On June 13th and 14th, the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host its first Annual Relay for Life in Howard Beach at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park.
Relay for Life is a unique celebration which honors survivors and remembers all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The basic premise of the relay is that teams of 8-15 people take turns walking or running around the track through the night.
The event will be co-chaired by Howard Beach residents Melissa Fochetta and Phyllis Inserillo. “We are very excited to help the community organize this event for such an important cause, said Fochetta. “It is a great way to come together for everyone’s good and to have some fun.”
There is a festive atmosphere which prevails as team members camp out on the surrounding grounds for the duration of the event, enjoying music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is through team commitment fees and individual donation goals of $100 per person, to be secured from family, friends, companies or corporations.
All money raised helps support ACS programs in research, education, advocacy and service—locally and nationally. The ACS is recognized as the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS seeks to continue its work to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering through research, education, advocacy, and service.
Co-Chairs Inserillo and Fochetta have been working for more than three months along with a liaison from the ACS, John Link, to get community involvement to a peak. "Everyone I have approached has been more than willing to give. It may be time, space at their business establishment, or money but their really opening their hearts. And that’s what Relay is all about.”
At the event’s Kick-off Party, hosted by Lenny’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Inserillo challenged Howard Beach to raise 100K for the charity event. “I chose that figure,” said Inserillo, “because I want Howard Beach to make this the most successful first Annual Relay Queens will have ever had. Our community is made up of amazing people who far surpass expectations, no matter what the task,” she said. “Unfortunately cancer touches all of us in one way or another. This event and the thousands more taking place across the country will help ACS continue to stem the tide against this disease.”
Howard Beach will step into high gear on Friday, May 1st when residents and business owners “Paint the Town Purple.” The event committee is asking the members of the community to hang something purple on their homes, cars and businesses.
The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation has promised to decorate the trees lining the center median of Crossbay Blvd. with lights and purple ribbons. All along the boulevard, merchants are encouraged to do “something purple.”
The day will culminate with a “Candle Relay” in the parking lot of St. Helen RC Church located 157th Avenue between 83rd and 84th street. The event committee is asking everyone in the neighborhood to assemble there shortly before 8p.m.
To form a team or get involved with Paint the Town Purple and the Relay For Life please visit their website at www.relayforlife.org/howardbeachNY email Phyllis Inserillo and Melissa Fochetta howardbeachrelay@aol.com John Link at the American Cancer Society can be reached directly at (718) 263-2225 ext. 5538.
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