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Pelican Signs Flock to Fish for Cancer-Research Funding: Shores Residents and Barry University Are Teaming Up to Fight Cancer at the Community's Third Annual Relay for Life, and a Flock of Purple Pelicans Are

Posted on: Sunday, 19 February 2006, 06:00 CST

By Dan Roblee, The Miami Herald

Feb. 19--There have been some strange bird sightings recently in Miami Shores, where eight elusive Purple Pelicans have been appearing on lawns throughout the village.

But this flock doesn't feed on snapper or mullet; it's fishing for cash for the American Cancer Society, and helping to spread the squawk about this year's Miami Shores Relay for Life.

The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser, each year raising millions of dollars nationally.

This year's overnight Miami Shores relay kicks off at 6 p.m. Mar. 31 at the main entrance to Barry University at 11300 NE Second Ave., and relay team members will spend the next 18 hours walking or running laps around the circle drive in front of Barry's Cor Jesu Chapel. They'll also have some fun with food, entertainment and games for the whole family.

"The stage is busy all 18 hours," said relay chairman John Beaubrun, a cancer survivor who's been battling leukemia for over three years. 'We have volleyball, a bounce house, various kids' games and toys. People really enjoy their night out with friends and siblings."

Relay fundraising is already under way, with about 15 teams signed up to collect donations and walk at the event. About $8,000 has already been raised.

Last year, in the Shores' second year of the event, the community raised $38,000 to fund cancer research and support those fighting the disease. This year, the goal is to top $42,000.

This year the pelicans, Beaubrun's brainchild, are leading the fundraising charge. By donating at least $20 a day, homeowners sponsor pelican nesting sites in their yards, and members of the Purple Pelican committee fly the birds -- actually yard signs with a picture of a smiling pelican and relay information -- from house to house.

According to committee chair and breast cancer survivor Georgee Kluck, the idea has taken off with a high demand for the signs keeping committee members on the move.

"The pelicans kind of took on a life of their own," she said. "It's the easiest fund

raising I've ever done."

Community members can also contribute to the relay by sponsoring a team member, buying food at the event or by purchasing luminaries in remembrance of loved ones who have succumbed to cancer or celebrating friends or family who successfully fought the disease. The luminaries will be decorated by local schoolchildren and lit in a special ceremony at the relay.

For more information on the various ways to contribute to this year's relay, or to start or join a team, call Kristen Mathieson at the American Cancer Society, 305-594-4363, ext. 212, or visit www.miamishoresrelay.org.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Miami Herald

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Miami Herald

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