Greeley, Chappaqua to Raise Money for Cancer Research at Relay for Life
Horace Greeley High School and the Chappaqua community are ready to take on a big challenge this weekend.
Some 70 Greeley students have helped organize the May 18-19 Relay for Life, the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society that is held in communities across the United States. It has now been about five years since Relay for Life was started in Chappaqua.
“Cancer has personally affected the Greeley community and the larger surrounding community,” said event co-chair and Greeley senior Sarah Schattschneider. “It’s a cause that everyone can get behind. Once you start telling your story and listening to the stories of those around you, it’s easy to see why so many people support our efforts to find a cure.”
The overnight event, which starts with the Survivors Reception at 4 p.m., lasts for 12 hours, Schattschneider said. The reception is followed by the survivor lap where participants cheer on the survivors and their caregivers. Throughout the night, teams of teachers and students walk the track at Greeley’s Competition Field while those who have successfully fought cancer are celebrated and loved ones lost are remembered, she said.
While the event is primarily made up of Greeley students and teachers, many residents from the larger community participate. This year close to 70 teams have registered. Schattschneider said organizers are optimistic that the $162,000 fundraising goal is within reach. Already about $135,000 has been raised.
In addition to the money raised by the participating teams, there are a variety of fundraisers for the community to join, including a dunk tank and friendship bracelet sales. Starting at 5:30 p.m. there will be field competitions, and after nightfall, attendees prepare for the Luminaria ceremony, white paper bags lining the track, with each bag bearing the name of someone who has been touched by cancer.
People who aren’t participants are allowed to stay until 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/chappaquaNY of Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RelayForLifeOfChappaqua.
On Friday, May 17 Frannie’s Goodie Shop in Mount Kisco is donating 15 percent of sales to the cause when customers show the Relay for Life flyer.
Schattschneider said the school and the students wouldn’t be able to organize the event without help from the entire community.
“While the logistics are planned and executed by the students and the school, there is absolutely no way that we could be this successful without the help and support of the local community,” she said.
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