Relay for Life a HUGE Success
by Mary Jo Maxwell
May 12, 2008
Approximately 35 Berkshire High School students and 20 members of Burton Elementary's Roots & Shoots group spent Mother's Day weekend walking for the cure. They met at Middlefield High School track to get ready for the 20 hour event. Some helpers were there at 9:00 AM, putting up tents and setting up booths to raise money for the cure. The Berkshire High School sold slices of pizza and the Roots & Shoots members sold 'walking tacos' and character bracelets, which they had made earlier this year.
The students participated in many activities throughout the day. The first lap of the walk was led by Survivors of cancer. The students lined the track and applauded as these courageous people walked around the track. Many of these people had a family member or friend walk this very emotional lap with them. As the end of the survivors walked by, each group participating in the walk fell in behind them and the walk began.
The laps throughout the day had themes. The students were able to earn spirit points for completing each themed lap. Students were able to wear crazy hats, walk backwards, do the bunny hop, and the limbo. There were contests throughout the day and many Berkshire students participated in events like Grow a beard (shaving cream covered with goldfish crackers), Hula Hoop Contest, and later in the evening Kareoke.
One of the most emotional parts of the evening came when the luminarias were lit along the track. Each luminaria was purchased through a $10 donation and honored either a survivor, fighter of cancer, or a person who had lost the battle. The Berkshire students respectfully stood along the track in silence as the names of each of these people were read over the PA system. At the completion of the names, there was a lap of silence as walkers found the luminarias of people they knew and took a moment to reflect upon those people.
Throughout the night, the walk continued. There were two walkers there who had pledged to walk the entire time. These 20 hour walkers only took a five minute break per hour and were amazing! Some people walked the track in blankets as the temperature dropped. Contests and activities continued throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning.
At 7 AM, a worship service began, and the Awards Ceremony took place following it. Overall, the Middlefield Relay for Life raised $61,300. The Berkshire School District groups raised a total of $10,000. Congratulations to all who participated in such a wonderful event.
