CANTON, Mo. – Candles and lanterns lit up Culver-Stockton College on Oct. 8 as members of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) and Chi Omega came together for their annual Light the Night event.

The event raised $1,720 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, exceeding the organizations’ original goal of $1,500. Around 100 people attended the event to show their support for the cause.

ATO Treasurer and Philanthropy Chair Aiden Benda said the event has been a tradition for the fraternity for many years, with Chi Omega joining the effort more recently.

According to Benda, “ATO originally started Light the Night after a fraternity member knew someone who was battling leukemia or lymphoma.” The organization wanted to find a way to help raise money and support those affected by the diseases.

Chi Omega joined ATO in hosting the event about two years ago after a member of the sorority passed away from another form of cancer.

Since then, the two organizations have worked together to raise money and bring awareness to the cause.

Campus Support Makes a Difference

In the days leading up to Light the Night, members of both organizations collected donations in The Caf. The fundraising effort began the Wednesday before the event and continued through Oct. 8.

The event also saw an increase in fundraising compared to last year, when the organizations raised just over $1,000.

Benda said one of the best parts of Light the Night is getting to interact with everyone who comes out to support the event.

“My favorite part is when all of the hard work is done and we get to talk with all of the people that show up on Thursday,” Benda said. “I get to hand out candles and lanterns while having a conversation and meeting new people.”

More Than Just Fundraising

While raising money is the main goal of Light the Night, the event also gives members of both organizations an opportunity to come together and support a cause that has personal meaning to them.

Benda said the amount raised and the support from the campus community made this year’s event a success.

“It means the world to our organization to be able to donate and for all of the support that everyone on campus showed us!” Benda said.

With another successful Light the Night event completed, ATO and Chi Omega have continued a tradition that brings students together while helping those affected by cancer.