ORLANDO, FL—The 2nd Annual International Drive Relay for Life raised a total of $27,446 during the March 20-21 American Cancer Society fund-raising event held this year at International Festival Shopping Center.

 

The I-Drive Resort Area’s 16 participating teams and 143 participants developed an international theme for the event with teams representing various countries. The District team chose Viva la France as its theme and included a popular raffle of dinner for six prepared in a private home by a French chef. The District team was top second steam raising a total of $2,629.  Donations can still be made until August 31, 2009 to count toward the total for this Relay.

 

Luann Brooks, executive director of the I-Drive Master Transit and Improvement District, said that the event was a success in its second year with a total of $27,446 being raised.

 

“We appreciate the participation and support from our tourism industry in this annual I-Drive Relay for Life and look forward to expanding it next year to raise our goals even higher. In 2009, at least 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. This is a very personal event for me and for the district staff as we have all been touched by this disease through family members, friends and neighbors. It is fitting that International Drive, a world famous family vacation destination, should be one of the area’s locations for Relay for Life and we are already making plans for 2010,” she said.

 

As the national fund-raising event of the American Cancer Society, this unique, fun-filled day- and-a- half offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams are formed from businesses, families, churches, friends and service organizations, all to support the American Cancer Society’s mission: eliminating cancer as a major health problem, saving lives and diminishing suffering from the disease. During the event, team members take turns walking around the track. Each participant is encouraged to raise at least $100.

 

Paul Mascioli of Mascioli Entertainment (www.masciolientertainment.com) won dinner for six to be prepared in his home by French Chef Eric Laurent Azoulai, well-known area personal chef who worked in Paris before coming to central Florida. Dessert for the evening will be prepared by award-winning pastry chef Laurent Branlard.

 

To participate in the 2010 international Drive American Cancer Society Relay for Life, contact the District office at 407-248-9590.

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