Saturday, June 19, 2010

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

On Saturday June 12, 2010, Ambient DJ Service provided music and entertainment services for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event held @ Marina Park (aka Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park) in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interestingly, the park is tucked into the industrial district down by the dockyards. The forecast had predicted thunder storms, but the weather held and the temperature was pleasant.

The premise of the ACS event is that teams walk a track from 7 PM to 7 AM in support of those battling cancer, or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer. Through sponsorships, these participants raise money for the American Cancer Society.

For the Woodbridge event, there were over 500 walkers. At any moment in time, one member of a team would be walking the huge track. The other team members were able to participate in a variety of stimulating activities designed to help them make it through the night. Ambient DJ staffed the event in two shifts. DJ Nadine Waggenhoffer kicked off the event, and played appropriate music for the opening ceremony, including the survivor's lap. About an hour later, the somber Luminaria ceremony was held, honoring those lost their battle. She continued on with the theme of the SS Woodbridge in a beach/tropical/summer musical motif. After midnight, she started rocking the party jams, and when I pulled in at 1:30 AM, she was deep in an electro set, with some team members dancing. I was energized by this scene!

For my twilight session, I started with karaoke projected onto a 90 inch screen on the main stage. Originally, this was planned to be a one hour activity, but the participants were having such a blast, that the karaoke went for 3 hours until 5 AM! Like it or hate it, many flock to karaoke because of its interactive nature. Thereafter, I spun music videos and a variety of musical styles, as the event wound down, and team members were visibly drowsy. Breakfast was served at 6:15 AM and I broke down at 7 AM.

The event was a massive success, with these 500 walkers raising over $100,000 for the ACS. Ambient DJ Service was pleased to participate in this successful event, and looks forward to participating in future ACS events.

To learn more about the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and get involved, see http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

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