Last Saturday, cars driving along the Cross Island Parkway saw thousands of Queens residents holding red and white balloons during the annual “Light the Night Walk,” which is a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“Light the Night” is a nationwide event that has been in existence since 1999. The New York City chapter holds three walks a year — one each in Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens.
Since 2003, Queens residents have gathered at Fort Totten to show their support for the charity. The number of participants Saturday was a significant increase from what it was in previous years.
“We had over 1,000 (walkers),” said Donna Canzano, who is the society’s senior campaign manager for the city chapter. “I think last year we had about 700, so we definitely increased this year.”
By the time all of the money has been collected, Canzano said they expect the total to reach $150,000.
“I’m never shocked and amazed with how generous the Queens people are,” Canzano said. “They’re just wonderful people that really care a lot about our mission. It’s really an honor to serve them.”
Overall, Canzano said the day couldn’t have gone any better.
“The weather was certainly on our side. People had a great time,” Canzano said. “We’ve gotten some amazing feedback. We’re really pleased.”
For more information on The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the “Light the Night Walk,” visitwww.lightthenight.org/nyc.
jessica@queenscourier.com
Thousands Gather To Light The Night
By Jessica Lyons
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