Herculean participated in ACS Relay for Life NYC events. In more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, Relay For Life events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each Relay For Life event is special to its community, but the movement’s true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer.
What Is Relay For Life?
Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement. A Relay includes:
- Organized, overnight community fundraising walk
- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Members of each team take turns walking around the track
- Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie
- Family-friendly environment for the entire community
Herculean support to ACS Relay for Life NYC events
Herculean participated in ACS Relay for Life NYC events. With ACS being our charity partner for the Corporate US Hercules Trophy event, we were very proud to participate in two Relay for Life events in NYC: the Manhattan Relay for Life event at the Intrepid and the Middle Village Relay event in Queens.
We brought our typical fun team challenges and games to inspire, entertain and do fundraising for ACS. The teams enjoyed in particular our signature “waiter’s race” where they learned that running with a tray full of beverages is not an easy task, especially if you need to remember a recipe at the same time that you need to pass on to your team mates.
What Makes a Relay Event Special?
Many moments create the unique Relay experience. Event details vary by location, but all events have key moments in common:
Survivors Lap
During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.
Luminaria Ceremony
The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.
Fight Back Ceremony
This emotionally powerful ceremony inspires Relay participants to take action. The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.
History of Relay For Life
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.