Howard Beach has really harnessed the power of purple.
For the third year, the community has come out in force to raise money for the American Cancer Society by participating in the annual Relay for Life – and by “painting the town purple.”
On Sunday, May 1 – National “Paint the Town Purple Day”– hundreds came out to an event in Father Dooley Hall at St. Helen’s Roman Catholic Church.
“Howard Beach has really grabbed onto this and done a great job,” said Tameron Ackley, regional vice president for Queens of the American Cancer Society. “They really turned Cross Bay Boulevard purple and got people to do purple-themed things.”
At St. Helen’s, a giant purple bow was painted in the parking lot, and at dusk, there was a candle ceremony “in honor of those who died and those still suffering.”
And though the Howard Beach Relay for Life is organized by Melissa Fochetta and best friend Phyllis Inserillo, many stand out for their efforts to stand up against cancer.
The team “Forever Friends” raised $718 in only three hours on Sunday.
And Lisa Russo has been an “all star” for the past two years.
The Howard Beach mom raised about $3,500 the first year and $5,000 the following year by getting people to sign up and businesses to donate. Russo also organized activities to raise extra money for the cause as well as entertain the children.
“Too many people in Howard Beach are getting cancer,” said Russo. Both she and her husband have been diagnosed with the disease.
“My husband and I are rocking and rolling,” said Russo, whose daughter, Joli, is a contestant in the Miss Howard Beach Pageant as well as many others. “It’s very important to raise money for the cause and research. It’s happening in every home; every single person knows someone that has it [cancer].”
“She has been phenomenal in terms of planning and getting people energized,” said Ackley of Russo.
