By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Marianas March Against Cancer yesterday honored its longest serving partners in the promotion of awareness and community activities for the prevention of the dreaded disease.
Overall committee chairman David B. Rosario, along with other group members and officials of the Commonwealth Cancer Association, awarded plaques of appreciation to nine companies as a show of appreciation for their consistent show of support.
Three of the recipients have provided assistance of $15,000 and more every year — Duty Free Shoppers, Joeten Charitable Foundation and Pacific Telecom Inc.
Sponsors recognized for donating $10,000 to $14,000 annually included the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Shell Marianas, the Hotel Association of the NMI, and Younis Arts Studio, the publisher of this newspaper.
Northwest Airlines and Angil Design, which became MMAC’s partners last year, were also acknowledged and given plaques of recognition. “We started in 2003, and these groups and companies have been with us since then. We believe that these is the best time to recognize their assistance, support and generosity to MMAC,” Rosario said.
, adding that the awardees were also provided gift items such as t-shirts and informational materials about their group.
Among the guests were Frances T. Demapan of Joeten Foundation, Shirley Dotts of PTI, Mayor Juan Tudela, Jeff Boyer of Shell Marianas, Lynn Knight of HANMI, Abed Younis and Laila Boyer for Younis Arts and Studio, Esther Sound and Chris Concepcion of Northwest, and Ron Smith of Angil Design.
MMAC has formed 11 committees for the 2008 celebration. These include team recruitment, sponsorship, luminary, entertainment, logistics, media and public relation, accounting and registration, incentive, MMAC shop, survivors, and advisors committee.
Last year, MMAC surpassed its target of $80,000 by raising over $90,000.
Rosario said they’re hoping for another good figure in 2008.