I am proud to have been in charge of nesting 2 Purple Pelicans for the month of March for Relay for Life in Miami Shores.
What is Relay for Life? - As explained by Tammy Austin, sponsorship Chair 2007, "It is a unique event that is more a celebration than a fundraiser. The event recognizes cancer survivors and remembers those who did not survive the fight against cancer during this celebration of life that is enhanced by food, entertainment, and activities for all ages." It is an overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society (ACS). In addition to the actual event, the whole community gets involved. Both businesses and families sponsor and partner with the ACS.
So what is this Purple Pelican and what does he do? As explained in the Miami Shores Relay site, it is a new species of bird -- the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraising bird to be exact. In an effort to raise awareness and rally community support behind the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, a unique community event that allows individuals from all walks of life to join in the fight against cancer, the Miami Shores operating committee for the Relay came up with the flight of the Purple Pelican. The inspiration came from Dr. J. Patrick Lee's opening speech at the Barry University Jubilee Year Assembly titled "Pelican statue symbolizes the sacrifice and care of Adrian Sisters who guide Barry's progress" and the purple from Relay.
Families donate money to have the Pelican nest on their lawns to show support. I was in charge of finding nesting sites for 2 Pelicans for the month of March and collected $900 in donations. I want to personally thank the following families for their donations: Armbristers, Blocks, Bruces, Burchs, Byrds, Hurleys, Kellers, Paulsens, Pichas, Rotundos, Tenneys, and Velez'. It's because of selfless efforts like these that we have so many survivors and that the fight will continue to find the cure to such a horrible disease. My own father is a survivor and this effort hits close to home. I encourage all of you to be involved in the event if you ever have the opportunity.
For more information about this and other events for the fight against cancer in Miami Shores, please contact RICK & INES.
Please read other articles written about Relays around the nation:
Bonita Springs Florida Relay For Life - by Chris Elizabeth Griffith
American Cancer Society Relay for Life - by Theodore Torres
Get Those Walking Shoes Ready - by Heidi Franklin
Relay For Life of Lake Travis - by Sam Chapman
Hello Ines! Look what I found in my news feed this morning. Great story on your Purple Pelicans. Thank you for the mention!
Mango!
Hey Rick & Ines,
Thank you for including my post in yours. This is my first year involved with the Relay for Life and I am really looking forward to it. I have wanted to do it in past years, but always seem to find out about it too late to join. I like the Purple Pelican idea. I may suggest it to my local ACS office and have them look into it for future events. Wonderful post. Thanks.
Theodore - you are welcome, there are so many great and creative people involved in this event for such an incredible cause. It's funny how trivial ideas can generate extra efforts for the cause. Good luck with your Relay.
Ines
Ines.... too bad I didn't live in Florida, I would participate. A well-written post for another good cause.
Hey Rick & Ines,
Just wanted to let you know I have now my first Relay for Life and it was great. Being new to the event and a team captain seemed overwhelming at times, but in the end it was a rewarding experience. My team and I are now making plans to participate in another local relay in September. We are all hooked. I wrote a brief article, Merced Raised $177,000 for the American Cancer Society, and included a link to your post.
Teddy
Funny How I search for Purple Pelicans and this post comes up...Can't say we have any Pelicans in this area...but I understand your idea... Now to figure somehting out for this area... Maybe we can do purple keys...
We have keys through out the city.
Maybe we can have sponsored purple keys like this one but much smaller. (in form of a Sign)
Thanks or the idea.