"Hit The Bricks" Raises Record $300,000 for Cancer Research

Wake Forest University’s Hit The Bricks raised a record-breaking $301,722 for cancer research during this year’s event. The grand total was announced during the closing ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 5.

It was an emotional moment for many participants, as the fundraising amount was shared with the crowd. The steps of Wait Chapel were lined with luminaries honoring cancer survivors and those impacted by the disease.

More than 1,700 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends ran or walked laps around Hearn Plaza during the eight-hour relay race.

The student-led fundraising event at Wake Forest University began in 2003.

“The record breaking donation number speaks to the student’s effort to build support for this shared cause,” said Brad Shugoll, director of service and leadership with Wake Forest’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement. “I’m amazed at the generosity from the entire community, which includes alumni and parents. With the efforts from our  students on the corporate sponsorship team, we also saw record contributions from businesses this year.”

Hit The Bricks raises money for cancer research in honor of Brian Piccolo. The Brian 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.

Money raised supports the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Hit The Bricks 2023 By the Numbers:

• 21,605 laps run
• 116 participating teams
• 1,752 Participants
• $301,722.22 raised for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund

View our photo story for Hit The Bricks 2023 here.

See more sites and sounds from the event in this video: