Meet Meagan Hallworth, the Community Development Manager at Relay for Life to answer our e-mail 5 Ws questions before the upcoming Relay For Life of Manhattan event in Harlem.
So, before you read her answers make sure to have your phone ready to add these days and times to your calendar. Relay for Life is a community-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society as they free the world from cancer so people can live longer — and better. First, thank you for your work at Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society.
1. Harlem World Magazine: Who can attend the upcoming event in Harlem?
Meagan Hallworth: Of course; anyone can attend! The Relay For Life of Manhattan at Columbia is open to the public. There is a $20 registration fee at the door, which goes to the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. There will be activities for people of all ages to enjoy, such as an inflatable obstacle course!
2. HWM: What’s going to happen at the event? Is it too late to participate or volunteer?
MH: No, it is never too late! You can register at www.relayforlife.org/columbiauniversityny. There are three main parts to a Relay For Life event: The Opening Ceremony, The Luminaria Ceremony, and the Fight Back Ceremony. The Opening is the call to action. We are there to fight back as one community against cancer. Here is where you will hear the speakers for the event and the mission behind it. Then, we have the Luminaria Ceremony, which is where we line the track with bags that are dedicated to those that have fought/ are fighting against cancer and light them up with glowsticks. It is the most memorable part of the Relay, where people remember why they are walking and who they are walking for. Finally, we have the Fight Back Ceremony that closes the night with the total amount raised and reminds us why we are there. In between these ceremonies, there are also performances, activities, and team fundraisers. We even have Miss New York 2019 as our emcee!
3. HWM: Where will the event take place in Harlem?
MH: The event is at Columbia University, Low Plaza. It is the plaza the library is in.
4. HWM: When will the event take place?
MH: It is Saturday, April 13th, 2019 from noon until 6 pm ET. You are welcome to come and go throughout the event.
5. HWM: Why is this kind of event important in Harlem or Anyplace, USA?
MH: Cancer does not discriminate, and neither will we until we find the cures. Everyone of all ages and race is affected. The American Cancer Society is here to provide free programs and support, as well as lead the fight to a world without cancer through its funding of research. The American Cancer Society is the largest nongovernment funder of cancer research and plans to double that amount by the year 2021. All that we do is not possible without the support of the community and our volunteers. This event will fight back against cancer and lead to more cancer patients served, and more funding into research. It is especially important as there are researchers in NYC that are funded by the American Cancer Society, including at Columbia University.
HWM (BONUS): How can I Like, Share, Tag, etc., this Relay for Life event?
MH: Our Facebook page is very active. You can follow us @ColumbiaRFL
Photo credit: Meagan Hallworth via Meagan Hallworth.
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
