SOMERS, N.Y. - Relay For Life of Somers kicked off at Somerfields on Monday evening with an enthusiastic crowd of more than 50 people.
Relay For Life is a nationwide fund-raising event on behalf of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Teams of people all over the country will camp out on the night of June 1to 2. Food, games and entertainment will be provided as members of the teams, sponsored by contributors of funds, take turns walking around a track for the duration of the event. The Somers Relay will take place at the Middle School.
When Mary Beth and I were approached almost two years ago we said, no way, but with all of your help and with the town of Somers we had over 40 teams here last year and we raised over $115,000, said Carol Cirieco, who co-organizes the event with Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy. This year were hoping for at least 50.
According to Katie Hobday of the ACS, Somers raised more money than any other rookie team in the eastern division, which is all of New York and New Jersey.
We went to Albany to receive the ACS Rookie Event of the Year award, Cirieco added. They recruited us and theyre not going to let us go. We are here as a community. Last year thousands of people showed up. You saw everyone from the very young to the elderly, the community came together like nothing that has ever occurred before in Somers.
The organizers pointed out that this year, the fundraiser will be a little more competitive because John Jay High School in Lewisboro is also doing a Relay event for the first time.
John Jay is out to get Somers, so the challenge is on, said Murphy.
Organizers also said that participants don't need to be on a team to contribute. Plenty of volunteers are needed for the organizational committees.
Sarah Adams, whose mother Lynn succumbed to cancer, was at the kick-off with four friends. Together, the five ninth-graders form a team called 10 Steps 2 a Cure. The name represents the five friends, each with two feet.
Last year we raised $2,500, said team captain Marie Henning. This year every time someone goes around a lap they get a bead to add to a string, so in the end they have a necklace, or at least a bracelet.
Adams added that the Relay has brought the group together as friends.
Last year, the second it ended we couldnt wait for next year. Its fun -- but its serious too, Adams said.
For more information about Somers Relay For Life call 1-800-227-2345 or email Carol Cirieco at [email protected].
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