More than $170,000 was raised during the weekend's Relay For Life cancer fundraiser at the ball field next to the Sprauve School. "And still counting," according to the Relay's Facebook page.
Dozens of teams began the 18-hour marathon Saturday afternoon and walked through the afternoon, the evening, dawn and into mid-morning.
Mary Bartolucci, chairman of the event, said the non-stop challenge mirrors that people with cancer face as they pursue chemotherapy and other treatments, "It goes on all night to represent the journey of cancer patients," she told the St. John Source. Nighttime, she explained, is comparable to a patent's fear and and uncertainty, while dawn symbolizes hope.
Photos accompanying this report, courtesyof Bob and Karin Schleisnger of Tropical Focus Photography.
The island's musicians staged their own marathon. For example, Koon de Tah band played at 2 a.m., and Mark Wallace performed from 4am to 5 a.m., the in De Sand Band wrapped up the event from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The tally of contributions made by sponsors of the many teams was not final late Sunday, but Relay For Life raised $142,000 last year. The event's primary sponsor, again, was Woody's Seafood Saloon.
I am glad that the fundraiser was successful, but is it really necessary to have loud music and continual loud speaker announcements all night long? We were staying in Cruz Bay and had a sleepless night.
Pat,
Cancer never sleeps; if you were a survivor, you might feel differently about the slight inconvenience of music throughout the night. I for one was repeatedly moved to tears by the love and support of the Cruz Bay community.
Blessings, Anna