Relay For Life in Just 44 Days

With 44 days left until the second annual Relay for Life fundraising efforts are well underway with nearly $10,000 already raised for the American Cancer Society.

Last year’s event, the first-ever in Hasbrouck Heights, . The goal for this year is $70,000, according to Jessica Gaeta, of the American Cancer Society, who addressed team captains at a meeting at the Tuesday.

Captains came together to learn more about fundraising ideas they can do before the event, such as hosting a can-shake at a local supermarket, a bake sale or even a dance event.

Gaeta also showed captains how to use tools available online and to pick up materials they can share with friends and loved ones who may want to join in this fight against cancer.

Gaeta said 25 teams have already signed up and they are looking to recruit 25 more. Anyone can sign up to participate at any time by visiting the website where donations can also be made towards individuals fundraising efforts or in support of a team.

Relay for Life will take place at beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday June 2 overnight ending at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 3. The overnight event is to show that “cancer never sleeps.” 

Survivors are always a focal point in these events but this year they are also recognizing the caregivers, those who have been there for a loved one during their battle, explained Gaeta.

The beginning of the walk will be in honor of cancer survivors. Gaeta encouraged all to invite survivors to join in at the event. There is a remembrance walk in honor of those who lost their battle.

Anyone can purchase a luminaria bag for $10 which goes towards the fundraising goals and can display a message to someone who is battling cancer, or in memory of a loved one. The bags will be lit and placed around the track during the remembrance walk.

The next team captains meeting is set for Tuesday, May 16 at the high school media center. Bank Night, where teams can turn in funds and chaperone and permission slips for those 18 and younger, is set for May 21  from 6 to 8 p.m. at .

More information can be found at www.relayforlife.org/hasbrouckheightsnj