SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Fundraiser teams sought

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   Teams of volunteers are being sought for the American Cancer Society’s signature overnight fundraising event, Relay for Life.
   It will be held at the South Brunswick Family YMCA on June 12-13 with registration beginning at 5 p.m. and the relay running from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m.
   The relay is an overnight event where teams are formed in honor or in memory of someone who has battled cancer. The team members take turns walking throughout the night.
   ”This event is one of the largest fundraisers in the world with 23 countries and 4,800 communities across America participating,” said Christine Sagge, director of special events for the Central Jersey region of the American Cancer Society. “The event brings the community together in the fight against cancer and it gives people the chance to make a difference by volunteering and celebrating survivors and those who were lost in the battle.”
   Teams are typically comprised of 8 to 15 people, with one team member walking laps throughout the night. There will be a survivor’s lap where those who battled cancer come together and walk to celebrate their struggle.
   There will also be a dinner for survivors at the event where they can bring a guest and be treated to a meal provided by the ACS. A candle-lighting ceremony will be held to honor victims and survivors.
   ”It’s touching and at the same time jarring to see all of the candles and see how cancer has touched so many people’s lives in some way, shape, or form,” Ms. Sagge said. “It’s a wonderful fundraiser that brings out the community.”
   The event helps raise funds through team sponsorships. The money that is raised stays in the community to provide education and patient services and also funds research at area hospitals and universities.
   ”We want to make people aware of what the American Cancer Society does,” Ms. Sagge said. “We’re not just here to fundraise and leave. We give back to patients and families with services for anyone fighting cancer. For instance, we provide free rides for patients to get treatment and we fund some local researchers.”
   A kickoff registration event will be held at the YMCA on March 24 at 7 p.m. For more information on how to sign up call 800-ACS-2345 or e-mail Ms. Sagge at [email protected]. Visit www.relayforlife.org for more information on similar events.