Relay For Life has arrived

The purpose of all marketing is this: 'When you think real estate, hopefully you think Mark Schadenberg.'
When community involvement is factored in, the idea is to assist a worthwhile local cause and know that your participation will be rewarded.
I've enjoyed working with the Relay For Life committee. The 12th annual event has arrived. Here's my final pre-event press release, which should appear in The Sentinel-Review as well.

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By Mark Schadenberg
With less than 48 hours to go before the 12-hour Relay For Life, organizers are wishing for good weather and are confident the 70 teams raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society will: 'celebrate . . remember . . . fight back'.
Led by co-chairs Kim Whitehead and Nancy Springstead, the steering committee is prepared for the event's 12th year at College Avenue Secondary School, Friday night to Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Dazzling Dozens is the theme. Opening ceremonies are at 7 p.m. and includes the Survivors' victory lap. Participants involved in only the survivor's lap can register as early as 5 p.m.
Luminaries will surround the track by 10 p.m. -- lighted paper bags to pay tribute to those who died of cancer and to recognize those who continue their battle. The luminaries can still be purchased on the day of the event at $5 apiece.
One committee member new to Relay For Life is current fundraising coordinator Tracy Piett of the Oxford County Unit.
"The anticipation of watching Relay For Life come to life is astounding," says Piett. "It truly is a community event and we at the Canadian Cancer Society Oxford County Unit can not be more gracious to the committee members who commit their time in organizing the event, the volunteers giving their time, the sponsors and donors throughout Oxford County who support Relay For Life, and of course the participants who spend their time and energy raising money to support the Canadian Cancer Society."
Piett is quick to remind that Relay is hosted in Tillsonburg (last weekend), and upcoming in Ingersoll at IDCI on June 24-25, and many centres from coast-to-coast.
"This year, more than 70,000 people in 112 communities across Ontario will come together to raise more than $19 million (projected) and to work toward the Canadian Cancer Society’s vision of creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer," says Piett.
Relay includes many sub-committees -- logistics, team recruiting, volunteers, entertainment, food, promotions and sponsorship.
The benefit also includes a silent auction (4 - 11 p.m.) in the food tent area.
Inside CASS, massage therapy (nominal fee) and yoga will be available. From 8 - 10 p.m., there will be medically-trained staff available for breast examinations.
After the opening ceremony, entertainment will continue with music performances by Brompton Park, Gone On Arrival, Reed Curtis and Steve Yeager, plus an appearance by Tim McDonald who wrote a Relay anthem called Walk The Night.
It's an all-night non-competitive walking event, so many teams have created fun ways to pass the time including bingo, a scavenger hunt and a game the program calls Alphabet Soup.
With a realization that Relay is also designed for families with children, there is also face painting, crafts, a fish pond game, bubbles and a popcorn machine.
With as many as 1,000 participants (including all volunteers), there are many food sponsors, including Swiss Chalet, Tim Hortons and New Orleans Pizza. Breakfast is also served at 5:30 a.m.
Shoppers Drug Mart and the Woodstock Camera Club have again combined forces to supply team photos.
Parking crew volunteers will direct cars of team members to Oliver Stephens school, but a shuttle is available. Parking at CASS is available, but only for the cancer survivors and those with disabilities.
You can volunteer At this point, Relay For Life is still accepting volunteers for assistance in luminaries starting late morning Friday, for set up and parking by late afternoon, and to cleanup on Saturday morning. Call the Cancer Society at 537-5592 if you have time available.
"I volunteered for Relay For Life several years ago to do my part and give back to the community," says Whitehead. "I chose the Cancer Society because it's hard to find someone whose life hasn't been affected by cancer.
"Relay is a wonderful event to remember, celebrate and to fight back against cancer," Whitehead continued. "I am very glad I chose this event to volunteer at."