By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Commonwealth Cancer Association wants to to raise $80,000 from its annual fundraising event slated for tonight and continuing until dawn tomorrow.
Last year, the Marianas March Against Cancer raised $92,000 which is being used for promoting cancer awareness and prevention in the CNMI.
“We’re targeting $80,000 this year and hopefully we can raise the amount despite our economic slump,” said Celia Mercado, overall committee chairwoman. “Last year, we made $92,000 which we used for cancer awareness and prevention as well as for the establishment of CNMI’s Registry Program,”
This year 17 teams from businesses, schools, nonprofit groups and government agencies will participate in the event at the Hopwood Junior High School track.
Mercado said awards for best baton, best tent, most team spirit, most laps, most money raised, and most candles sold will also be given out during the event.
Yesterday, the committee received a $3,000 donation from Joeten Charitable Foundation president Clarence Tenorio, who has been helping the group since 1999. The Joeten group is the event’s title sponsor.
“It’s our way of helping the group and the community. It’s our business tradition to continue to help,” Tenorio told Variety.
Mercado said another sponsor, Northwest Airlines, donated two roundtrip tickets to any part of the states or Asia. The tickets will be raffled tonight.
The event will start at 6 p.m. on Friday and conclude at 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Mercado said after the team parade, a mock entertainment, which is one of the presentations to earn extra points for the most spirit award, will follow.
“We’re excited to see groups and families marching, walking and running on the track. There is also food for sale and games, and we want to invite the public to come and join us in this memorable event,” she said.
Mercado said besides the local bands that will perform, there will also be a dance contest for participants.
She said they have prepared a surprise tribute for one of the MMAC member and a special presentation for cancer survivors.
Last year 15 teams participated in the event’s relay of life.
The Commonwealth Cancer Association is the primary advocacy organization for cancer awareness, education, and outreach programs in the CNMI. It aims to educate the community about the disease and the need for research funding, early detection, effective treatment and prevention programs.