BERKELEY – The Relay for Life held at Veterans Park will be returning on August 12 and 13.
The relay raises money for cancer research and support of families. It got its start in 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society. The walk was about 83.6 miles and he raised $27,000. The next year, the Relay for Life was born. It has continually been an overnight event since then. No one walks for 24 hours straight, though. They take turns, and that’s why it’s a relay.
This year’s theme is “Relay Around the World,” said organizer Robyn Griffith. This event is commonly referred to as the Berkeley-Lacey walk. It can be found by visiting Cancer.org.
As usual, the relay will start on Saturday with a Survivors Luncheon at noon followed by opening ceremony held around 2 p.m.
Anyone interested in becoming part of the planning committee can come to the meetings on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Recreation Building, 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9).
Last year was feared to be the last Berkeley-Lacey relay, the event’s leaders said at the time. It is a huge undertaking and COVID-19 made gatherings of cancer survivors and caretakers a dangerous idea. However, there was clearly desire from locals because the event raised about $42,000, more than twice their initial goal.
Other Charities
There are simple ways that you can help in your community.
Pop tops from aluminum cans (soda, beer, etc.) are being collected by Griffith to help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the fight against pediatric cancer.
The same aluminum cans from the pop tops are being collected to support Relay for Life “Cans For A Cure,” Griffith said. These cans will be recycled and monies made will be donated to Relay to help support patient programs.
“With the “Cans For A Cure” fundraiser, I am personally trying to raise $10,000 or more. If I do I will be shaving my head at the Relay event,” she said. “In order for me to save the hair I need to raise $15,000 or more (All in the name of charity.)”
Additionally, she is also collecting clear and white bottle tops from water bottles and similar containers. Those are then turned in and melted to help make prostheses.
Griffith is known locally for helping the WJRZ holiday fundraiser which collects food, toys, and other supplies just before Thanksgiving. They can be seen filling a huge Pepsi tractor trailer in front of the ShopRite on Fischer Boulevard in Toms River. Last year, the radio station collected tons of donations and money for Fulfill, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Jersey Shore Animal Center.
Anyone needing more information about these charities can contact Griffith at rnofgnt@yahoo.com.
