Estimated $30,000 raised for cancer care and awareness

More than 500 people donned a bow tie Wednesday night for The University of Toledo’s annual Tie One On fundraiser event that raised an estimated $30,000 for cancer care, awareness and outreach.

The unofficial count of participants is 517, enough to top the existing Guinness World Record of 417 bow ties tied simultaneously achieved by Dimension Data Network Services in the United Kingdom on Nov. 23, 2012. 

The University is in the process of submitting the required evidence for Guinness World Records to verify the title. The detailed process includes submitting witness statements, video footage, photographs and several world record attempt official forms.

“Dedicated Rocket fans and Tie One On supporters didn’t let a winter storm stop them from supporting a great cause,” said Lawrence J. Burns, vice president for external affairs and Tie One On founder. “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout, especially the large number of students who came out this year for a fun night of fashion and basketball that raises awareness about cancer care and research.”

Participants received their bow ties at a pregame event in Fetterman Athletic Training Facility. The men and women sporting a bow tie were then counted as they exited the facility to enjoy the UT men’s basketball game against rival Bowling Green.

Tie One On raises money through a silent jersey auction along with the $100 donation from participants and $20 from students for which they received a bow tie or bow tie necklace, tickets to the game and access to the pregame reception. The estimated $30,000 in donations for 2014 are in addition to the more than $40,000 Tie One On has previously raised for cancer care, awareness and outreach.

Also new for the 2014 event was a bow tie trophy awarded to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity as the student organization with the most participation at the event.

Tie One On has become a yearlong effort with cancer survivors honored during each men’s basketball home game with tickets to special designated Tie One On seats in Savage Arena. Cancer awareness lectures also are held throughout the year at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center at UT Medical Center.

For more information about Tie One On, visit utoledo.edu/tieoneon.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Feb. 9, 2014)