The City of Homestead Relay for Life Team was recognized at the July 18 City Council meeting during a special presentation made by Michael Hitt, City of Homestead Relay for Life team captain. Hitt, a City of Homestead Customer Service employee and this year’s Overall Relay for Life Event Chair, led the city’s team in raising $2,300 for the cause.
“The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is more than just an event to me. It is my personal opportunity to help fight cancer, which took my father’s life in 1996,” said Hitt at the City Council Meeting. “I am extremely proud of our team.”
Hitt awarded 44 Certificates of Recognition to the City of Homestead Relay for Life team members. Among some of the members recognized were: management staff, volunteers from various city departments, Mayor Steven C. Bateman, Vice- Mayor Jon Burges, Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough- McCormick, Councilman Stephen R. Shelley, Councilwoman Judy Waldman, Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, and Councilman Elvis Maldonado. This year was particularly special for Councilman Maldonado because the event was dedicated to his wife, Lissette Maldonado, who lost her fight to cancer last April.
Councilwoman Judy Waldman, who was the Event Chair for the Relay for Life in previous years and also participated in this year’s Relay activities, said that as a cancer survivor Relay for Life is very dear to her heart. “The City of Homestead Team made me so proud this year. I know that next year we will have an even stronger team for this very important cause.”
The team plans to end the year on a strong note with an ‘80’s themed Wrap Party on Thursday, August 2nd in the Homestead Community Center at 6pm. It will be a time to celebrate their success, receive awards, meet the 2013 Relay Committee members and sign up for the 2013 team.
