2012 MMAC Committee gearing up for 10th anniversary

The Marianas March Against Cancer will be marking its 10th anniversary this year and the 2012 organizing committee has begun preparations for what promises to be one of the largest cancer fundraising events in Northern Marianas history.

Previously known as the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, the annual cancer fundraising event was renamed the Marianas March Against Cancer in 2002 in order to ensure all funds raised were spent entirely in the CNMI. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the American Cancer Society is the largest voluntary health organization in the United States. All earnings generated at Relay For Life were donated to the American Cancer Society with no guarantee that any or all proceeds would be spent locally.

“A group of community volunteers decided that the CNMI needed more help, support and education to fight this disease and they chose to rename the event the Marianas March Against Cancer. That ensured that all proceeds raised under MMAC were spent in the CNMI,” said 2012 overall committee chair Catherine Attao-Toves. “We raised a record amount last year and we hope to match or exceed that this year. With this being the 10th year anniversary of the MMAC, we are confident that the community will come out in full force in support of the battle against cancer.”

The Marianas March Against Cancer is the largest fundraising activity and the signature fundraising event for the Commonwealth Cancer Association-a volunteer-led non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention, providing patient support services, and serving as the liaison and advocate for cancer issues in the CNMI. Thousands of people participate in the MMAC including teams representing families, businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies. The event will feature the MMAC Shop-a booth distributing cancer information pamphlets and brochures. There will also be live entertainment, food, and drinks for sale as well as other family-friendly games and activities for the public to enjoy.

The 12-hour event will feature teams competing within certain categories. There are four team categories available: Pulan (Families), Napu (Schools), Puti’un (Businesses) and Atdao (Non-Profit/Government Agencies). “It’s possible for there to be a combination of any two categories such as a school and a business, a school and a non-profit organization, etc. The registration fee will be determined by the category or combination of categories each team falls under,” said Attao-Toves. Teams will be competing to win best tent, best baton, most money raised in each category, most spirit, and most laps.

The MMAC also allows the community to pay their respects to all those who have been directly affected by cancer. All cancer survivors and those currently undergoing cancer treatment are invited to the annual survivor dinner held in their honor. Each survivor will be treated to a complimentary dinner buffet and will be awarded a unique medallion and T-shirt commemorating their fight against cancer.

“This is a very important part of the MMAC. Every one of us knows someone who has been affected by cancer and the survivor ceremony is our chance to celebrate their perseverance and strength,” said Attao-Toves.

In addition, a luminary ceremony will be held in honor or in memory of a loved one who has survived cancer, is currently undergoing treatment, or has lost the fight against this deadly affliction. Candles will be lit inside a white bag with each one bearing the name of someone who has been touched by cancer or someone who has lost the battle against this disease. Each luminary is only $5 each and can be purchased from any team or at the MMAC event itself.

“We are looking for more families, businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to participate as teams. We will hold our next team meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 5:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Chamolinian Room. We are inviting all interested members of the community to join this meeting where important information will be discussed,” said Attao-Toves.

“We are also seeking the support of all businesses, individuals, and organizations who wish to support the 2012 MMAC by donating funds, services, or raffle items. We have a few sponsorship levels available including title sponsorship ($3,000+), major sponsorship ($1,000-$2,999) or standard sponsorship ($1-$999). We welcome all donations so please contact any committee member if there are any questions,” said Attao-Toves.

The 2012 MMAC committee members include Attao-Toves (overall chairwoman); Manny Borja (overall vice-chairman); Dave Guerrero, Carleen Desebel and Atdao Rosario (accounting and registration); L.J. Castro (entertainment); Kim Concepcion-Pritchard and Diana Benavente (luminary); Meagan Cruz (MMAC Shop); Christopher A. Concepcion (public relations); Vinycia Seman and Gloriana Monkeya-Teuira (logistics); Rachel Roque (sponsorship); Nora Sablan (survivors); Reina Camacho (team recruitment and incentive prizes); Ana Salas and Janine Nogis (t-shirts and trophies); David Rosario (senior adviser).

The 2012 MMAC will be held on April 27-28 from 6pm to 6am at the Hopwood Junior High School field in Chalan Piao. For more information contact Attao-Toves at 285-1828 or email attaoc@yahoo.com or Manny Borja at 989-1987 or email emanuel.borja@gmail.com. You may also visit www.ccamarianas.org. (MMAC)