Community Corner
Port Relay for Life Gets Up and Running
Preparation is underway for the American Cancer Society's June fundraiser.
Snow is in the air but the warm days of summer are very much on the minds of organizers of the June 19 Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society's annual, nationwide fundraiser generates dollars for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.
The Port Relay has raised more than $1 million over the past eight years; in 2009, the event raised $152,000.
"The people of Port Washington get it, they really do," said Paul Gruol, Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society's Eastern Division.
Event organizers convened at the Port Washington Public Library this week, planning a March registration kick-off and brainstorming ideas for broadening the event beyond the Schrieber High School community, traditionally a core participant base. Last year, 300 of the 500 participants were Schreiber students.
Team captain and event organizer Jessica Wigdor first attended Relay as a chaperone for her then 16-year-old son. "Then I got hooked," Wigdor said. Now, Wigdor works with outreach groups from local houses of worship to recruit participants.
South Salem Elementary School mom and volunteer lacrosse coach Beth Weisburd suggested working with the elementary school Home School Associations (HSA) to promote the event. Weisburd raised $8,000 last year as a team captain and hopes to surpass that amount this year. "The most moving thing is the survivors' lap," Wesiburd said. "You're in tears."
Relay for Life encourages community members to band together into teams of eight to 15 people. Each team collects pledges prior to the event; the teams than walk laps around a track during the overnight fundraiser. In the past, Relay for Life has been held at the track of Schreiber High School.
The first lap is the survivors' lap, which is traditionally walked in silence. A luminaraia ceremony honors survivors and those who have died from the disease. Paper lanterns line the track and burn throughout the night as a symbol encouraging those who walk.
The kick-off meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Laphman Room of the Port Washington Public Library. Participants can also register or donate online at www.realyforlife.org.
