Grand Valley State University’s student media are coming together on Thursday to team up for the third annual Lakers for a Cure Telethon which will benefit Relay for Life.

Students from Grand Valley Television (GVTV), WCKS “The Whale” Radio and the Lanthorn will host the telethon across multiple platforms all day in order to get students involved with raising money for the campuswide event on April 11.

Donations will be accepted for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday on the GVTV website,
www.grandvalleytv.com. Donations will also be accepted in the Kirkhof lobby, as student media representatives will be tabling from noon until 9 p.m.

The main event is Thursday night, where students can enjoy live entertainment in Area 51 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Acts will include singing, acting and comedy performances by GVSU students.

Throughout the day, students can tune in to GVTV on Channel 46.1 to watch sit-down interviews, pre-recorded programs and listen to The Whale to hear exclusive programming for the event.

Zak DeBeaussaert, general manager of The Whale, said that for those tuning in to the radio station, DJs will be plugging the telethon and encouraging listeners to attend the live event at night.

Throughout Thursday, there will be a remote studio on the first floor of Kirkhof where DJs will be doing live broadcasts. Students can stop by the tables to talk to the representatives and learn how to donate and get involved with the telethon.

In the past, the telethon adhered to monetary goals, but this year the focus is being shifted more on the cause than the money.

“We thought that putting a goal was going to be more detrimental (than helpful) because it would take away our focus from the actual production,” said Sean O’Melia, public relations coordinator for GVTV.

Though Relay for Life is not until April 11, student media wanted to highlight it now in order to spark interest and excitement for the cause.

O’Melia said he encourages everyone to help out in any way that they can.

“I think this is a great way to raise money,” he said. “I think it’s a unique, Grand Valley one-of-a-kind event that I don’t hear other people doing…I think that it’s really important that we keep putting it on and keep raising as much money as possible for a really good cause.”

To donate to Relay for Life through Lakers for a Cure, visit
www.grandvalleytv.com. Social media users can stay involved by using the hashtag #LakersForACure.

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