FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Anna Lisa Biason Stacy deBoom
Phone: (949) 887-1065 Phone: (949) 278-3774
ALBiason@UCLAlumni.net sdeboom@nmusd.us
www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/newportbeach
Newport Beach Community Raises Six Figures for Cancer Programs at Relay for Life
Newport Beach Residents and Supporters Raise $106,700 for American Cancer Society at Fourth Annual Relay for Life of Newport Beach
Newport Beach, CA (May 16, 2005) - - For the first time since its inception four years ago, the Relay for Life of Newport Beach breaks the six figure barrier by raising $106,700.00 for the American Cancer Society. On May 13-14, 2005, children, students, families, elderly, city officials, businesses and volunteers of Newport Beach gathered for 24 hours on the football field of Newport Harbor High School to run, walk, celebrate and remember all who have been touched by the disease. The community collectively exceeded its goal of raising $100,000, thanks to sponsorships, donations, Luminaria sales and pre-event and on-site fundraisers. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s education, advocacy, research and patient services programs.
Relay For Life, the largest community event in the United States, is a fun-filled overnight party designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money the American Cancer Society. During Relay for Life of Newport Beach, teams of people gathered at the high school and took turns walking or running laps.
This year’s Relay started with the Opening Ceremony followed by the Survivor Lap, the first lap of the weekend. During the Opening Ceremony, Executive Committee Legal Counsel and Newport Beach Mayor Steven Bromberg thanked all volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the event possible. He also recognized representatives of the event’s Platinum Sponsors - - Jeffrey C.P. Wang of Wang, Hartmann & Gibbs, the City of Newport Beach and Homer Bludau, who represented Hoag Hospital. Survivorship Chair Pat Smith then called on Honorary Survivors Dr. Norm Loats and nine-year old Hannah Whitfield to share their victories over cancer.
Later on Friday night, during the moving Luminaria Ceremony, bagpiper Brian Slater led the crowd around the candle-lit track while playing a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Luminaria candles which spelled the words “HOPE” and “CURE” along the football bleachers lit up the night and were visible from city streets.
Jim Roberts served as the Master of Ceremonies and provided entertainment on Opening Night. Various musicians including Michael Tiernen, Los Angeles based- Chromosome Tea and Don Covel lent their talents to Relay on Friday night and on Saturday.
At the Closing Ceremony on Saturday afternoon, Event Co-Chairs Anna Lisa Biason and Stacy deBoom announced special awards for the weekend: Most Funds Raised by a Team went to Team Broad Squad; Most Funds Raised by an Individual went to Wendy Koudelka; and Best Team Spirit went to Angela Mathews and her team, Looney Lappers. Xeno Muller and his team of the Iron Oarsman were also praised for their 24 rowing effort.
Event Co-Chair Anna Lisa Biason said, “We are very excited to raise these funds because they will go a long way to supporting ACS programs.” “We still have over two months before the end of our fiscal year, so any funds raised between now and August 31, 2005 will also count towards Relay '05,” noted Event Co-Chair Stacy deBoom. For more information about Relay for Life events throughout the year, visit www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/newportbeach.
Xeno Muller, Olympic gold and silver medalist, indoor rowing, rowing technique.
