2012 Marianas March Against Cancer kicks off

The 2012 Marianas March Against Cancer kicked off yesterday with Delta Air Lines coming in as the first title sponsor for the signature fundraising event of the Commonwealth Cancer Association slated for April 27 to 28, from 6pm to 6am at the Hopwood Jr. High School field in Chalan Piao.

Title sponsorship is the highest sponsorship level for the MMAC, which is now on its tenth year. It is given to companies that give cash or in-kind donations amounting to $3,000 or more.

Representatives of Delta Air Lines, which has been a consistent title sponsor of the annual event, presented two round trip tickets to anywhere in the U.S. and a $300 travel voucher to MMAC committee members and CCA officials in a brief ceremony at their check-in counter at the Francisco C. Ada International Airport yesterday morning.

“We place a lot of value in community events that support the public in general,” Delta Air Lines sales and marketing representative Chris Concepcion told Saipan Tribune. “Cancer is a big cause that we support not only locally but also worldwide.”

Concepcion, who also volunteers his time with the MMAC committee, urged the community to support the event to help fight this deadly disease. He also called on all cancer survivors and their families to come out and serve as an inspiration to many who have experienced or are experiencing the battle against cancer.

CCA president Bud White said, “We need all the support we can get and I like it when companies like Delta come in and show that they are interested in supporting MMAC and also CCA.”

According to White, the funds they raise go to CCA, which spends it to support survivors and educate the public about early detection. He is hopeful that this year’s event will be able to raise over $100,000.

“I’m an optimist and I think we can do that,” he added.

Catherine Attao-Toves, 2012 MMAC overall committee chair, said that their focus this year is to put emphasis on the participating teams. She disclosed that at least 10 teams have already confirmed participation but they are looking at getting some 15 teams to help in the event that serves as an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the fight, and raise money and awareness for everyone affected by cancer.

“We really want to give exposure to the teams because they’re the ones that put a lot of effort to make this a successful event,” she said.

To reach their goal, Attao-Toves is inviting government agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, schools, and families to form a team and join in their cancer fundraising and awareness efforts.

“We all have a relative, friend or co-worker who has been touched by cancer so please join our efforts in raising badly needed funds for the battle against cancer. With this being our tenth year anniversary, we are hoping to set a record in the amount of money raised,” she said.

For more information, contact Attao-Toves at 285-1828 or email attaoc@yahoo.com or visit www.ccamarianas.org.