Liz Bosarge

Reporter

The BlackList Alumnae Association and BlackList Honorary Social Club held their annual “Rattle Them Bones 5K” for Be The Match Registry on Oct. 17 at the W campus.

It was the first year that the BlackList groups partnered with the Brotherhood of Beta Kappa Tau to host the event. The event proceeds were given to Be The Match, in honor of Eddy Doyle, a BKT founding father who recently died of cancer.

Be The Match is a nationwide community committed to helping patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. It helps raise funds to add potential bone marrow donors to the “Be The Match Registry.” The symbol of the BlackList crossbones inspired the alumnae to choose this particular organization, and it is why they hold the event around Halloween and Oktoberfest.

“The alumnae board of directors felt it would be a good idea to join with BKT and come together to do something good to celebrate Eddy Doyle’s life and make a difference,” said Rebecca Rogers, BlackList alumnae president.

The first run was held three years ago as a fun run. Runners were encouraged to wear costumes. Since then, it has become a way for the students in BlackList to get involved with a charitable organization. It is also being used by the alumnae of BlackList to show current students the importance of building relationships and giving back to the community, including an opportunity to start networking early in their careers.

“The event turned out better than we could have imagined,” said Ashley Nunn, the BlackList alumnae philanthropy chair. “We had about 55 runners and an option of registering as a spirit runner.”

A spirit runner is someone who couldn’t come to the race. They register, get a T-shirt and run wherever they are located. Since many of the alumnae live as far away as Washington, Louisiana and South Carolina, they can use this as a chance to show their support despite not being able to attend.

Tracy Alford Doyle, BlackList alumna and wife of the late Eddy Doyle, competed in the 5K with her children. Doyle’s son, Will, won a medal in his age group. At the time of this writing, the event had raised more than $2,500 in donations.