Participation for event disappointing

By: WHANDA MADRID - Commentary | Sunday, May 27, 2007 7:47 PM PDT ∞

Last year, we put together our first Menifee Relay for Life Fight 4 Cancer and we had a poor turnout from businesses and residents. This year, we seem to be repeating history, so we need Menifee residents and businesses to help make this event the best.

If the other surrounding cities like Murrieta, Temecula and Moreno Valley can be successful in their relays, we should, too.

I have volunteered my time to go door to door to the majority of the Menifee/Sun City business three times and no one has responded. I went to major department stores, small businesses, banks, dental offices, hair and nail salons, cleaners, flower shops, restaurants and elementary schools from along Newport Road.

The few volunteers helping to make this year successful are discouraged and disappointed by the lack of participation and donation.

Bank of America in Menifee is the only business that participated last year and this year. They have formed teams, volunteered their employees and donated a large sum of money. County Supervisor Jeff Stone's office donated $5,000; Lake Menifee Women's Group donated, eHealthSupplies.com and Papa Johns are donating food.

We need more donations, not only in money, but we need a catwalk, stage, lights, generators, chairs, canopies, food, water and anything else that would make this event successful.

Local physician Eric Madrid was able to get local country singer Michelle Crowley and her band, which recently opened for Carrie Underwood, to sing at our second annual Menifee Relay for Life. In addition, I received a call from Mrs. Menifee Valley, Samantha Campbell, and the Sisters Queens, who want to volunteer their time.

So we encourage all Menifee residents to get involved. You can form a team ---- 12 people minimum ---- or join an existing team. The entry fee is only $10 per person.

The team relay is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the funds raised will go toward research, which may one day help find a cure for cancer.

The event will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9, through 9 a.m. Sunday, June 10, at Mt. San Jacinto Community College in Menifee.

Honor a family member or friend who has either survived or lost their battle to cancer. All cancer survivors are encouraged to get involved ---- a free T-shirt is included ---- and participate in the "Survivor Lap" at 9 a.m. June 9.

Visit www.cityofmenifee.com for information.

If you have a local business and want exposure, contact Whanda Madrid at whanda@ehealthsupplies.com.

Whanda Madrid is a Menifee resident.