On Saturday, June 6, at the Morningstar Fellowship grounds in Bechtelsville, the “Miracles From Him” team, part of the Relay for Life of Boyertown, held their fourth annual Cruze In for a Cure event.
During the Opening Ceremony, Sherry Sperring, co-creator of the event and a cancer survivor, asked for a show of hands of other survivors in the crowd. “This is why we are all here today, to keep fighting back and to give back to the American Cancer Society,” she said, congratulating the survivors and as recognition of being heroes who have fought long battles, received small gifts from the American Cancer Society stand.
The ceremony also featured members of the Boyertown Legion Presentation of Colors, the Pastor’s blessing, the National Anthem sung by Jen Butler.
Sperring then recognized their childhood Ambassador, Morgan Donato, who passed away in March after a four year battle with Leukemia.
The event was dedicated in honor of Donato – the girl who helped design the “Kids Choice Logo” and “had a zest for life, a cute quirky smile, witty giggles and never thought of herself as a victim.” Sperring said that her illness never stopped her from bringing people together and leaves a “legacy of memories” for everyone at the event.
In honor of Donato, a banner was available for all attendees to sign that will be presented to Donato’s family at the Boyertown Relay for Life.
“The cars come from all over, [from] Hazelton to New Jersey,” said Sperring.
The main spectacle was the numerous cars who competed to win one of the 17 trophy categories, including All Original, Daily Driver, Antique, Work in Progress and Special Interest and more. Trophys were donated by J&H Automotive. Also in attendance were six Grandview Speedway drivers and their cars. Spectators were allowed to get in the racecars and have a meet and greet with the drivers.
A Chinese auction was also held with baskets donated from local businesses and corporate franchises. Linda Soto, Linda Cisick, and Heidi Thomas headed the auction table. Cisick said, “we had a vendor auction a year ago and it was small so we wanted to build on that.” Thomas said, “it brings the community together and besides helping fund the ACS, it also helps promote small, local businesses by giving them free publicity.” Some of the prizes included a grill, a Betsy Johnson basket, beach necessities basket, Iron Pigs Tickets, gift certificates to the movies, and a Vera Bradley basket.
According to organizers more than $5,000 was raised. There were 150 cars in attendance, including 6 of the Grandview Modified and Sportsmans cars with their drivers.
Music was provided by the Magoo Band. Sperring said, “several of the band members had cancer so they know what events like this mean to us.”
