NORWICH – Relay For Life of Chenango officially unveiled its event goal for 2011 – $155,000 – and introduced this year’s theme as “Circus: Relay For Life ... The Greatest Cause on Earth,” as the local chapter of the American Cancer Society fundraiser prepares to celebrate its 15th year in Chenango County.
“We’re encouraging teams to have some fun and decorate their campsite with a circus theme,” said event chair Marie DeSarro. “We’ve been trying to stress education with the teams as well, so we’re asking that they have some sort of take on the past 15 years. What has happened over those years with the money our event has helped raise? What advances in cancer research, studies and findings have been accomplished?”
DeSarro said those in attendance at Tuesday night’s kickoff seemed genuinely excited for this year’s event, and some were already requesting information for fundraisers they’re planning to hold. It’s a testament to the community’s dedication to Relay For Life, she added.
“It’s really cool to see teams growing and we had one woman, a second year captain, who said she was excited to start trying new things this year,” said DeSarro. “It’s funny how teams learn from year to year what works best and how to raise the most money. Everyone is so creative in how they raise funds, which they have to be with such a small area to pull from.”
Tuesday’s kickoff concluded with the gathered team captains performing the “Pride Clap,” said DeSarro, something she’s begun to do at the end of every meeting, which can be attributed to her cheerleading background. It’s a great way to send team captains off at the end of the meeting in high spirits, she added.
“They all laugh at me when I do it, but they know it’s coming at the end of every meeting,” laughed DeSarro. “It’s just a small way to get them motivated and ready to work, to keep in their minds that we’re raising money for a very special and important reason, saving lives and creating more birthdays.”
A meeting for new team captains will be held at 5:30 p.m. on March 15 in the community room at the Morrisville State College Norwich Campus, 20 Conkey Ave., she added. It’s an opportunity for those still interested in starting a team to gather information on being a successful team captain, how to start and keep a team going, tips on raising funds, how to register your team online and other important topics related to being a team captain.
“All team captains are invited to attend and we really get into details, some of which veteran team captains won’t need,” said DeSarro. “It’s a much more intimate meeting where questions are very much encouraged.”
According to registration chair Sue McBride, Relay For Life of Chenango currently has 31 returning teams and five teams new to the event, to be held July 15 and 16 at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Luminaries and torches for this year’s Relay will be sold for $5 and $100 respectively and those interested should contact Deb Myers at deblittle62@hotmailcom or visit www.relayforlife.org/chenangocountyny. Both luminaries and torches will also be available at this year’s Relay For Life.
For more information contact DeSarro at 316-0763 or via e-mail at mtdesarro1802@hotmail.com. Those interested may also contact American Cancer Society Event Manager Denise Woods at 766-6911, visit www.cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.