Generosity And Support

To the Editor:

As chairs of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life committee, we would like to thank residents of Newtown for their generosity and support. Sixty-four teams participated in this year’s event, raising more than $160,000 for the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy, and service programs. The outstanding support received proves that the people of Newtown are truly committed to the fight against cancer.

We want to applaud the over 100 survivors who participated in the opening lap and survivor reception. They are the reason we continue the fight, because each year there can be more and more people living wonderful lives following a diagnosis of cancer.

A special thanks to the many Relay For Life volunteers who worked to make this event a success. The Relay For Life committee did an outstanding job of putting the event together. Committee members are Kathy Albano, Barb Baldino, Alice Baye, Helen Benson, Joanne and Mallory Berko, Reggie Cernick, Beth Cluff, Jill Collins, Beckett and Ken Condon, Jack DeFlumeri, Pat DeMaida, Debbie Eventoff, Glorianne Garvin, Cheri Gillespie, Terri Greenfield, Carol Griffin, Camille Kalbacher, Kathie Kovatch, Lisa LaForte, Diane Lavin, Alice Mascher, Carol Mason, Mary Marinnaccio, Trish McCusker, Gina McDade, Shane Miller, Patty Noone, Pat Parkel, Theresa Piotrowski, Peg Redmond, Guy and Lynda Russo, Lauren Samson, Larrie Silber, Gary and Joan Storms, Helen Wiberg, Brittany and Maryann Ziman. Special thanks also to our honorary chairs, the Zarifis Family.

We also appreciate the generosity of this year’s corporate sponsors. Relay For Life would not be possible without them. Our corporate sponsors are ABB, Bob Tendler Real Estate, Dutchess Restaurant, MasterCard, Newtown Animal Clinic, Newtown Rotary Club, Newtown Savings Bank, Reed Interact Club, and Risko Foundations. Our in-kind sponsors are Big Y, Blue and Gold, Candice Davies, Carminuccio’s, Charisma, Dr John Reed, Drug Center, Dunkin’ Donuts, Father Bob Weiss/St Rose Parish, Frozen Ropes, Girl Scout Troop 809, Gym at Newtown/Maryann Fischer and E’leda Healy, Ice Cream Shop, Jerry Hornak, Lynn Welsh, MLM Transportation, Newtown Ambulance, Newtown Harware, Pepsi Bottling Group, Perrier, Sandy Hook Liquor, Video Movie Corner. (Please note: our survivorship reception donors will be listed in a separate letter).

Also many thanks to the following individuals and their staff, Herb Rosenthal, Evan Pitkoff, Bill Manfredonia, Dominic Posca, Carl Samuelson, and the Newtown High School Tech Club. Without their support, Relay For Life would not be a part of our community.

Again, thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society, and remember it’s not too early to become involved in Relay For Life for next year.

Sincerely,

Dawn Escoda and Ivette Gerics

2004 Relay For Life Co-Chairs

32 Botsford Hill Road, Newtown                                  June 23, 2004