American Cancer Society, Relay for Life - Rutgers University

In 1971, when Richard Nixon launched the "War on Cancer" just one in three of those diagnosed with cancer survived.  Fast forwarding to the present, two in three of those diagnosed are survivors!  This massive stride forward is thanks to advances facilitated by the American Cancer Society. 

One of the ACS's key programs is its Relay for Life community events held across the country.  Teams of walkers get sponsored and must walk for 12 hours to show their support for those fighting cancer, or in memory of those who have lost the battle.  Ambient DJ has had the honor of providing musical entertainment services to various Relay for Life events in the past.  Last night, we returned to the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University's Busch Campus to help keep 50 teams and some 700 participants pumped up throughout the evening!  The Rutgers event has been growing fast - while 2009's event raised $12,000, 2010's raised $50,000!  Through the years, the ACS has donated some $9 million to institutions at Rutgers towards basic research in the cancer field.

This year's theme was Pirates of the "Cure"-a-bean.  Get it?  Activities for the evening included DJ entertainment, a live band (the Melillo Brothers), bellydancing entertainment and a beauty pageant (by male contestants in drag!).  The student organizers at Rutgers led by Theresa Bartone did an awesome job planning this ambitious event.

Enjoy the photos below, and for more info about Relay for Life, visit http://www.relayforlife.org      

P.S.  Don't forget to get your recommended cancer screenings!  Early detection is a key to survival.

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/