| SPRINGFIELD — The 12th Annual Relay for Life, organized by the Hampden County chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), has raised more than $215,000 — and counting.
That ‘and counting’ caveat is important, said Meghan McKinstry, who coordinates the relays for area ACC chapters, because the books are not yet closed for this event, which was run (or walked, as the case may be) on June 4 and 5 at Springfield College.
Pledged donations are still being collected, she said, and additional contributions are still being accepted for this, the largest of the Hampden County chapter’s annual fund-raising efforts.
McKinstry told The Healthcare News that the relay raises funds in several different ways. First, each participating team — there were more than 70 for this year’s event, representing area families, companies, and organizations — pays $125 for the right to walk in the 24-hour event. Also, those teams solicit donations from friends, family, and co-workers. Teams, which vary in size but average five to eight individuals, must have at least one member walking the track for all 24 hours of the event.
Also, the ACS sells luminaria that area families and individuals can use to honor a current cancer patient, survivor, or victim of the disease. This year, more than 4,000 of the luminaria — small paper bags illuminated by candles — raising more than $20,000 in the process.
McKinstry said the funds raised stay in the Pioneer Valley, and are used for a number of purposes, including research, services, and education programs.
Special recognition was given to Jack Sarat, president of Sarat Ford, who was the top fund-raiser for this year’s event. Employing a grass skirt to draw attention — and donors — to his team’s tent, he raised more than $12,000.
For more information or to make a donation to the ACS, call (413) 734-6000. |
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