Before the first lap began, Relay for Life had raised $92,000 from its different events and last Tuesday's bank night. The amount raised after main event has not been calculated yet.

"Today is an important day where we celebrate courage and celebrate lives," Murray said.

The event featured three bands and several competitions, including a corn hole tournament and a cake eating contest. The event also featured a silent auction, and all proceeds from food sales, which featured pizza, Marvin's and Sodexo, went to Relay for Life.

The fun didn't end after dark. For those with insomnia, Midnight Madness involved tug-of-war tournaments, bingo, euchre, board games and a juice bar.