Relay For Life 2007

Rotary Rockets Raise close to $13,000 to Fight Cancer!

Once again, the Rotary Rockets proudly participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” in Santa Monica. 
 
The opening ceremony and survivor’s lap were led by own cancer survivor, Nat Trives front and center!  As the 24 hour relay began, the Rockets composed of numerous Rotarians participated in this amazing event.  We circled the track always keeping a Rotarian on the field throughout the day and night.  As the sun moved higher in the sky and the hours moved along, Rotarians, friends and family joined us to help keep us motivated and energized.  Iao Katagiri took charge of the opening activities, supervised the building of our campsite and walked miles and miles during both the day and evening.  Rotarians Rosemary Regalbuto, June Doy, Jack Gregory and his friend David Pierce, Skip Tisherman, Pat Bofird, Robert and Jeanne Segal,  Tom Larmore and Captain Tish walked miles. And this was only the day crew!  Rosemary’s husband Joe came by to cover a few laps around the field and give us some encouragement!  We were even joined by Playa Sunrise Rotary Club President, Katherine Russell! Katherine is a survivor herself, and has already spoken to her club to join us next year!  There were volunteers everywhere helping out with food, drinks, first aid, and cheering the weary walkers as they rounded the track for the umpteenth time.  Other activities included auctions, games, face painting, sales and any other activity to raise additional funds.
 
As we moved into evening, we were joined by Margaret Talai (former Rotaractor), Myles Pritchard and family (our top fundraisers not only for the club, but also for the entire event), and Dee, Jim and Jamie Menzies.  We’re always grateful to see Dick and Char Lawrence who annually bakes fresh homemade Oatmeal Cookies (with lots of sugar) to help keep our energy going.  At 9:00 pm – we all stopped for the beautiful Luminaria ceremony and to walk a lap in honor of those who have lost the fight.  It is one of the most moving times of the event.  We raised our glow sticks and the candles were lit all around the track.  Things began to quiet down, the music stopped blaring and settled into a calmer more peaceful set of songs, and somewhere around midnight the movies began. 
 
In the very early hours of the morning, Jillian Alexander, Pat Bofird, and Bret Carter came in to offer relief to our night owls.  By 8:00 am, we were exhausted, drained, but euphoric when Eric Jorgensborg came by to help us break camp and walk a lap or two.  Survivor Chairman, Nat Trives, made closing remarks and thanked us all for our dedication and efforts.  All in all, the participation was great and if I’ve forgotten any Rockets in this review, I apologize.  This was truly an example of “Service above self” while “Rotary Shares”!
 
To all Santa Monica Rotarians  – a big THANK YOU!  Our club really went the distance again this year.  We are approximately somewhere between $12 and $13,000.00 to date with checks still rolling in!   We had a great time, became better friends, and made a larger dent in the fight for the cure!  I’m very proud to be a part of this club, this event and of Rotary International!
 
 
“Captain Tish”