Judith Rogozenski wanted to do something to make the Relay For Life of Greater Plymouth a little more special. So she decided to give beads to walkers for each leap they completed during this “walk around the clock” to fight cancer. The idea was an immediate hit. Every year, hundreds of walkers each collect scores of beads to make necklaces marking their commitment to stop this terrible disease.
Rogozenski was recognized for her efforts with the 2014 Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award. The honor is presented each year to volunteers nominated by their peers who exemplify American Cancer Society (ACS) values: Mission, Data-Driven, Diversity, Respect and Stewardship.
The beads are just the tip of the iceberg. The Plymouth resident has been an integral part of the PartyLite Hometown Walkers, which participated in the very first Relay For Life of Greater Plymouth in 2001. She was instrumental in getting her company, PartyLite of Plymouth, to take part in the annual event and become a national partner of the American Cancer Society. PartyLite has raises and donates up to $400,000 each year to help fight cancer.
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Rogozenski’s guidance, dedication and implementation of communication tools have been instrumental to the success of the ACS-PartyLite relationship. She helped create the Change the World Campaign, where PartyLite consultants ask customers to round up orders with the extra money going to the American Cancer Society.
Rogozenski also created and coordinates the PartyLite Relay For Life National Corporate Team, for which Regional Ambassadors are nominated by company leaders to represent PartyLite nationwide at local Relay For Life events. In addition, she serves as a subject matter expert at the ACS’ National Corporate Impact Conference speaking on volunteerism, recognition and creative cause branding, sharing her experiences and successes.
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The 2014 Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award was given to Judith Rogozenski during the opening ceremonies of this year’s Relay For Life of Greater Plymouth at Plymouth South High School. Presenting the honor was Mary Davis, Senior Director of Partner Relationships for the American Cancer Society.
In 2014, nearly 500 walkers and more than 100 cancer survivors participated in the Relay For Life of Greater Plymouth, raising $149,000 for research, treatment and programs to aid individuals and families dealing with this disease. Nearly 500 walkers on 44 teams and more than 100 cancer survivors took part in the overnight fundraiser, which covers the towns of Plymouth, Carver, Kingston and Plympton.
The inspirational event to fight cancer includes a variety of activities, including Survivors Reception, Luminaria Ceremony with 5,000-plus candles lighting up the night, hair donations for people undergoing cancer treatments, music by a DJ, games, face painting, decorated campsites, contests, drawings, auctions, live performances and demonstrations, food, ice cream, midnight volleyball tournament and much more.
Planning is already underway for the for the 2015 Relay For Life. To get involved or to form a team, contact Event Chair Jennie Babcock at jbabcock13@comcast.net or 508-254-9320, or go to the local website at www.relayforlife.org/gtrplymouthma.
