Jul 1, 2007
RELAY FOR LIFE:
At $320,000 and counting....
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Relay for Life is over until next year — but not for those in charge of the money raised. In fact, the pool of funds has been growing ever since Relay came to a close on June 16.
According to Ridgefield Relay staff partner Hilary Dorfman, community executive for Development of American Cancer Society in Wilton, more than 1300 walkers, distributed among 137 teams, raised about $320,000.
“That number can skyrocket,” said Ms. Dorfman.
In fact, an estimated $30,000 more will be coming in until the books close on Aug. 31, once corporate funds are factored into the total and teams finish sending in money they raised at the event.
“Team ranks could change,” added Ms. Dorfman. As of now, X-Caliber corporate sponsor and top fundraising team was Ridgefield Capital. Irene Smiles, led by Bonnie Potter came in second, and the Group Formerly Known as ‘Wolfpack,’ led by cancer survivor Madeleine Wolf, came in third.
“This community comes out and supports this event every year so generously,” said Relay’s co-chair Peggy Marconi. “The youth in this town is unlike any other community in this area — they are unbelievably supportive, philanthropic, and involved.”
“New people bring in new ideas,” she added, “and that really makes a difference ... it introduces a whole new idea for the Relay.”
One idea, although not new, never ceases to move a Relay crowd — the Luminaria Ceremony. Some 2500 luminaria bags were sold this year. Madeleine Wolf, an eighth grade cancer survivor from Scotts Ridge Middle School, was the Luminaria ceremony honoree. A total of 15 teams from SRMS, overseen by Steve Kehoe and Barb Jennes, got behind her and encouraged students to fundraise. As a result, the Scotts Ridge teams collectively raised over $50,000.
Another 64 additional survivors were out there, too.
New this year was the participation of Shine Salonspa of Main Street. Co-owner Stephanie Johnson and stylist Amanda Hine donated their services to cut 47 ponytails that were 8 inches or longer.
According to Shine co-owner Stephanie Johnson, Relay participants were cheering on those getting their ponytails cut. Afterwards, they sent the locks to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which creates real-hair wigs for cancer patients. Donations were much appreciated, as it takes six ponytails to make just one wig.
“Originally only 15 girls were going to do it,” said Ms. Hine, “and then all their friends started to do it ... everyone knew it was going to a great cause to help other people.”
“Everytime somebody sat down in a chair, it seemed like four more people wanted to come in and jump on the bandwagon,” said Mrs. Johnson. “They were really willing to do something for a really great cause ... it’s something for people who need a chance to feel good about themselves in the wake of suffering and loss.”
A new carnival-like concession made the ‘cut,’ too. “The Marauders,” led by RHS rising senior Emily Zurlo, helped run the stand.
“All of us know someone who’s been affected by cancer,” said Ms. Zurlo, “so we wanted to help out any way we could.” To that end, she and her team ran the stand from 4 p.m. until midnight. Patti Williams, co-owner of Events Party & Tent Rentals, based in Georgetown, donated the use of tents and concession equipment under which team members sold tasty snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, sno-kones and hot-dogs. After all the work, they raised $953.
Craig Carlson from Sysco provided napkins and condiments for the hot dogs being sold, but Mrs. Williams hopes to find sponsors for the food next year.
“There are so many people that have cancer right now,” said her daughter Monica, a rising RHS senior on The Marauders, “and every little bit helps.” While working on the concession stand, she enjoyed seeing smiles on children faces.
“It was nice to see little kids, the look on their faces — one was with her grandmother, she had never had cotton candy before,” said Ms. Williams.
And Relay itself put a smile upon the face of many who have been touched by cancer.
“I just think it’s unbelievable to see the amount of people in the community that come out and share their support,” said Ms. Dorfman. “It’s also the amount of support and involvement from the youth of the community ... to know that they’ve come together to raise $320,000 is a beautiful thing.”
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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