The Casino Relay For Life is held biennially at Queen Elizabeth Park, 2 in Casino. Relay For Life may look different this year, but now more than ever, cancer patients and researchers need your help to sustain the fight against cancer. Our lifesaving mission has been threatened by suspended events and a decrease in donations, so your support is urgently needed to continue research, patient programs and cancer screening.
- Casino Relay For Life. The Casino Relay For Life is held biennially at Queen Elizabeth Park, 2 in Casino. The next Casino Relay for Life will be held in 2021 & be our 20th Anniversary.
- Participants, organizers, caregivers and survivors with the Hancock County Relay for Life brought their fighting spirit to the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis Sunday afternoon.
Relay for Life El Cajon
Since 2009, Sycuan Casino has been a proponent and supporter of the American Cancer Society (ACS). As a presenting sponsor for ACS’s 24-hour Relay for Life El Cajon, Sycuan knew that its employees would get behind such an important cause. Now, 150+ walkers strong with team members from the Casino and their family members supporting, the legacy of a close friend of the casino lives on.
This year’s race on Saturday, May 14 has been dedicated to the late Lyn McFarland, who recently passed away and was a close friend of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation tribal members. In year’s past, her enthusiasm and drive for perfection permeated every aspect of the event that she touched. It was her personal connection to the Relay that introduced the casino to the organization’s cause. Even while fighting her own battle with cancer she displayed selfless energy and a genuine care for “her walkers”. If it were not for her introducing ACS’s mission to Sycuan, employees like Richard Phillips would not feel the support he had since cancer was detected in his body.
Phillips shared with Giving Back Magazine part of his ordeal. “In 2012, I was experiencing some health issues and went to the doctor for some tests. While conducting tests for something unrelated, one of my doctor’s noticed something unusual in my kidney area. He sent the test to a specialist and I was referred to a urologist. The urologist confirmed that it was cancer and that they needed to take care of it right away.”
Thankfully, when Phillips had nowhere to turn to and felt alone it was the American Cancer Society’s website that gave him support. The organization’s Cancer Survivor Network was a perfect avenue for the Guest Relations Shift Manager to connect with others experiencing the same situation via the online community.
Phillips comments, “The people of this community ranged from supporters, to cancer fighters, to cancer survivors. They were all encouraging each other and answering questions. It was so great to be with others who have or had gone through the same things I was going through. Without this support from ACS, I would not have received the help I needed during that time.”
Along with Phillips, Sycuan Casino has continually had the largest teams at the Relay, which will take place in their backyard at El Cajon Valley High School. The all-day, 24-hour race has teams taking turns walking without losing a beat. Set up in tents and rolling up in their R.V.’s, Sycuan’s employees and supporters set-up for a weekend of giving back.
“On behalf of the American Cancer Society, we thank Sycuan Casino for their unconditional support for the Relay For Life of El Cajon. Their generous contributions allow us to help our neighbors with vital programs and services, and to fund cancer research studies taking place here in San Diego County and around the nation. Their ongoing sponsorship allows us to provide local one-to-one support of patients through services like our transportation program, Look Good Feel Better for women fighting cancer, and a world class 24/7 cancer information line. We are incredibly grateful to have such a great community partner. Thank you Sycuan Casino,” said Katie Foster, Community Manager for Relay for Life.
Additionally, Sycuan provides nutritional meals for the all the weekend’s warriors as part of their in-kind donation to the Society. Tickets for the dinner are just $10 and all funds raised go directly back to the El Cajon Relay. To keep the momentum in pace Relay organizers host additional activities like square dancing, movies and even lighting luminaria bags keep everyone having a great time while helping others in the process.
With the path lit at night with messages of hope written on the bright sacks, it helps remember those who have passed away from cancer and honor those who are currently battling the disease, all while fundraising for the cause. The luminaria ceremony is a perfect reminder to all participants that cancer never rests or sleeps, much like the efforts of Sycuan Casino.
This year, Sycuan is inviting the community to join in the walk with them. Phillips concludes, “I love being on Team Sycuan. It makes me so proud to know that the company I work for is one of the largest contributors to the Relay For Life in El Cajon. And it is not just the financial support! Many of my fellow team members come out and participate and show their support as well. It is so great to see that the company, as well as the team members, are on the same page when it comes to this event. It makes me so proud to go to this event and see a large group of people wearing Team Sycuan shirts showing support to me and this great cause.”
For more information or to register visit: www.relayforlife.org/elcajonca
Saturday May 14, 2016
El Cajon Valley High School
Since 2009, Sycuan Casino has been a proponent and supporter of the American Cancer Society (ACS). As a presenting sponsor for ACS’s 24-hour Relay for Life El Cajon, Sycuan knew that its employees would get behind such an important cause. Now, 150+ walkers strong with team members from the Casino and their family members supporting, the legacy of a close friend of the casino lives on.
This year’s race on Saturday, May 14 has been dedicated to the late Lyn McFarland, who recently passed away and was a close friend of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation tribal members. In year’s past, her enthusiasm and drive for perfection permeated every aspect of the event that she touched. It was her personal connection to the Relay that introduced the casino to the organization’s cause. Even while fighting her own battle with cancer she displayed selfless energy and a genuine care for “her walkers”. If it were not for her introducing ACS’s mission to Sycuan, employees like Richard Phillips would not feel the support he had since cancer was detected in his body.
Phillips shared with Giving Back Magazine part of his ordeal. “In 2012, I was experiencing some health issues and went to the doctor for some tests. While conducting tests for something unrelated, one of my doctor’s noticed something unusual in my kidney area. He sent the test to a specialist and I was referred to a urologist. The urologist confirmed that it was cancer and that they needed to take care of it right away.”
Thankfully, when Phillips had nowhere to turn to and felt alone it was the American Cancer Society’s website that gave him support. The organization’s Cancer Survivor Network was a perfect avenue for the Guest Relations Shift Manager to connect with others experiencing the same situation via the online community.
Phillips comments, “The people of this community ranged from supporters, to cancer fighters, to cancer survivors. They were all encouraging each other and answering questions. It was so great to be with others who have or had gone through the same things I was going through. Without this support from ACS, I would not have received the help I needed during that time.”
Along with Phillips, Sycuan Casino has continually had the largest teams at the Relay, which will take place in their backyard at El Cajon Valley High School. The all-day, 24-hour race has teams taking turns walking without losing a beat. Set up in tents and rolling up in their R.V.’s, Sycuan’s employees and supporters set-up for a weekend of giving back.
“On behalf of the American Cancer Society, we thank Sycuan Casino for their unconditional support for the Relay For Life of El Cajon. Their generous contributions allow us to help our neighbors with vital programs and services, and to fund cancer research studies taking place here in San Diego County and around the nation. Their ongoing sponsorship allows us to provide local one-to-one support of patients through services like our transportation program, Look Good Feel Better for women fighting cancer, and a world class 24/7 cancer information line. We are incredibly grateful to have such a great community partner. Thank you Sycuan Casino,” said Katie Foster, Community Manager for Relay for Life.
Additionally, Sycuan provides nutritional meals for the all the weekend’s warriors as part of their in-kind donation to the Society. Tickets for the dinner are just $10 and all funds raised go directly back to the El Cajon Relay. To keep the momentum in pace Relay organizers host additional activities like square dancing, movies and even lighting luminaria bags keep everyone having a great time while helping others in the process.
With the path lit at night with messages of hope written on the bright sacks, it helps remember those who have passed away from cancer and honor those who are currently battling the disease, all while fundraising for the cause. The luminaria ceremony is a perfect reminder to all participants that cancer never rests or sleeps, much like the efforts of Sycuan Casino.
This year, Sycuan is inviting the community to join in the walk with them. Phillips concludes, “I love being on Team Sycuan. It makes me so proud to know that the company I work for is one of the largest contributors to the Relay For Life in El Cajon. And it is not just the financial support! Many of my fellow team members come out and participate and show their support as well. It is so great to see that the company, as well as the team members, are on the same page when it comes to this event. It makes me so proud to go to this event and see a large group of people wearing Team Sycuan shirts showing support to me and this great cause.”
For more information or to register visit: www.relayforlife.org/elcajonca
Saturday May 14, 2016
El Cajon Valley High School
onlinecasinoselite.org › Blog › Casino Workers Raise Money for Relay for Life
Relay for Life is a recurring event created by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to raise money for the charity. The events are also known for the way in which they build camaraderie amongst communities and pay respect to those who are battling/have battled cancer.
Any person can choose to participate in a Relay for Life event. This summer, employees at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana hosted a relay event that raised $10,000 toward the fight against cancer.
The relay was Horseshoe Hammond's third such event. Employees, 324 in total, walked in shifts for 24 hours at the Horseshoe Venue and covered 2,194 miles. After each lap through the theater, walkers received a bead to add to their “band of hope.” The growing bracelets served as inspiration and encouragement to the walkers, who were exhausted by the time the overnight relay ended.
To increase Horseshoe Hammond's overall step total, workers on the casino floor wore pedometers during the 24 hour relay even if they weren't walking the track. All steps taken by employees during the designated 24 hours counted toward the total time walked for the fundraiser.
Many workers at the Horseshoe related personal stories about how cancer has, in one way or another, affected their lives. Human Resources VP Dawn Reynolds-Pettit talked about how “so many of us have personal stories . . . about how cancer has affected (our) lives.” The hope, she added, is to “find a cure so those fighting live to enjoy another birthday, another day with family and friends.”
The casino paid respect to employees and their loved ones who have been impacted by cancer by holding a luminaria ceremony toward the end of the event. A luminaria is a lit votive candle inside a paper bag that may have a name and/or picture of a loved one on the outside. During the ceremony, the Venue's track was lit up for the loved ones of Horseshoe Hammond employees who have been affected by cancer.
Casino Employees Participate in Relay for Life at Other Locations
The Horseshoe workers' participation in Relay for Life is not a novel thing. In 2013, employees at the Grand Biloxi in Mississippi raised $4,000 for the Harrison County Relay for Life chapter. During the month prior to the relay, the casino sponsored a car wash, book sale, bake sale, and other events to raise money for the charity.
The Caesars Foundation, a faction of Caesars Entertainment, supplemented the casino's earnings through a $1,500 fund-matching program. This contribution bumped the Grand Biloxi team's total donation up to $5,500.
During the hours of the actual event, the workers participated in the relay at Biloxi High School. They walked, jogged, or ran the track throughout the night under the leadership of their captain, HR Generalist Kim Bartlett.
Popular: Casino-Themed Relay for Life Events
Relay for Life doesn't always take place at a casino, but groups often incorporate a casino theme into their event. Last April, an event hosted at East Lincoln High School in Denver, Colorado included a casino night fundraiser at a nearby restaurant. Critics sometimes question whether charity-sponsored casino night activities are legal in the United States. The answer to this question, in most states, is yes. When organizations wish to raise money for charity, they are permitted by law to use a casino theme without a casino license.
Companies like On the Go Casino help organizations set up their casino nights. These events are legal and accessible to all ages, including children. That's because “funny money,” or play money, is used and there is no obligation to buy anything. Players use a funny money voucher to obtain chips for blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. Chips may later be exchanged for prizes.
An exception to the legality of a fundraising casino night is the state of Georgia. Gambling-themed charity events are forbidden in that state, even when the object is to raise money for a charitable cause.
How a Relay for Life Team is Created
Anyone can participate in a Relay for Life event, but a team must first be created. Teams consist of around 15 people. The team holds an initial meeting to create its name, choose a captain, and decide how it will raise money for the cause. A monetary goal is set at this time. Relay for Life proceeds are typically raised via a booth at the event, staffed by team members, that sells a good or service. Common goods sold include bake sale items, T-shirts, and used books. Donations online can also be taken. Each member that earns $100 receives a free Relay for Life T-shirt from ACS.
Once a team has been assembled, the participants register at the website RelayForLife. Participants under the age of 18 are welcome to join, but must complete additional paperwork for legal reasons. Team members typically camp together in a tent at the relay, as the event goes through the night.
When it comes to raising money via Relay for Life, people get creative with the ways in which they get their funds. Gambling, either at a real casino site or at a one-night fundraiser, is a great way for people to have fun while wagering money on a worthy cause. The ACS has been sponsoring Relay for Life since 1985, when surgeon and marathon runner Dr. Gordon Klatt decided he wanted to do something to help combat cancer. Klatt combined his love for running with his desire to help others, and quickly after that, Relay for Life was born.
Fight Back Ceremony Caps Events
Toward the end of every 24-hour event is what is called a Fight Back Ceremony. At this ceremony, participants make a pledge to continue devoting their energies to cancer education, awareness, and prevention. The ceremony is an empowering and life-affirming affair for all who participate.
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