Olympic Theme Picked For 5th Annual Newtown Relay

It may feel like Newtown is a long way from the warm days of early June, but the enthusiasm of more than 50 dedicated volunteers caught fire last week during a kickoff meeting to launch one of Newtown’s most celebrated and cherished events.

The kickoff and first planning session ahead of the 5th Annual Relay For Life at Newtown High School had everyone in attendance looking forward to the red circle on their calendars marking June 7 and 8. This extraordinary overnight experience is the American Cancer Society’s signature event bringing the community together with hundreds of people participating.

The 2008 Relay will have an Olympic theme, “One World One Dream.” The event combines fun-filled activities and serious messages about cancer prevention and survivorship, while raising money for research and programming.

For those unfamiliar with the activity, during the relay, teams gather at the high school track and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

The breaking news coming from last week’s kickoff was an announcement that Newtown has been chosen as a pilot site for an online auction for the American Cancer Society serving as a fundraising opportunity for teams. Relay offers something for everyone, from the newly diagnosed, to caregivers and friends, to long-term survivors.

The event represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

Necole Salvesen will serve as the 2008 chairperson for this year’s relay. Her team, The Bookmates, has been one of the top fundraisers in previous local relays.

The team and finance chair for this year is former chair Helen Benson. The following individuals have also stepped up to serve this year:

Team recruitment, Karen Murphy; online systems, Donna Forshaw; online auction, Guy Russo; new corporate sponsors, Jen Rosbergen; existing corporate sponsors, Guy Russo; luminary chair, Lauren Warren.

In addition, cuminary sales, Kathy Nostrand; luminary ceremony, Anne and Paul Kluga; Tech Club liaison, Herb Kinsman; education chair, Mary Marinaccio; Kids For A Cure, Kathryn Wolf and C. Calandro; advocacy, Shane Miller; cancer awareness, Terry Stoller; public relations, Phyllis Cortese; entertainment chair, Lynda Russo; theme laps, Caryn Casey.

Also, survivorship, Diane Paparoski, Michelle Babyak, and Laurie DeAngelis; grounds chair, Carl Samelson; security and traffic, John Benvenuti; facility chair, Dominick Posca; day of volunteers, Glorianne Garvin; food, Maryann Barra.

Newtown Bee employees are participating as well with Kristen Angell serving as chair for Contests and Activities, and Associate Editor John Voket volunteering as stage manager.

Whether you walk, volunteer, or donate, the 2008 Relay For Life is an opportunity to participate in one of Newtown’s most popular and well-attended community activities, with an average attendance of more than 2,000. To learn how to participate, or to volunteer, just attend the next Relay organizational meeting February 7, at 7 pm, at Newtown High School, call Ms Salvesen at 948-3878 or e-mail relayforlifeofnewtown@gmail.com.