South County Relay for Life Raises Nearly $83K

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI—The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event in South County this past weekend was a tremendous success with nearly $83,000 raised to help save more lives from cancer.

Among the families, businesses, churches and community groups with teams taking turns walking along the track at Curtis Corner Middle School was one corporate team that shined brightly.

The team from Schneider Electric, located in West Kingston, raised more than $25,000 for the cause, reaching Emerald-level fundraising status for Relay for Life. More than 60 of the company's employees took part and to top it off, the company will match individual donations made by their employees.

“Relay has become part of our culture here in the Schneider Electric West Kingston facility. On this journey, I have been inspired by my co-workers through their participation in the Relay for Life,” said Jim Palmisciano, Schneider Electric’s learning solutions manager and Relay team co-captain. “I started to Relay simply as an individual Schneider Electric employee trying to make a difference in our community, but now, with the stories and challenges in the fight against cancer shared with me by our Schneider Electric family, we Relay as one determined team. Schneider is ON for Relay for Life.”

The American Cancer Society counts on Relay for Life events across the country to help fund its efforts supporting people battling cancer, cancer research and education.

The Relay for Life movement is the world's largest fundraising effort toward eliminating cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2016, 4 million people took part in 6,000 events worldwide.

"The Schneider Electric team is just one shining example of how the South County community comes together to support such an amazing cause," said Heidi Thompson, American Cancer Society community manager – Relay For Life. "The team's tremendous effort and success shows how every participant and every dollar makes a difference and helps bring us one step closer to saving more lives from cancer. Schneider is clearly making an impact on this mission and in its community."

Relay for Life events are typically a fun and relaxed atmosphere with teams camping out overnight and members taking turns walking the track. The atmosphere can be joyous at times with food, games and activities helping build camaraderie. While not everyone on a team spends the entire time at the event, many do.

The event in South Kingstown began at 6 p.m. on Friday and ended early Saturday morning.

Visit www.relayforlife.org or call Thompson at 401-578-0270 for more information about Relay For Life and how to get involved next year.