Relay for Life event at New Egypt High School raises $109,000 for cancer research.
By: Marisa Maldonado
PLUMSTED The New Egypt Relay for Life cancer benefit ended its opening ceremonies on Saturday afternoon with the release of doves into the air as a symbol of hope appropriate for an event that honors cancer survivors and victims and raises money for research.
Most of the doves flew out of the New Egypt High School stadium quickly. But John Pfefferkorn noticed one perch itself at the opposite end of the bleachers and watch survivors of cancer take a first lap around the track.
"I heard more people comment about that dove watching us," said Mr. Pfefferkorn, public relations chairman for the event. "I found that symbolic."
A larger number of team participants this year and a beautiful day added up to the most profitable Relay for Life ever, with $109,000 raised by the start of the 18-hour event. Last year the final total was $103,000.
Organizers expect another $8,000 to $10,000 to be raised through two remaining events, a golf outing at Cream Ridge Golf Course and a day at New Egypt Speedway. All proceeds will go toward research and education initiatives through the American Cancer Society.
"We’re quite happy with the results this year," Mr. Pfefferkorn said.
About 600 people signed up for the event, with 43 teams from area towns raising money throughout the year. Many do so to honor a relative or loved one who has battled cancer, Mr. Pfefferkorn said.
"Today, who do you know who doesn’t know someone who has cancer?" Mr. Pfefferkorn said.
Speakers throughout the day included Patricia Keim, a cancer survivor and a resident of Barnegate, and Upper Freehold resident Michele Lawrence, who read a list of 17 family members affected by cancer during the Luminaria ceremony, a nighttime event during which participants light candles in honor of those who died from the disease.
A second scheduled speaker for the opening ceremonies could not participate because she was hospitalized for complications relating to cancer, Mr. Pfefferkorn said.
"Yeah, there are people who have survived it, but there are people who are going through the battle (right now)," Mr. Pfefferkorn said. "(Her absence) put things into perspective."
Teams dressed in outfits representing the country they came from in honor of the event’s theme, "Relay Around the World." They also participated in contests such as karaoke and Mr. and Mrs. Atlas, in which participants dressed as a member of the opposite sex.
"That was a lot of fun we had some interesting costumes," Mr. Pfefferkorn said.
Participants also could get a free haircut, which would be used to make wigs for people who lose their hair during cancer treatment. Mr. Pfefferkorn’s wife, Anita, had her hair cut in honor of her mother, who died of cancer several years ago.
Mr. Pfefferkorn said that as his wife’s long hair was cut, she saw the dove sitting on the bleachers and thought it reminded her of someone familiar.
"She was referring to her mom," he said. "She said, ‘there’s mom over there, watching us.’"
Planning for next year’s Relay for Life will begin soon, Mr. Pfefferkorn said. Those who want to get involved can call 1-800-ACS-2345.