Community made Light The Night Walk sccessful

Spectrum, by Kelly Marre

We did it Mat-Su! The first Light The Night Walk was an overwhelming success. We had about 150 people and raised more than $11,000. The night was unbelievable. Without each participant, volunteer and sponsor, this would not have happened. I give each person involved credit for making this a truly memorable night.

We have several major sponsors to thank. Without the Frontiersman and KMBQ, we would never have been able to get the word out like we did. I cannot say enough how much we appreciate all the ads they gave us. I am so proud to live in a community where the media truly cares about people and desires to help spread the news in such a fantastic way. I want to thank Frank Ameduri, Amy Menerey and Rindi White from the Frontiersman for their wonderful coverage. Thank you to my good friends down at Valley Radio, Q 99.7. John Klapperich and Ed Russell, along with all the staff, were instrumental in motivating people to participate.

Thank you to Mark Fricker, Fred Meyer employee, for motivating your crew to come and participate. Thank you also to Fred Meyer for donating $500 worth of food. We enjoyed the Fred Meyer mascot, too. You made it a fun evening. Sparkles the Clown provided some great entertainment as well.

Every Space Furniture Market graciously donated the use of two tents for our walk. We appreciate you so much, Jonathon! Al Haynes, owner of Subway, donated delicious cookies and sandwiches. Thank you Subway! Thank you Slack's Sugar Shack Bakery for donating your wonderful homemade cookies. Cold Stone Creamery donated gift certificates for door prizes, as did Becky's Kettle Corn. United Rentals donated the use of two light plants, Glacier Refreshment Inc. donated bottled water, and Master Auto Service donated gift certificates, as did several individuals.

I appreciate Church on the Rock for coming down to set up, help with registration, hand out T-shirts, balloons and clean up afterwards. We couldn't have done it without you! There are too many to mention individually, but we appreciate each and every one of you.

Thank you, Dave Reno, for coming and singing for us. We enjoyed your music very much. We also enjoyed Kaela Larson's singing. It was great having you part of this special event.

We send a special thank you to Mat-Su Borough Mayor Tim Anderson and Wasilla Mayor Dianne Keller for encouraging their staff and the community to come out and get involved, as well as walking Friday night. The Wasilla Public Works Department was instrumental in helping me get all the right permits as well as help with the planning. Wasilla Police Chief Don Savage deserves a lot of thanks for his help with the route and traffic control. Thanks WPD Reserve Officers and Colonel Strabel's ROTC group from Colony High School. Everything went smoothly thanks to these two groups.

We appreciate Valley Hospital for coming out and raising more than $1,300. Cathy Smith and Nikki Sherwood worked hard and we appreciate it. There were many teams who put forth so much effort. Thank you for being part of your team. Kelly Bologna was one of the top individual fundraisers. Good job!

Thank you to all who were part of the "Kathleen Walker-Williams & Logan J. Marre Memorial Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registry." Blood Bank of Alaska staff were able to register 40 for the bone marrow and take blood from 47 people. The staff put a lot of effort into this successful drive.

I wish I could thank each person individually, but there just isn't enough room. I offer my sincere apologies if I have inadvertently left anyone out. Please know that I am so grateful to each and every one of you who made this night a complete success. The money raised will go to patient aid, fund research, and provide community awareness and advocacy for those who have a blood-related cancer. Since 1949, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has donated more than $360 million dollars to research. That's made possible by people like you.

I will see you all next year!

Kelly Marre is the event chairwoman of the Wasilla Light the Night Walk.