www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/grandisland.
Watch the Calendar
and plan to attend team fundraisers in support of each other - an example of our Island community's generosity was after St. Stephen's Cub Scouts held their spaghetti dinner, the left over sheet cakes were given to members of the team "Baken Babes" who were selling baked goods in Tops the last week in March - or Team Polka Dot Chix, attempting to sell 10K candy bars signifying one for each child who will be diagnosed this year. The candy bars are being purchased from the Chocolate House on Whitehaven Road, keeping the business on Grand Island.
Ted Wesolek and John Stickl have been with the Relay For Life event since its inception on Grand Island. They will continue to pray over all attending especially the survivors. Those requesting to be prayed over may go to the Prayer Tent (nondenominational).
May 1st is nationally known as Paint The Town Purple. We will "Paint the Island" purple to bring awareness of Relay in our community. Purple ribbon is available at deSignet Inc. Jewelry, 1869 Whitehaven Road. The committee will sell purple bows at Tim Horton's, Tops, and HSBC bank on Saturday, April 28. The ribbons and bows may be used to decorate your mailbox, tree, or front door. Just use your imagination and we just might have a judging contest.
And don't forget the purple flock. Have it sent to your best friend or buy insurance to keep your lawn free of them. For more information, call 773-4649. The flock will start landing the last weekend in April and continue until the Relay. The purple flamingos will stay in one spot a minimum of one day. There are two flocks of 12 Flamingos each this year. This year is a little different than last - members of Team Lifesavers are taking a $25 donation to have the flock placed on somebody's yard (last year there was a $25 donation to have them removed). Team Lifesavers is also selling "Flock Insurance" - donate $25 for Flock Insurance so that the Flock does NOT land in your yard.
Representatives and teams of the Relay are invited to come together again for an appearance in the July 4th parade.
We would like to invite all survivors to be our guest at Relay as you are our reason to relay. The opening ceremony is all survivors, and their caregivers making the first lap around the track. It is joyous news from the NCI that survivors are on the incline for the second year in a row so we are headed in the right direction. The ACS goal is to eliminate cancer by 2015 so help us by joining us. It is sometimes overwhelming how wonderful the community of Grand island is. Four years ago we raised 12K and last year Grand Island raised 112K. When we look around at our neighbors do we know them? Isn't our community extremely unique? I for one am a fifth generation Islander and my pride in our community is enormous. It just amazes me how we come together in such masses for such a cause that effects so many of us. We truely are the "Island Of Hope."
Paint The Town Purple - 2007

Relay For Life's Paint the Town Purple campaign is coming to town on Tuesday, May 1st. Grand Island will be decorating the town center on Saturday, April 28th starting at 9:00 a.m. Bows will be available for sale at HSBC Grand Island, 2300 Grand Island Blvd., Top's Grand Island, 2140 Grand Island Blvd. and Tim Horton's Grand Island, 1685 Grand Island Blvd. from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on that day. Free pieces of ribbon are available at deSignet Jewelry Store, 1871 Whitehaven Rd. and are available for the next few weeks while supplies last. For more information and purple ideas, go to Paint the Town Purple Information
Island Team Lifesavers Begins Its Purple Flock Landings - 2007

Supervisor Peter McMahon and Councilman Gary Roesch put the purple on the flock
Click photo for larger view.
Members of the Grand Island Relay Team Lifesavers will begin landing their purple flocks around the Island the last weekend in April and continue until the Relay. The purple flamingos will stay in one spot a minimum of one day. There are two flocks of 12 Flamingos, and for a different twist, members of Team Lifesavers are taking a $25 donation to have the flock placed on somebody's yard (last year there was a $25 donation to have them removed). Team Lifesavers is also selling "Flock Insurance" - donate $25 for Flock Insurance so that the Flock does NOT land in your yard. Call 773-4649 to make arrangements.
Chinese Auction For Relay For Life - May 2007
Relay For Life Team Ian's Choo Choo Caboose will hold a Chinese auction at the New Apostolic Church, 2728 Bedell Road, corner of Stony Pt., from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 20. Basket Raffle including Celebrity Signed Items, Gift Certificates available.
Garage Sale For Relay For Life - April 2007
A Trash to Cash for Cancer - Hugest Garage Sale sponsored by Relay Team Grand Island SRP, is being held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at 2005 Stony Point Road. For donations/drop-offs call Linda at 775-3012.
Jewelry Sale For Relay For Life - April 2007
The Grand Island Relay For Life Team, Flanilicious, will sponsor
a jewelry sale from 1-6 p.m., Saturday, April 28th in the St. Stephen's Church hospitality room. The all hand made jewelry is priced from $5-$105 and selections range from sterling silver to semi-precious stones, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pins, rings, mother's bracelets, chains and Mother's Day is just around the corner. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Grand Island Relay For Life. For further information, contact Diane Garey, 773-5714.
Relay For Life Team Polka Dot Chix Attempt To Sell 10,000 Candy Bars - 2007
The Polka Dot Chix will be setting up all over Grand Island this months in their efforts to sell 10,000 candy bars...one for each child that will be diagnosed this year. The team hopes that community will show support on the following days and locations:
• Friday, April 20th at The First Niagara Bank from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21st at Tops from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, April 27th at HSBC Bank from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grand Island's Largest Piggy Bank will also be making an appearance with an empty tummy. "We look forward to seeing you and appreciate all of your support for Grand Island's Relay for Life."
Paint The Island Purple For Relay For Life - April 2007
Grand Island Relay For Life committee members will be selling purple bows from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Tim Horton's, Tops Market and HSBC bank, to bring awareness of Paint The Island Purple Day, May 1st (nationally known as Paint The Town Purple) in hopes of publicity for Relays in communities all over the country. "And just maybe we will have a decorating contest of Island homes," Island Co-chair Mary Dunbar-Daluiso said this week. "So don't be left out in the cold or just maybe a flock of purple birds will land on you lawn," she said.
"Everyone who is involved in Grand Island's Relay For Life is invited to decorate town hall grounds on April 28 in case Channel 2 News comes to cover," the Relay Co-chair said. Those participating are asked to meet at the Brick Oven at 8:30 a.m. where ribbon and job responsibilities for all volunteers will be dispensed.
Purple ribbon is available at deSignet International, 1869 Whitehaven Road. Those needing ribbon for their front porch, tree, mailbox etc. are invited to stop by and pick it up, courtesy of the Island of Hope Relay Committee.
Team Polka Dot Chix Chapter III 2007
Relay for Life team, The Polka Dot Chix - see "Letter"
Relay For Life Captains' Meeting - April 2007
A Relay For Life Captains' Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in the Grand Island High School cafeteria. All team captains are urged to attend.
Relay For Life "Baking Babes" To Hold Baked Goods Sale - 2007
The Relay For Life Baking Babes team will hold a baked goods sale at Top's Market Monday, March 26th through Friday, March 30th. The team will be selling their delicious baked goods from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily.
Relay For Life Team Everyday Super Heroes To Hold Bake Sale - 2007
Relay for Life team, Everyday Super Heroes, will hold a baked goods sale on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the HSBC Bank on Baseline Road beginning at 9 a.m.
Relay For Life Team Polka Dot Chix Announces Candy Sale - 2007
Relay for Life team, The Polka Dot Chix will be setting up tables at the Galleria Mall on Friday, April 6th and Saturday, April 7th. Candy bars will be for sale along with an appearance from Grand Island's Largest Piggy Bank. The team led by captain Alicia Sommer has a lot of ideas this year. They are planning on selling 10,000 candy bars over the next several months as well as setting up a Sunset Tent at the Relay. (more details to follow) If you know of a business that would like to purchase a box of candy bars for their employees, please contact us at 774-8978. The team looks forward to seeing you and appreciates your support. Remember, when you see the purple banner, please stop and support this wonderful cause. Many of the teams have some great functions planned and truly would appreciate your encouragement.
Relay For Life Everyday Super Heros To Hold Baked Goods Sale - 2007
The Relay For Life Everyday Super Heros team will hold a baked goods sale at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21st in front of the HSBC Bank on Grand Island.
Team Flanilicious Bowl-A-Thon 2007
Relay for Life team, Flanilicious will host a Bowl-A-Thon, Silent Auction and Basket Raffle on Saturday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Mallwitz's Island Lanes. To register call Diane Garey at 773-5714 and print out the sponsor form.
There are two ways to participate, a $20.00 entry fee includes 2 games, shoes, pizza and pop. The other option is to turn in a minimum of $50.00 in donations from sponsors and you bowl and eat for free and receive $35.00 in raffle tickets FREE.
Silent Auction prizes include a family weekend at Splash Lagoon, Holiday Fitness Center & pool memberships, Buffalo Bisons tickets, Sabres memorabilia, Lasertron passes and dinner certificates. All proceeds to benefit the American Cancer society.
Team Lifesavers Announces Fundraising Events - 2007
The Town of Grand Island has formed a Relay For Life team this year and has a very impressive list of fundraising events planned for Spring 2007. Check out the following links for more information. Complete fundraising list, Hockey Night at the Moose (3/24/07) and BBQ at the Town Commons (5/19/07).
Relay For Life Sponsorship Opportunity - 2007
Won't you please consider sponsorship of the fifth annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life on Grand Island, scheduled for June 8 - June 9 at Grand Island High School? For 2007 Sponsorship Opportunities, click Relay For Life and scroll down.
Relay For Life Captains' Meeting - March 2007
A Relay For Life Captains' Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 in the Grand Island High School cafeteria. All team captains are urged to attend.
Chicken BBQ Dinner & More To Benefit Relay For Life - 2007

A Chicken BBQ Dinner to benefit Grand Island's Relay For Life will be held from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the Town Hall Town Common. Drive up service will be available. The event is being sponsored by Team Lifesavers. Tickets are $8.00 each and available at Town Hall. See "Chicken BBQ & Events."
Pound Auction Fundraiser To Benefit Relay For Life - 2007
St. Timothy Lutheran Church parishioners will again present a "Pound Auction" beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2007 in the church fellowship hall at 1453 Staley Road. The event promises to be an afternoon of laughter, fun, celebration with family and friends and the chance to help raise funds benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
Here's what you do: find a pound of something, wrap it uniquely (disguising what you brought). You don't want it to be obvious that it is a pound of candy or flour etc. The ideas are endless. Bring your wrapped item with you and the other attendees will bid on it at auction. All items are auctioned off using 25 cent increments.
Come and bring a friend as the more guests, the more pound items, the more raised on behalf of our team for the Relay.
Relay For Life is a fundraising project where teams are formed and the members show their commitment to fighting cancer by raising funds for use in research and cancer programs.
The team walks from Friday, June 8th overnight to the morning of Saturday June 9th around the Grand Island High School track.
Thank you on behalf of team members from The Garden team and auction organizers, Karen Sturniolo (773-9342), Wendy Koch (298-4752) and Cindy Imerese (775-1022). Please RSVP so we may have adequate seating.
Relay For Life Kick-Off - February 2007

(left) 2007 Relay committee members - (right) Co-Chair Mary Dunbar-Daluiso

(left) 2006 Honorary Survivor Alicia Sommers and Beth Dommer; (middle) 2007 Honorary Survivor Beth Dommer
(right) Littlest survivor Ian Cameron and mother Dona.
Kim Schopp & Jodi Robinson Photos
Spring is just around the corner. We know that because the Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off was held Wednesday, February 8, 2007. Numerous teams came out to the high school auditorium to hear what's new and to pick up their Team Captain Packets. Returning co-chairs, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio and Peter McMahon, brought everyone up to date on the state of the Grand Island Relay which will be held at the high school field on Friday, June 8th. This year's theme is Island of Hope, "Go Retro For A Cure." Close to $120,000 was raised in 2006 by the Grand Island Relay, up 30% from the previous year. American Cancer Society representative Deb Bogdan was on hand to visit her "favorite" relay and to report that Grand Island's Relay is the fastest growing event in WNY and #2 overall in the area.
During the program, last year's Honorary Survivor Alicia Sommers welcomed Beth Dommer as Honorary Survivor 2007 in a candle lighting ceremony. Cassie Ungaro impressed the attendees when she sang the uplifting "Just A Prayer Away" during the ceremony. Beth, who is also a team captain for Bus's R' Us, gave a heartfelt speech describing her journey with cancer and her pleasure in helping out with the Relay. Beth also gave all survivors attending a bottle of bubbles to signify well wishes and celebrate being a survivor. The youngest survivor at the meeting was Ian Cameron who especially enjoyed the bubbles.
Another highlight of the evening was Stu Lowe, a member of the Lewiston Relay For Life, who gave a power point presentation on this past fall's Celebration on the Hill in Washington D.C. which was attended by 10,000, Relayers, including co-chairs Peter McMahon and Mary Dunbar-Daluisio. The kick-off was very motivational for all the participants.
Captain Meetings Schedule:
Tuesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, April 3, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria
Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. - High School Cafeteria (T-Shirt Distribution & Bank Night)
Easter Candy Fundraiser - February 2007
The Relay For Life 2007 Flanigen Lane's Flaniliscious team is selling delicious Fowler's Easter Chocolates to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Call team captain Diane Garey at 773-5714 if you need Easter Chocolates and help support this worthy cause.
Relay For Life 2007 Honorary Survivor - 2007

Beth Dommer with the school district bus fleet.
By Jodi Robinson
Elizabeth "Beth" Dommer has been chosen as the honorary survivor for the Grand Island Relay For Life 2007. Beth came to Grand Island from Kenmore in 1974 with her husband, Michael, and has two grown sons, Robert, now living in North Carolina and Richard, of Herkimer, NY. Beth was told on June 17, 1990 during a routine exam that she had breast cancer. Three weeks later she was having surgery at Sister's Hospital and after a mastectomy, the doctors found her lymph nodes were clear and no chemotherapy was needed. She feels "guilty" that she had an "easy" time of it compared to other cancer patients. So she gives back...anyway she can.
Beth is a bus driver for the Grand Island School District and is captain for this year's Buses R' Us team. This is her fourth year on the team and she is a natural for captain with her positive outlook and enthusiasm. Beth's mother and grandmother died of breast cancer so she walks for them and for herself. A sister from New Jersey has spent the last two years walking with Beth at the Grand Island Relay and is now helping a Baptist church in Plainfield, NJ hold their first relay. Last fall Beth watched her best friend, who walked with her in Relay 2006, die of cancer. Typical for Beth, she brought dinner to the family at hospice and comforted them through the sickness and now. Beth is a survivor and a wonderful, giving lady who is a fine choice for honorary survivor 2007.
Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off - February 2007
The Grand Island Relay For Life Kick-Off will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007 High School Auditorium for hands-on information. A personal invitation is extended to all to join the Island of Hope in its fight against cancer.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life Grand Island will take place Friday, June 8th. "It is your chance to get involved in our town's event held annually on the track of Grand Island High School with a carnival atmosphere," Island Co-chair Mary Dunbar-Daluisio. "It is fun for all ages," she said. For more information, call Jane Dent at American Cancer Society at 689-6982 ext. 117 or visit the website at www.acsevents.org/relay/ny/grandisland. for hands-on information. We extend a personal invitation to you to join the Island of Hope in its fight against cancer.
Co-chairs are Mary Dunbar-Daluisio and Peter McMahon.
Island Relay For Life Selling "Dream and Believe" T-Shirts - December 2006

Members of the Grand Island Relay For Life 2007 are selling "Dream and Believe" tee-shirts to benefit the upcoming relay taking place on Friday, June 8, 2007 at Masters Field, 1100 Ransom Road. The shirts, selling at $10 each, are available in white and grey. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Shirts are available through team volunteers and also at DeSignet Jewelry store, 1869 Whitehaven Road. "Makes a great holiday gift!" a spokesman for the shirt sale said this week.
Volunteers Needed For Local Relay For Life - December 2006
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Comes To Grand Island and volunteers are needed. Click for Island Relay For Life.