May 2004 Newsletter

Relay for Life

By:Mary Jo Leskiw, VP of A/R Production, Partner

I have been fortunate to be a committee member for the Westlake Relay for Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society . The Relay for Life is a signature activity for the American Cancer Society which offers the opportunity for a community to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length. The power of the Relay for Life is that it allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived.

Because Relay for Life is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, anyone and everyone can participate. Teams form from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools and service organizations. Team members share a common purpose - to support the American Cancer Society's mission.

The Relay for Life also raises funds. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, hold car washes and more. I have been overwhelmed with the support of my fellow employees and company.

As a kick off to our fundraising events, in April, we held a Casual Dress for Cancer event at the Fairview Park office and branches for the American Cancer Society. The response for the event was fantastic. We raised close to $1,300.00 in donations for the American Cancer Society and in return the office staff were able to dress casually the week of March 29th. The casual dress aspect of the fundraiser was very enticing to all staff members!

Ongoing, we are having Monday bake sales in the office running up until the Relay for Life event takes place June 11th and 12th. The participation of staff members to bake for the Monday events has been great, as have been the bake items! Our next fundraiser will have to be exercise programs held in the office to take off the poundage gained from eating the excellent bake goods!

Finally, I am very happy to report that two teams have been formed by Quadax staff members to participate in the Westlake Relay for Life event. So if the exercise program falls through, at least some of us will be getting some exercise!