Dear Friends,
I am thrilled & humbled to announce I have been designated “Honorary Survivor Chairperson” for the “2011 American Cancer Society (ACS) – Relay for Life/Manahawkin” (this June 3rd & 4th). To kickoff the events on June 3rd at 7:00PM, I will deliver a brief speech at the opening ceremony (located at the Southern Regional High School Track in Manahawkin – NJ).
I am also extremely proud to announce that “David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation” (DD&BCF) is raising funds in conjunction with this ACS event. The local Manahawkin Relay is allowing DD&BCF to accept direct donations with the understanding that all funds raised will be split 50/50 with the Relay. I/we are asking you to consider participating in one of 3 ways:
- Option 1 “Walk”: Would love for you (your family, friends, co-workers, etc.) to join us in walking at the event. As mentioned, the Relay kick off/survivor lap is 7:00 PM at the Southern Regional High School track in Manahawkin, NJ. Your $25 donation made directly to DD&BCF will cover your Relay entry fee, a newly designed DD&BCF t-shirt, (email shirt size to info@davidsdreamandbelieve.org) and you will also get a DD&BCF wristband. DD&BCF will supply campsite refreshments, snacks & entertainment. The beloved and adored “Sprinkles the Clown” will make another appearance between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
- Option 2 “Give”: We recognize that many already contribute to a number of worthwhile causes, but we are asking you to consider simply making a donation to DD&BCF at this time. Again, all funds raised directly by DD&BCF will be split 50/50 with the Relay.
- Option 3 “Act”: Since this is DD&BCF’s major fundraiser for 2011, we would love for you to get active and fundraise on our behalf. We have many creative suggestions on how to do so, but always love hearing about new fun strategies that others come up with! DD&BCF fundraising forms are available on our web site at www.davidsdreamandbelieve.org (Fundraising Tab). Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers!
Lastly, the ACS/Relay requires someone to be on the track for the entire event. My goal is to walk all 12 hours, and I would be so grateful if anyone considered joining me for even just a portion of the time. The Opening Ceremony, Survivors Lap & Luminaria Ceremony are all “must-see” events, & the idea behind the Relay is that “cancer never sleeps”. Together we fought and DEFEATED Stage 4 Cancer – we were an ARMY that also didn’t sleep! I believe that our faith, hope and love were the cornerstones of my victory, and we intend to bring that same spirit to this event!
2011 ACS/RELAY FOR LIFE – AGENDA
Friday June 3rd
3PM Campsite Set-Up: David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation will prep & set up campsite. The theme for the Relay is Mardis Gras.
5PM Survivor Dinner: I will be attending the survivor dinner with my parents.
7PM Opening Ceremony: Honorary Survivor Chairperson Speech & Survivor Lap David Caldarella speech during opening ceremonies & the ACS/Relay begins with a Survivors Lap. This is an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional expression of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays – like those of each individual on the track.
10PM (Nightfall) Luminaria Ceremony: After dark, ACS/Relay honors people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.
Please email us the name of someone touched by cancer, or lost loved one that you would like to honor during this ceremony.
11PM Fight Back Ceremony: Lastly, the Fight Back Ceremony is when we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.
Saturday June 4th
6:30AM Closing Ceremony: Closing ceremony takes place at SRHS track.
Saturday afternoon DD&BCF “Post Relay LBI Beach BBQ” Exact location and time for the BBQ are still being determined, but please stay tuned for details. The Foundation will provide food and refreshments so please think about staying for the afternoon down on L.B.I.
