Claremont Relay For Life Event Keeps Growing

CLAREMONT, NH.-Claremont's eighth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event was recently hosted at the River Valley Community College, culminating in 18 hours of walking and running to raise money and awareness for the long-time cancer society.

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Courtesy Photo-Event organizer Marion Gagne

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The theme for this year's Relay For Life event was Dr. Seuss, in which each team chose a Seuss book and decorated their overnight camp sites as such. This created a certain positive and colorful atmosphere for all teams as they walked the night away to raise funds in honor of loved ones and anyone affected directly or indirectly by cancer.

"Our goal was to raise about $45,500 this year," event chair Marion Gagne said in a recent interview. "But we more than exceeded those expectations by raising $57,466, by far the most money we've ever raised." Gagne also indicated that this years'attendance was also the Claremont events' biggest yet, with 30 teams and some 270 people participating.

"We are thrilled to have had a record-number of participants," Gagne said. "Including 69 survivors accompanied by their caregivers, as well as a record-breaking 788 luminarias lit. Nine members also joined the Cancer Action Network."

Activities included a Luminaria Ceremony in which illuminated bags are lit in honor of loved ones for a $10 donation, a human scrabble game, a "minute to win it" hour, a drive-in movie and twister bingo. All fun events to help folks stay awake and have fun through the night. In addition, volunteer Denise Matthews was also awarded the Sandra C. Labaree-American Cancer Society New England Volunteer Values.

Founded in 1985, the inaugural Relay For Life event raised $27,000 and since, has simply grown by leaps and bounds. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2010 alone there were 5,146 individual Relay For Life events across the country which raised over $388 million. Also, the popular online game "Second Life" has raisedan additional $220 million.

"Even with the rainy weather,the response we have gotten this year has just been incredible and beyond expectations," Gagne said. "Last year, 19 teams raised a total of $39,923, which was amazing. So to make such a huge jump this year is simply a credit to everyone involved. The track was completely packed and I couldn't be more proud. I actually cried at the end of the event, when announcing the grand total of funds raised."

Although the Relay For Liferally is over, the organization continues to raise funds year round with a variety of events and activities, as the organization's fiscal year ends in September. There is also an event 'wrap up" meeting scheduled for July 13 to discuss not only this years' happenings, but other activities moving forward.

To learn more about the Claremont, NH Relay For Life team, email Marion Gagne at or visit the American Cancer Society at www.relayforlife.org.