Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights residents are gearing up for the Relay For Life taking place on June 23 at Fort Hamilton High Schools athletic field.
We invite all survivors, caregivers and patients to join us in celebrating the lives of those who have survived and remember those who we have lost, said Amy Procida, chair of the event. This is her 12th year participating in the Relay For Life event, all proceeds from which will go to the American Cancer Society. The co-chair of the event is Betty Vonura. Both women are cancer survivors.
The day includes activities for kids, a DJ and live entertainment. Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. and the Survivor Ceremony is at 3 p.m. Survivors take a lap around the field and they get a medal and a t-shirt. The caregiver gets a sash, Procida said.
The Luminaria Ceremony begins at 9 p.m. Throughout the year, people fundraise by selling Luminaria bags. You can buy a bag in memory, in honor or in support of someone, Procida explained, adding that the bags are lit with candles around the track while participants quietly do a lap in memory of a loved one. The ceremony is very moving and touching. Its a wonderful day. Its hard to explain. You just have to experience it.
In preparation for the big event, Bay Ridge Prep held a mini Relay For Life on April 27 at the 69th Street Pier. Members of the schools senior class organized the relay as part of their community service hours. The school raised $3,000 in its fundraising efforts.
The two students who headed the effort were Jessica Cacace and Hira Javed. This was the first time our school has ever done [a Relay]. Our class made it possible [and] it brought our senior class together. It was a great experience. It was hard work but it definitely paid off, they commented.
We hope schools take initiative and follow our example and raise money for a good cause, continued Javed.
The event wasnt all work. Guests on the pier were treated to dance performances by the Bay Ridge prep dance company as well as entertainment by Bay Ridge Prep students and The Energy Band.
Dr. Michael Dealy, headmaster of Bay Ridge Prep, said he was proud of his students hard work. Our students [exemplify] a character of community mindedness. Generosity, caring and empathy towards others [is learned] through community gathering. We learn, we live, we have good times and challenging times but we have a good spirit. The students rallied when they heard of the opportunity to help people suffering, praised Dealy.
For more information about Relay for Life, call 1-800-ACS-2345.
Reporting contributed by Jamie Mallette
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