Local Relay For Life Event Raises More Than $50K To Fight Cancer
Area residents, their lives touched by cancer, came together to celebrate those who have battled the disease, remember those who lost their lives to it, and pledge to continue fighting to find a cure, during Aviator Sports’ inaugural Bergen Beach, Mill Basin & Marine Park Relay for Life.
Featuring live entertainment, food, raffles, and a variety of interactive and fun activities for the whole family, community members formed teams and walked around Aviator’s outdoor track for eight continuous hours, symbolically conveying their message that, until there is a cure, the fight against cancer never ends.
While survivors were feted during an El Caribe-sponsored reception, visitors were treated to musical entertainment by the team from Havin’ A Party. Noted women’s health advocate, Ms. New York America Helen Troncoso, was a featured guest speaker during the Relay’s opening ceremonies, and Roberta Loew’s Acting Out Troupe and Roberta Raymond’s Murrow Dance Squad were on hand to provide musical and theatrical entertainment. MTV’s “Making the Band’s” singing and songwriting sensation, Brooklyn-born heartthrob Donnie Klang, performed a sunset concert featuring special appearances by teen singing superstar Tayla Cornelia and DJ Swivet.
Led by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band, participants walked the track for the moving Luminaria Ceremony, Relay For Life’s culmination. The outdoor track was lined with hundreds of Luminaria bags, decorated by neighborhood children, donors and volunteers , and dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have passed away from cancer, are fighting cancer, and cancer survivors, a nod to the event’s motto: “Remember, Fight Back, Celebrate.”
As the evening drew to a close, the organizing committee and participants erupted in celebration as it was announced that Relay had raised more than $50,000 with the final tally yet to have been determined. Everyone involved vowed to do even better next year.
To learn more about the Bergen Beach, Mill Basin & Marine Park Relay for Life, contact Nancy Colt of the American Cancer Society at (718) 622-2492 extension 5134 or visit their website.