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Relay For Life Organizers Seek Support

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: February 18, 2009

PLANT CITY - Organizers for the Relay for Life are working to outperform last year's effort that was the seventh-largest fundraiser of its kind in the state.

Unfortunately, the current downturn in the economy has put a damper on corporate sponsorships, and individual contributions are slow to make up the difference, relay officials said.

"After last year's event we were given a goal by the American Cancer Society offices in Tampa of $300,000 for the 2009 relay," said Carol Mayo, the chairwoman of the Plant City Relay for Life. "We have set a realistic goal locally at $250,000, and we are going to do everything we can do to meet that goal."

Mayo, assistant principal at Wilson Elementary, has been involved with the relay for eight years. In 2008, her first year as chairwoman, Mayo led the relay to a record collection of slightly more than $243,000.

The first official meeting for the 2009 effort was held at Mayo's house on Sept. 8. The supporters met again on Sept. 15 and once each month since that date.

"We have committee meetings, team captain meetings, and each team will have separate meetings to discuss strategy and plans on a regular basis," Mayo said. "We know exactly what we need to do, who to contact and the best way to make our goal. But we have to do more than we expected in this economy to get where we want to go."

The relay will be April 17 to 18 at the football stadium and track at Plant City High School, One Raider Place, off Alexander Street west of James L. Redman Parkway. During the relay, teams of walkers take turns circling the track.

Organizers are looking for about 70 teams to help put them over the top. To date there are 57 teams registered.

Teams can be made up of business partners and employees, clubs, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, schools or families.

"Anyone wanting to find a cure for cancer can participate," Mayo said. "They can join an existing team and take part or simply make a contribution."

Cathy Vallianatos, the volunteer team coordinator, said the list of teams varies from schools to clubs.

School teams led with more than 30 teams listed. Ten business teams have registered, with churches, families and clubs filling out the list.

Barbara Franques, the director of Hillsborough County schools in the Plant City area, has taken an active role in the Relay for Life since its inception.

"Like many people, I have been touched personally by the rigors of cancer," Franques said. "My husband, Tom, and I walked as survivors for several years in the Relay for Life. His eventual death strengthened my resolve to defeat this disease."

Franques is convinced the schools in the community can serve an important role in finding a cure.

"Students, teachers and parents have all had to learn to battle cancer from a personal prospective," she said. "Academics are certainly important and our main objectives in school. But an important aspect of education is learning to be a responsible part of the community. We are happy and proud to see our students, teachers and schools participating in the Relay for Life. Involvement at a young age encourages our students to grow into a well-rounded and caring adult."

Historically the relay, which earmarks contributions to help find a cure for cancer, is a successful event nationally and locally.

Last year the event raised $410 million nationally from 5,000 communities participating. Plant City has come close to or surpassed goals set by the American Cancer Society since the first local Relay for Life in 1999.

"With tough economic times for everyone, we are working twice as hard to raise funds," Mayo said. "Cancer never sleeps, nor will we until we find a cure. We need additional help for sponsorships this year. Any amount will help ensure that our event is a success and that 100 percent of the funds collected from fundraising go towards finding a cure."

To help out, call Mayo at (813) 757-9307, ext. 224.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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