'Beach Party' at Geer Village launched this year's Relay for Life event

NORTH CANAAN — This year’s Relay for Life kicked off with a “beach party†— and lots of enthusiasm — on Feb. 23 at Geer Village. Already, the number of teams signed up for the June event exceeds the number that signed up in 2008.

Last year’s event was a first for the Northwest Corner. People were generally unfamiliar with the American Cancer Society fundraiser, which has been held in cities across the nation for more than 20 years. Planning began late. But still, more than 250 walkers turned up for the event at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, and raised more than $18,000.

It was also an opportunity for participants to honor and remember family members and friends whose lives were changed by a cancer diagnosis.

The overnight event at the high school track included a survivors dinner, live music and luminarias (in honor of loved ones) that lit up the hillside. During the night, team members take turns, so there is always at least one walker, or runner, on the track at all times during the night.

The second annual event was kicked off last week at Geer, with a beach-themed party that was intended, in part, to encourage people to start forming teams and getting pledges and support.  The snow outside did not deter several people from wearing shorts and Hawaiian-style shirts.

Some teams were already forming.

“It’s a good cause, and something I can do for my community,†said Extreme Emergency team captain Donna Martin. Of course, many members of that team, comprised mostly of North Canaan ambulance and fire volunteers, already do plenty in that realm.

Nicole Zucco, who headed the top fundraising team last year, is back as co-captain, saying it was a lot of fun for a good cause.

At Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Chelsea Anderson is working on inspiring students to form teams, perhaps based on involvement in programs such as FFA, band and sports.

Many people are inspired to participate because they want to take part in a community event; and many form or join teams because of an experience with cancer, either personally or on behalf of a family member or friend.

Ralph Hummel said he is walking because, “I don’t think people know enough about what the American Cancer Society does for cancer patients. It’s not just about raising money for research. They are in the communities, giving people rides to chemo treatments and things like that. People should check it out and help raise money for the cause.â€

That said, event organizers Marsha and Dan Wouri invite those interested in participating to go to relayforlife.org/housatonicvalleyct where they can sign up, volunteer to help at the event, donate, order a memorial luminaria and view teams and current pledge totals.