University of Tennessee Athletics
Baseball Team Participates in Light The Night Walk; More than $21k Raised
October 02, 2008 | Baseball
Oct. 2, 2008
The Tennessee baseball and softball teams partnered to successfully meet and even double a fundraising goal of $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in conjunction with the Light The Night Walk at Knoxville's Volunteer Landing. At the time of the walk's conclusion Thursday night, the teams had raised a total of $21,295.
For the second straight year, UT head baseball coach Todd Raleigh, his staff and the entire Volunteers baseball team participated in the Light The Night Walk, which is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of patients battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.
"I just want to say thanks," Raleigh said after the walk. "Thanks to everyone who donated. Thanks to softball team for coming on board this year. Thanks to everyone who made (Thursday's) walk happen. To see so many people donate in tough economic times is incredible."
During a pre-walk ceremony, Raleigh-who lost his oldest brother, John Raleigh III, to Hodgkin's disease-lit four candles symbolizing grief, courage, memories and love. He then led the walk, which was the highest-attended Knoxville walk to date.
Thanks to an ambitious, player-driven effort and the generous support of the Tennessee fan base, UT student-athletes have proudly raised $27,420 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society over the past two years.
Senior baseball outfielder Jarred Frazier lost his mother, Lynn Frazier, to Osteosarcoma during the 2008 season and spear-headed this year's baseball fundraising effort.
"It's amazing that we surpassed our goal of $10,000," Frazier said. "I was happy with what we raised last year, and to more than triple that is just unbelievable. You can't say enough about the generosity of our fans, community and teams."
The baseball team's efforts netted $8,715. The softball team secured a $10,000 donation Thursday to bring its team total to $12,580.
While this year's local Light The Night Walk has now taken place, donations are still being accepted.
"The campaign has no beginning or end," Light The Night senior campaign manager Ginger Smith said. "The walk is an evening to celebrate and remember. The fundraising can and will happen after the walk-use October 31 as an end date, or November 30, or December 31.
"The fight never ends, the mission remains."
To join the numerous Tennessee fans who have already given to this cause, visit http://www.active.com/donate/ltnNashvi/UT_baseball_08
"We'll be back at it again next year," Raleigh said. "Our players have really adopted this cause. I'm proud of them."
