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Relay for Life organizers upset by CUHSD rejection
By Moryt Milo
American Cancer Society officials are somewhat disappointed that the Campbell Union High School District has denied their request to hold their annual Relay for Life event at one of its schools.
Last year's event organizer and chairwoman Kit Ganz asked Westmont High School Vice Principal Erik Burmeister if they could use the school's athletic field. Burmeister said he thought it was a great idea, but Ganz's request was denied by CUHSD.
"They basically shunned us," said Ganz, speaking as a parent and not for the ACS. "Here was a great opportunity for kids to learn about cancer, to become involved in something that may have affected their lives and to earn community service hours."
But the CUHSD said its policy is unwavering. CUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Patrick Gaffney said the district receives numerous requests for overnight events on school campuses.
"We simply don't have any organizations stay on any of our campuses overnight," he said. "We don't do that for any school or any group."
Ganz said the district's action is a missed opportunity.
"Many kids have parents who are battling cancer, and they feel helpless," she said. "Being involved with the Relay for Life event is a way to help deal with the issue and allow a [child] to feel [he or she] is doing something."
The Relay for Life event will be held June 21-22 at the Campbell Community Center, two months earlier than last year due to renovation work scheduled at the community center during the summer. The organizers wanted to hold the event in August, capitalizing on the summer weather, but couldn't secure a summer venue.
The Relay for Life is a team event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Each relay team, which usually consists of a minimum of 10 to15 members, takes a turn walking around a track during a 24-hour period. The team must walk continuously for 24 hours.
Last year Ganz had a team of 30 members, with each person walking only 30 minutes.
"It was a very easy commitment," she said.
When team members are not walking, they are enjoying food and entertainment and mingling with participants.
The teams are made up of businesses, various clubs, friends and families.
"I don't think there's a family who hasn't been touched by cancer," said Margie Boyce, this year's ACS Relay for Life chairwoman. "When you or your family get cancer, there is nothing you can do, but this is a way to help."
Last year Campbell had 23 teams and 650 participants. The event raised more than $150,000.
"That was a phenomenal amount considering the number of teams we had," Ganz said.
This year's goal is to reach 45 teams, Boyce said.
The relay also received approval from the Campbell City Council to extend the event from 17 to 24 hours, and allow walkers to start at 2 p.m. rather than 6 p.m.
The relay will have amplified music after 4:30 p.m. but no amplified music from 10 p.m. Friday night until 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Minimal use announcements will be permitted between 2 and 4:30 p.m.
The city is requiring all the sound speakers to be focused away from the neighbors and toward the community center buildings, with sound levels monitored throughout the relay, and the stage set up in front of the cement bleachers, facing east, away from the neighbors.
This year the event coordinators are hoping for 1,000 participants.
"It is such a fabulous opportunity and simple way for people to help out," Boyce said.
And, she added, "it is also an important way for our children to become involved in the community. The schools ask us for help all the time. It would be great if the schools would help us."
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Campbell, California
