Island Relay planning meeting announced

Grand Island Dispatch, December 8, 2006

Planning has begun for one of the biggest community events on the Island – the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Set to return Friday, June 7, 2007 and continue overnight on Masters Field behind Grand Island High School, American Cancer and Island Relay officials report that a kick-off planning session will occur Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the Grand Island High School auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m.

Coming off last September’s successful Celebration on the Hill event in Washington, D.C., a nationwide gathering of Relay for Life organizers which saw representation by Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon and Mary Dunbar-Delusio of the Fuccillo Automotive Group, they report that anticipation is already building for the June Island Relay and are inviting area residents to join in. Participation is open and wide-ranging, and includes such volunteer opportunities as:

•The Survivor’s Lap – the Relay’s opening event where area cancer survivors are invited join in celebration of their overcoming this disease with a walk around the track.

•Committee members – who assist in coordinating such Relay activities as entertainment offerings, food and beverage services, games, prizes, etc.

•Event volunteers – who assist with such matters as registration and coordination of participants and recruitment of teams.

•Group participants – comprised of local companies, religious, student and civic groups, who contribute to Relay For Life as an active participant or a sponsor.

Team Captain’s meetings, to be held in the Grand Island High School cafeteria begin Tuesday March 6, at 7 p.m., with follow-up sessions set for April 3, May 8, and May 29, also at 7 p.m.

For further information on volunteering for the June 2007 Island Relay, attend the February kick-off session or call the ACS at 1-800-ACS-2345; online: www.cancer.org/relay.