Saipan Tribune

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

MMAC committee gears up for 11th staging of signature fundraiser

The 2013 Marianas March Against Cancer promises to mark its 11th anniversary with the usual activities that has made this signature fundraising event well known over the years.

MMAC Committee overall chair Emanuel Borja said they have begun preparations for the event, slated for April 26 to 27 from 6pm to 6am at the Hopwood Jr. High School field in Chalan Piao, which yearly draws thousands of participants.

Besides Borja, the committee is composed of Rachel Roque, overall vice chair; Dave Guerrero and Atdao Rosario, accounting and registration; LJ Castro, entertainment; Jenypy Sambile and Krizia Mendoza, luminary; Christopher A. Concepcion, public relations; Vinycia Seman, logistics; Reina Camacho, sponsorship; Nola Hix, survivors; Catherine Attao Toves and Betty Kosam, team recruitment and incentive prizes; Janine Nogis, t-shirts and trophies; and David Rosario, senior adviser.

Borja said the 12-hour event will feature anew various teams competing in any of the following categories: Pulan (families), Napu (schools), Puti'un (businesses), and Atdao (non-profit/government agencies). Participating teams will be competing to win best tent, best baton, most money raised in each category, most luminaries sold, most spirit, and most laps.

“We are looking for more families, businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies to participate as teams,” he said, pointing out that a combination of any two categories is allowed with the registration fee to be determined by the committee.

Interested participants are invited to attend the next meeting at 5:30pm on Feb. 7, Thursday, at the DFS Saipan conference room or contact 285-1828 or attaoc@yahoo.com.

Another important part of MMAC, Borja said, is the annual survivors' dinner held in honor of cancer survivors and those currently undergoing cancer treatment.

“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 Borja.

Each survivor will be a given a complimentary dinner buffet wherein they will be awarded a unique medallion and t-shirt commemorating their fight against cancer. Survivors are encouraged to contact 989-6652 or email nola.hix@gmail.com.

The MMAC is also highlighted by the luminary ceremony in which lit candles are placed inside white bags bearing the name of a family member touched by cancer. Each luminary costs $5. To purchase, contact 287-9324 or email jenypysambile@gmail.com or mariakrizia@gmail.com.

Borja said they are still seeking monetary or in-kind donations from businesses, individuals, and organizations. For inquiries, contact 989-7346 or email reinacamacho@gmail.com.

“We raised a record amount last year and we hope to match or exceed that this year,” said Borja. “With this being the 11th year of the MMAC, we are confident that the community will come out in full force in support of the battle against cancer.”

For more information, visit www.ccamarianas.org or contact Borja at 989-1987 or emanuel.borja@gmail.com, Rachel Roque at 989-1247 or remroque@gmail.com.