The employees of American Litho have set an ambitious goal to raise $10,000 for the American Cancer Society at this year’s Relay For Life event in Carol Stream.
“We’re coming together with a Relay team for the 4th year in a row,” says team co-captain Frank Arostegui, himself a cancer survivor and leadership volunteer with ACS in DuPage County. “Since 2014 we’ve raised a total of $20,500 – and this year we’re aiming to grow that figure by a third.”
Co-captain Sharon Rubar, who has supported the company’s Relay efforts since 2014, says her colleagues are looking forward to a full slate of fundraising events. Last week’s bake sale raised $300.
“We have a 50/50 drawing set for the week after Memorial Day and the following week we’re bringing back our incredibly successful penny wars,” she says. “There’s a dress-down day on June 14 and we finish up with a drawing for a flat-screen TV the week of June 19th.”
The effort will culminate in the team’s walk at their local Relay, which takes place on Saturday, June 24 at Ross Ferraro Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave. in Carol Stream.
“We began with a very small team in 2014 and have built a bigger effort each year,” Arostegui says.
While the team definitely emphasizes fun and family in all Relay activities, there’s a serious side to their mission, he adds.
“It’s important to realize that 1 in 3 of our friends, family and work colleagues will someday face cancer. We’re raising funds in an all-out effort to change that number.”
Arostegui shared the story of his own cancer journey in the company’s blog, Brand Energy. The American Litho team includes fellow cancer survivors and many individuals who’ve lost a loved one to cancer, he notes.
“We are honored to take part in Relay For Life as a company, and as individuals united against cancer,” adds American Litho President Mike Fontana. “We consider this an opportunity to work together on a health issue that really affects all of us.”
Team members are reaching out to friends, family and the community for gifts that will support cancer research, education and patient support services funded by ACS. Among the charity’s many nationwide programs is an 800 number that anyone can call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for reliable cancer information and local resources.
“The ACS cancer helpline is 1-800-227-2345,” says Rubar. “Everyone should know that number because, at some time, virtually all of us will either face cancer or need help for someone we know and love.”
Gifts may be made to American Litho’s Red, White and You Relay team via the team’s fundraising page. For a minimum donation of $10, donors can dedicate a lighted bag, or luminaria, in the name of any individual affected by cancer. Hundreds of luminaria will light the pathway for walkers at the June 24 event. Donations in any amount are warmly welcomed.
