Overcast skies and the threat of rain rapidly dissipated to be replaced by clear blue skies and warm sunshine on Saturday afternoon as the Jericho School Community joined together, more than 900 strong, to "Relay For Life." This enormous school community gathering was held to support the outstanding research, education, advocacy, and service of the American Cancer Society. The event raised an incredible $80,000.

"Relay For Life" is an overnight celebration of hope, progress, and answers. Groups of friends, families, neighbors and co-workers form teams and walk around a track to raise funds, awareness and spirits of those present. After a 5:30 dinner for cancer survivors, the kickoff ceremony began at 7 p.m. with help from Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman, student Marissa Kabas and the Jericho High School Jazz Band.

"Simply put, I am overwhelmed," said Relay chair Matt DeMarinis. "I went to my first Relay just about a year ago. Since that experience, I have been constantly learning that I don't get to live any of my days over again. I don't want to take anything for granted. So, I guess that's why I'm here."

Groups walked the track throughout the night. Theme laps brought out Disney costumes, outfits from the 50's and 60's, crazy hats, basketballs, hula-hoops and even a limbo pole. Co-chairs Hilari Cohen, Doreen Leibowitz, Theone Rinaudo and Josh Rudin successfully coordinated all activities and entertainment for the event.

The community celebrated "a moment in time" during the very emotional and moving luminary ceremony. "Yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is but today's dream," remarked luminary co-chair Lisa Lozito as she lit the candles with all of the Relay co-chairs. Lisa co-chaired the luminary committee with Mady Minkoff and Lauren Murphy. Donations collected for luminaria resulted in 1,850 flickering beacons of light glowing throughout the night symbolizing hope and loving memories.

Raffles were another exciting part of the evening. Raffle co-chair Susan Cohen worked tirelessly along with volunteer Lisa Goldstein to obtain spectacular prizes. More than $10,000 was donated through raffles.

Many generously donated food for the event. The Jericho Athletic Association served up hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry crowd. Elementary PTAs donated more than 1,000 bottles of water. Bagel Boss of Jericho, Bagel Doctor of Jericho, Jericho Deli, Café Dolce Vita, Ben's Deli, and the Feinstein family pitched in to feed survivors and participants as well.

"I have lived in Jericho for over forty years and was never as proud to say so as I was this weekend," commented recruitment co-chair Joan Rosenberg. "What a phenomenal outpouring of support and caring was demonstrated. When I arrived at work this morning, I found additional donations in my mailbox. We need to make this relay an annual event."

Rosenberg worked alongside Amy Motschwiller to co-chair team recruitment. More than 60 teams signed up for the Relay, along with countless individuals.

"I wish we could box and store the 12 hours from Saturday 6 p.m. to Sunday 6 a.m.," continued co-chair Ira Checkla, who worked with Joe Lorintz to encourage corporate support for the event. "There are times when it is difficult, in the throes of trying to do the right thing, to persevere. When you stand on the frontline (instead of on the sideline), you take some hits. It is nice, every once in a while, to be proud of the things that we stand for. I am really proud of us, our neighbors, our friends, our teachers, our administrators, our raffle buyers, our team registrants, our luminaria subscribers, our barbecue crew, and all who participated in the event. Perhaps we should telecast the Survivors' opening lap every now and then so we can separate the things that really count from things that should hardly count at all. I hope we can do it again...........sooner rather than later."

For information about other Relays or the American Cancer Society check www.cancer.org or call 1.800.ACS.2345