By Joshua Sprout
A Relay for Life fundraiser was held on Oct. 24 at Grotto Pizza in Seaford with proceeds from all restaurant tabs with a voucher being donated to cancer research funding.
Relay team Walmart’s Tough Cookies Captain Denise Cucura oversaw the event that had 20% of all proceeds go to research funding. With goals to reach, Cucura said she and her team have no intention of stopping or slowing down.
“So far we have raised around $250 for our team and our goal is $10,000. I am participating in the Relay in memory of the family members I have lost to cancer,” said Cucura.
Melody Lake-Collins had never been to an event similar to this one but said that she’d be sure to attend more events in the future. Collins cites her drive to help the community as what motivates her to be a part of such events, but also mentioned her family’s history of cancer diagnoses as another motivation.
“My motivation for participating is raising awareness for cancer cure research because so many family members have died of prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer that I feel I need to do anything I can to support the cause,” said Collins.
Morgan Sizer enjoyed the event as not only a way to get out of the house, but also to support a cause she cares about. She also wanted to support her coworker, Cucura, despite not being a member of the Relay team.
“I love being a part of something that helps many people and potentially helps put an end to such a dreadful disease. Denise has been hard at work trying to get people to participate and so it’s easier to help support the cause when the people running it are passionate about what they do.” said Sizer.
Over the last 10 years, Grotto Pizza has hosted numerous Relay for Life charity events throughout the State of Delaware. The Middletown and Long Neck locations have also hosted similar events earlier this year.
More than 15.5 million people have survived cancer nationwide according to the Relay For Life of Sussex County donation page. There is also a live tracker of how much money has been donated directly through the website. The next fundraiser event will be held on Nov. 30 at the Wesley Methodist Church also in Seaford. 100% of all funds received will go directly to charity.
