NORWICH – Raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a year-round effort for members of the Rays of Hope Team of Norwich. Team members sell Gertrude Hawk Candy Bars, Home and Garden Party Candles and Relay for Life luminaries. They host a Pancake Breakfast at the Oxford American Legion and a country jamboree with dancing, a bake sale, hot food and drinks. Their BBQ chicken and pulled pork dinners at the July Relay for Life event have been very popular with the participating teams. Through these events the team raised $12,000.00 in 2008.
“The community has been very supportive,” said Betty Christian, the team captain. “We are grateful to everyone who supports our fundraisers all year. They support the team’s events because they want to support not just our team, but the cause. Chances are that each of us or someone we love has been touched by cancer.” continued Christian. “We have several people on the team who are cancer survivors.”
Funds raised at Relay for Life events enable the American Cancer Society to support free local services and resources to ensure that cancer patients and their loved ones do not have to face cancer alone. Funds also support cutting-edge cancer research, physician education, and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
The Rays of Hope team is sponsoring a festive spaghetti dinner on Saturday, March 7 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Norwich Fire Department. Team members and other volunteers will be serving the dinner which includes salad, Italian bread, and homemade desserts. Take-out dinners will be available.