relay for life doubles goal
Davis Islands Relay for Life – Second Year Event Doubles Goal for American Cancer Society
By Lisa DeVitto
Nearly 500 volunteers and supporters turned out on Friday, April 13 at the beautiful Davis Islands Seaplane Basin Park to hold a highly successful Second Annual Relay for Life for the benefit of American Cancer Society. With waves lapping, and sailboats bobbing in the background, relayers set up a temporary stage and a “track” to walk. Inspirational signs with cancer facts and figures, and messages of hope marked the walking route. Circling the track were decorated tents under the Hollywood/Movie theme of “Lights, Camera, Relay,” with silent auction items, food for sale, and raffle tickets. Thirty staff and faculty from Gorrie Elementary school created a team in honor of the memory of teacher Beth Waters who recently passed away from breast cancer. Beth’s daughter is a 5th-grader this year at Gorrie. The Plant High School Marching Band also had a team.
This year’s major sponsors were Tampa General Hospital, and the law firms Wilkes & McHugh, P.A.; Trombley & Hanes; Ian S. Giovinco, P.A., and Isaak & Zwirn, P.A. In-kind donors were The Columbia Restaurant WAG Pet Boutique, City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department, Marge’s Flower Shop, Montalvo’s Ice Cream Shoppe & Cafe. Returning Chairwoman for the event was Jennifer Fadal, of WAG, with her husband Cristan as Co-Chair. Committee members included Ian Giovinco, Sam LaMonte, M.D., Donna & Ron Hanes, Roy Burnett, Jacqui Silla, Tania Pike, Beth Fitch, Dr. Leslie Lubich, Kelly Reilly, Frances Perrone and Jonathon Gorab. Their 21 teams raised $72,000, over twice the goal.
This signature event for the American Cancer Society raises funds for research and programs, education, and advocacy. Relay honors those who have suffered from cancer, their families and supporters, and provides an opportunity to join together in the fight against cancer. Each Relay culminates months of planning and fundraising. Under the slogan that “cancer never sleeps,” each team keeps a member walking the track at all times.
Shortly after 6 pm cancer survivors took the first lap around the track, led by the Plant High School Drum Line, and were honored with a special dinner provided by The Columbia Restaurant. Survivors Caroline Gibson, twelve years old, and Julia Arena Miller, spoke of their personal experiences with cancer, and their determination to fight the disease. Caroline’s mother Stephanie expressed her gratitude that research and medical advances greatly increased the survival rates for her daughter’s cancer from 20% to 80%, in just ten years.
Music and organized games continued all night – from line dancing, to limbo, volleyball and a water balloon toss, plus an impressive 50-child field for red-light green light. A beautiful luminaria ceremony included Emmet Bondurant, playing the bagpipe. Returning team members included prior year’s top fundraisers Donna and Ron Hanes, who each captained separate teams and again were top fundraisers. The State Attorney’s team also returned. Dr. Leslie Lubich, with her husband and young sons present, served as Advocacy Chair for the second year, and led the effort to sign up volunteers for the Cancer Action Network.
Anyone interested in serving on the committee for the 2008 event may contact Stacy Green at stacy.green@cancer.org or call Jennifer or Cristan Fadal at the Wag Pet Boutique at 258-9181.
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