The Greater Gardner Relay for Life has been a longstanding tradition in the community for years, and the 2023 event is no exception. This year’s event will once again take place at Mount Wachusett Community College. With the goal of raising $140,000 for cancer research and treatment, this year’s relay promises to yet again be a top-performing event.
Relay season kicked off on Monday, May 1st with a ceremony at city hall. The Mayor Nicholson and Council President Kazinskas joined the leadership group of the Greater Gardner Relay for Life to “Paint the Town Purple”. There ceremony featured speakers from the leadership team, and an emotional story from a local cancer survivor. It also featured a beautiful performance of, “The Storm is Passing Over” from Gardner High School’s Select Choir, lead by Joanne Landry.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the relay, it is an annual fundraising event that brings together communities from around the world to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have lost their lives to the disease, and raise money for cancer research and treatment.
Over the years the Greater Gardner Relay for Life has become one of the most successful events of its kind. This year’s relay is looking to continue that tradition, targeting $140,000 in fundraising for the event.
The relay is a 24-hour event that has been held at the college for many years. It brings together individuals, families, and teams from around the community in teams. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony that features speeches from cancer survivors and their families, as well as local officials.
After the opening ceremony, the relay begins, and participants walk around the track throughout the night, taking turns to ensure that there is always someone walking. There are also various activities and entertainment throughout the event, such as live music, food trucks, and games, to keep participants engaged and motivated.
One of the most important aspects of the relay is the fundraising. Teams and individuals raise money through various means, such as donations from friends and family, local businesses, and fundraisers. The money raised goes towards cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
The Greater Gardner Relay for Life has a history of being one of the top-performing relays in the country. The community has embraced this event, coming together to raise millions of dollars for cancer research and treatment. Even in a post-pandemic world and a struggling economy, this year’s goal of $140,000 is well within reach.
With the community’s continued support, the Greater Gardner Relay for Life will continue to be a top-performing event for years to come. You can donate to the relay here, or register to have a team at the event. For questions or more information, reach out to Gina Bitetti at gina.bitetti@cancer.org, or call 267.817.7292.
