13 Lucky Number for Cancer Fight

Thirteen teams and nearly 100 registered participants raised more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society at the Relay for Life of Ruach Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 11, at North Springs Charter High School in Sandy Springs.

Three new teams, representing Congregation Dor Tamid, Young Israel of Toco Hills and Atlanta Council BBYO, joined the fundraising event in its fourth year. Relay for Life itself is 30 years old; Ruach Atlanta is the only Relay held on a Sunday to accommodate observant Jews.

Temple Beth Tikvah had the strongest support at the event, followed closely by Temple Kol Emeth. Both have been part of Ruach Atlanta since its beginning.

Whole Foods sponsored a reception to honor cancer survivors and their caregivers. Entertainment included music by Rik & Ruby, line-dancing lessons by Rose Haven and juggling by Mark Kipf. Games 2 U kept kids busy with inflatables, especially the hamster balls.

People walking laps around the North Springs track had excellent weather during the event, which started at 1 p.m. and ended at 4 instead of the originally scheduled 8 because of reduced turnout compared with previous years. Ruach Atlanta this year had conflicts with the Atlanta Pride parade and festival, a Falcons home game and the Columbus Day holiday weekend and came a week after the annual two-day breast cancer walk.

Holly York, a Relay for Life community manager, expressed disappointment that more synagogues didn’t sign up after organizers reached out to all the local congregations. She said Ruach Atlanta needs community support, including new volunteer committee members, to keep the event part of the annual calendar.

Relay for Life Ruach 2015

Photos courtesy of Ruach Atlanta

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