The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 175 RENEW Committee is stepping away from the electrical industry on May 30, and stepping up for the American Cancer Society to oversee logistics for the 2015 American Cancer Society Relay for Life, in Hamilton County.
This year’s event will take place in Coolidge Park and according to Mike Starling, a seven-year member of IBEW LU 175 and Relay for Life Team Captain, one of the goals of RENEW [Reach Out and Engage Next-Generation Electrical Workers] is to fully support the membership’s effort to connect community service to issues near and dear to their hearts. His mother is a 20-year breast cancer survivor and Mr. Starling was looking for a way to honor her fight. He said, “I have been donating to the American Cancer Society for several years, said Starling, and I saw this as an opportunity to get LU 175’s membership involved and to get more people educated in the prevention of cancer.”
Mr. Starling is joined by fellow LU 175 RENEW Committee members Caleb Long and Duane Evans in coordinating event logistics and the LU 175 teams. “It is rewarding to be part of an event that impacts the lives of so many, said Long, who serves as Chair of the RENEW Committee. We feel we are making a difference by offering our expertise with planning this event and will have boots on the ground on May 30 to coordinate all logistics from set up to clean up as well as other needs to ensure its success.”
Relay for Life is a signature fund-raising event for us, said Melinda Craft, American Cancer Society Senior Market Manager – Mid-South Division. “The true strength of these events lies in our local volunteer leadership and we could not be more pleased to have Mike, Caleb and Duane on our team. Their problem-solving skills have been invaluable and I am impressed with their commitment to this event as well as their commitment to each other. They exemplify a true sense of brotherhood and community.”
Barry Key, business manager of IBEW LU 175, encourages membership involvement with community organizations. “I am proud of RENEW’s leadership role with this event. It demonstrates their commitment to giving back, which is a long-standing tradition for our organization,” said Mr. Key. “This event helps us to further connect with and contribute to the organizations that support the causes that unfortunately do affect some of our members as well as our community." To date, LU 175 has four relay teams and has raised over $5300.
Mr. Starling, Mr. Long and Mr. Evans hope through their involvement that members, their families and friends gain a better understanding of the role the American Cancer Society plays in this community. The most important message they hope to communicate to their members and to the community is the value of testing and screening in the fight against cancer.
For full details about Relay for Life, Hamilton Co. and to join the IBEW LU 175 team, visit Relayforlife.org/chattanoogatn or contact Caleb Long at caleb.long175@gmail.com