Last Relay for Life of Riverview planned for May 31 in Oakmont

The end of May will be the end of an era in fundraising for cancer research and awareness in Oakmont.

The final laps of Relay for Life of Riverview are planned for May 31 at Riverside Park.

The event supporting the American Cancer Society was brought to the borough 25 years ago by former Oakmont couple Jim and Judy Schwartz.

The pair have since moved to Florida but plan to make an appearance at the finale.

Cancer survivor and longtime event organizer Nancy “Moochie” Donatucci of Oakmont talked about the decision the event committee and the society made to end Relay of Lief after a quarter-century of making an impact.

“What’s happening is that the numbers, as far as teams and attendance, has gone down over the last 25 years,” Donatucci said.

Participants have raised at least $1.9 million heading into the event this year. This year’s theme is “Road to $2 million.”

“We decided we were going to make our second million this year (at the) 25th year and say, ‘goodbye’,” Donatucci said.

Donatucci, 68, has been involved in Relay for Life of Riverview from the beginning.

She said Judy Schwartz, a retired Riverview School District teacher, had teams from each grade level as well as local churches and community organizations participating when it started.

There were 44 teams total and the organization committee had 22 members the first year.

Leadership changed hands over the years. Barb Kutilek was its organizer before Donatucci took over.

Last year’s relay had only 10 teams, the same amount as those signed up this year.

The committee also dropped to just 10 members and no official chair this year.

“Times have changed with people leaving,” Donatucci said. “I definitely have mixed feelings. I’m sad to see such a great thing come to an end, but everybody’s life gets busy.

“Even though I won’t be running Relay, I’ll still be raising money through selling daffodils and mums and plants and stuff for the American Cancer Society.”

Relay for Life of Riverview is one of many offshoots of a larger effort that spans about 40 years.

Relay for Life was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a practicing surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985.

He walked and ran for 24 hours around a track at the University of Puget Sound to help raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. It has since turned into a global fundraising phenomenon.

Volunteers from Oakmont and Verona began organizing their part of Relay in 2000.

Riverview’s final laps

Opening ceremonies are set for 11 a.m. on May 31, including a dove release and survivor lap.

Other activities include basket raffles; vendors; games and prizes; a kids fun run on the lower level park track; food trucks; and performances by the Oakmont Lions Good Time Jazz Band, Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy and spins from DJ Billy Mac.

Food trucks include Knapp-Kins and Sweets for the Street.

Steelers mascot Steely McBeam and the Pirate Parrot are expected to make appearances.

The survivor/caregiver bingo and craft tent is back by popular demand. Games begin at 4:30 p.m.

A survivor dinner social is set from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

A luminaria ceremony begins at 8 a.m., followed by a reading of the names of the recently deceased and a moment of silence. Closing remarks are set for 9 p.m.

More information is available on the event’s Facebook page.