Howard Beach is a brand new Relay For Life event that has already surpassed their goal of $44,400, raising $50,000 in their first year.  American Cancer Society staff partner, John Link and his committee have been working non-stop throughout this season to make a "purple impact" on the Howard Beach community.  They displayed sponsorship banners during the month of May, hosted mini-relays, and even had a local bakery provide purple bagels and cookies, and of course, they ensured that main street was lit up in purple for the entire month.   Below are a few of the many things that happened on Friday, May 1, where they also raised an additinal $15,000 for the Howard Beach event.

• 3 Mini Relays at local Howard Beach schools - EVERYONE in Purple - (PS 146- $4,200, PS 207 over $2,000 and St. Helen's Roman Catholic School - still counting!)
• An awesome all-day event with, music, poems, speaking, candle lighting relay style, relay sales, ect.
• Sapienza's Deli- purple bagels, purple cookies, sun and moons, purple decorations and all staff in purple
• RFL site hung all Wall of Hope and sponsorship banners early to promote RFL and entice new purchasers with month long exposure
• Eternal Flame Signature Banner (for the public to sign, write notes to community, remember loved ones, etc.) unveiled and hung all month long to engage HB community in the mission
• Queens County Savings Bank hosted fundraiser in honor of the day
• $5000 donation from Romanelli's funeral home in honor of the day
• Restaurants, community venues and businesses with purple lights in the evening
• Cross Bay Blvd. median lit purple with purple ribbons on all the trees and signs - all up until June 13

The day of festivities ended on an emotional and energizing note with an amazing candle light vigil at dusk inviting the community to join in the fight against cancer in Howard Beach.