Media Advisory: Students “Hit the Bricks” for Brian Piccolo
Ten years ago, students at Wake Forest University started a new tradition to raise money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive. To honor the former Chicago Bears running back who attended the University in the 1960s and whose story is featured in the 1971 movie “Brian’s Song,”, they started an eight-hour relay race along the brick pathways on campus. Hit the Bricks now pits students against faculty and staff to see who can run the most laps around Hearn Plaza and raise the most money. The event will be held Thursday, September 27, 2012.
Last year, Hit the Bricks raised nearly $27,000 for the fund, which supports the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. This year, organizers hope to raise more than $30,000. This event is the official launch of a series of events and activities for the fund, which take place throughout the school year.
The Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive was started by students in 1980 in memory of the Wake Forest All-American football player, who passed away at age 26 from cancer during his career with the Bears. In the 33 years since it began, the drive has raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research.
- Start time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Hearn Plaza, Wake Forest University
- End time: 7:00 p.m.
A final remembrance lap for cancer victims and survivors culminates with a luminary ceremony in front of Wait Chapel at the end of the event.
For more information about Hit the Bricks and the Piccolo Cancer Fund Drive, please visit www.hitthebricksforbrian.org.
About Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.
