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Relay Tries To Keep Up The Tempo

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: March 24, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Despite the downturn in the economy, the Temple Terrace Relay for Life committee is bent on raising the bar in its fight against cancer.

Last year's event garnered $165,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society, more than any other relay in the county. This year, with Russ Oberbroeckling at the helm, organizers said they are on their way to making their mark again.

Relay for Life, celebrating its national 25-year anniversary, is slated to take place Friday through Saturday on the track and field at Greco Middle School. Teams that have received advance contributions will set up their tents, and one person from each group is expected to be in forward motion on the track throughout the 18-hour event.

Opening ceremonies will get under way at 6 p.m., followed by the survivors' lap. The luminaria ceremony to honor those who have lost their fight again cancer is scheduled for 9 p.m. At 2 a.m. Saturday, there will be a movie star character lap in which participants can dress up as their favorite celebrities. The sleepy head lap, where walkers will be judged on their morning hair and outfits, will happen at 6 a.m.

Other onsite fun fundraisers will include a movie and midnight bingo.

There are several groups lined up to perform, including Entertainment Revue, a nationally known group of 6- through 18-year-olds who have appeared on the "Today" show and "Star Search."

Other performers include the Tampa Bay Children's Chorus, the Tampa Bay Step Team, the Temple Terrace Ballet, the Temple Terrace Twirlers and Fritz' One-Man Circus, who has appeared at Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens.

"There is just so much excitement in the air," said Cindy Kocher, the 2009 honorary chairwoman who six months ago underwent lung cancer surgery. "We need to do all we can to get rid of this beast. Even with the economy as such, we still need funding for the research to make it happen."

Andrew Kramer, the American Cancer Society's area director, called the Temple Terrace relay leaders and volunteers "marvelous."

"When you have churches, schools, business leaders and civic organizations all come together, it really works," he said. "It's also really impressive.

"Charities are being impacted everywhere, but cancer is still here and our services are probably needed more than ever," Kramer said.

Susan Johnson, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union senior vice president of service center operations, said her organization has been a major sponsor of Temple Terrace's relay for several years. Last year, the company's teams raised about $10,000.

"I'm lucky to work for an organization that supports us," she said. "We're very passionate about the mission."

Mayor Joe Affronti, a prostate cancer survivor and the relay's 2007 honorary chairman, is also steadfast in his commitment to squelch the number of lives lost to cancer.

"I just think it's so important to do what we can to combat this horrible disease," he said. "It's great to see the support we get in this community for this event, and I'm proud of our citizens for all they do."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Temple Terrace Relay for Life

WHERE: Greco Middle School, 6925 E. Fowler Ave.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday through noon Saturday

INFORMATION: Russ Oberbroeckling, (813) 985-6192 or (813) 416-5742

ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.relayforlife.org/temple terracefl

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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