 Katherine Sun (in pink) leads her Homestead Key Club Superstars team on the track |
Homestead High School 2007
Sunnyvale, California
School was out and summer is in the air, yet Homestead Key Club kept busy. Members have been working hard since April to gather donations from friends and family for the Campbell Relay for Life July 15-16. Relay for Life is a 24-hour event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, provide services to those that are battling cancer, and give hope to those fighting against the disease. Homestead Key Club has been a participant in the event for three years now and this year, the team included four members from the Monta Vista Key Club.
As Team Captain, I ensured that the team was on task and maintained communication with the American Cancer Society Youth Team Coordinator for the event. Three car wash fundraisers were hosted to fundraise for the event in addition to individual fundraising. The team came together very well and worked hard to make Relay for Life 2006 the best one for Homestead Key Club in all its years as a participant. Many members exceeded the minimum individual fundraising contribution of $100 to the team. The team exceeded its goal of raising $2,500, having raised over $5,330.
During the event, adult and youth teams alike gathered at the Campbell Community Center and took turns walking or running laps around the track. Each team kept at least one team member on the track at all times. In addition, many teams held on-site fundraisers such as a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament. Many activities were planned by the American Cancer Society for participants to watch or participate in as well. These included Relay Idol, performances by local bands, a Luminaria Ceremony to honor those that have won their battle with cancer and to remember those that have lost their battle, a Toilet Paper Fashion Show, and many more.
Throughout the hot day and the cold night, Homestead Key Club members took turns walking around the track, singing, dancing, laughing, playing games, eating, and sleeping. The event was loads of fun! As Team Captain, I stayed awake the entire night to watch over the team and the preparation that went into the event was lots of work, but to see the results and the team's success truly made it all worthwhile. I can't wait until Relay for Life 2007!