Announcements: 14th Annual RFL of SL Kick Off Celebration

The following is from announcements from the Relay for Life in Second Life yesterday

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Come ONE, Come ALL!! to the 14th annual RFL of SL Kick Off Celebration!!  We're geared up, fired up, teamed up, UNITED up and ready to get to Relaying!  Thank you to those who volunteered for the task of kick off planning,  Jesie Janick and Trader Whiplash.  Thank you to the Kick Off regions designer, Eclair Martinek.


            !!!  CHEERS TO OUR SPONSOR!!!
           
Much appreciation goes to this year's Kick Off Sponsor: Relay Refresh!

What... Who is Relay Refresh?  They are just a couple of seasoned Second Life souls taking on a fun project telling stories about Relay For Life and spotlighting the people who make it happen.

In Second Life, even the newest avatar quickly discovers that Relay for Life is a big deal. Hundreds and hundreds of avatars volunteering their time year after year and raising well over 3 million real life dollars during the last ten years.

And behind every one of those amazing avatars is an equally amazing real life person with a story that motivates them

to give their time to Relay for Life.  Read their stories at Relay Refresh!

Check it out  on the website: 
https://www.relayrefresh.com/about-us and on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/RelayRefreshMagazine

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                    !!! KICK OFF DETAILS !!!
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PARADE OF TEAMS TRAIL

Beginning at 7am SLT on Friday, Apr 6th, registered teams will be able to enter the regions and rez kiosk, vendor and any memorabilia that fits within the land impact limit of 30 per team (30 prims).  All registered teams will be represented on this Parade of Teams Trail! 


LANDMARKS:

Parade of Team Trail 1
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%201/34/121/23

Parade of Team Trail 2
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%201/219/80/23

Parade of Team Trail 3
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%202/218/227/23

Parade of Team Trail  4
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%202/142/39/23

Kickoff Seating
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%201/131/15/24

Kickoff Entertainment Stage
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Kickoff%202/127/144/23

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Note:  All times SLT

Saturday, Apr 7

9am: Kick-Off Pre-Show with Zander Greene

10am: Kick Off Ceremony
Featuring the Event Leadership Team, Guest Speaker: Frolic Mills, Music from SL Live Performer: Djembe Dragonfire with Dance from the Monarchs Dance Troupe and Choreography by Diiar Vader Shippe.  Set/Stage Design by Royal Shippe.

Listening Stream:
http://relayradio.serverroom.net:4222  (inworld) or
http://serverroom.net/radio/11929208  (on your regular internet browser)

OR

T1 Radio is also streaming the Ceremony Live at:
http://t1radio.serverroom.us:8242  or  T1Radio.com

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VENUE SPONSORED ENTERTAINMENT
Some of SL's great venues have decided to bring their own Entertainment Line-Up to the Kick-Off!  Thank you to:
The Club, MacLintons Neighborhood Pub, Key West, The River Rock Club and LEGENDS Classic Rock

Friday, Apr 6
Sponsored by: The Club
4-6pm: DJ Heath
6-7pm: Satin and Erin
7-8pm: Porter Pacquot
8-9pm: DJ Harry

Saturday, Apr 7
Sponsored by: MacLintons Pub
6-7pm: EffinJay
7-8pm: Max Kleene

Sunday, Apr 8
Sponsored by: Key West
noon: Lisa Brune
1pm: Phil Setner

Sunday, Apr 8
Sponsored by: The River Rock Club
2pm - 3pm   DJ Sin & DJ Selene
3pm - 4pm    DJ Legacy
4pm - 5pm   DJ Kevin
5pm - 6pm  DJ Lonewolf

Sunday, Apr 8
Sponsored by: LEGENDS Classic Rock
6-8pm:  DJ Trader Whiplash

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                     !!! VIEWING PARTIES !!!
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If you would rather watch the Kick Off Ceremony from your own venue or home, why not host a Live Viewing Party?!

YouTube Viewing Screens will be sent out before the ceremony begins via the Volunteers and Info Only groups.  There will also be a box in the Relay Center on ACS Island. The box will include a viewing screen and instructions on how to show them from your own location, LIVE!

Thank you to Luke Flywalker for providing LIVE youtube coverage for the Viewing Parties!

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Landmarks will be sent out in the very near future.  Remember to get there early, we do expect the region to fill up.  You will be able to hear and cam over from ACS Island so if the main Kick Off region is full, you can go there.  Also, please consider wearing low lag items..  meaning clothing and hair with few or no scripts in them.

Since there is a performance/animations part to the ceremony here is a bit of information on how you can tweak your viewer for optimal viewing.


That's it!  This is the official end to your Relay Kick Off Weekend Celebration Invitation. ..  for now

We're excited to see you ALL at Kick Off.  We're about to get this Party Started!!

The Relay Wrap-Up

By Bixyl Shuftan

"All good things must come to an end." That old saying was most likely on the minds of many of the Relayers as they gathered in the Relay dAlliez sim on Sunday August 14 for the final event for the 2016 Relay for Life season. Since March, the various teams and individuals had been raising funds for the American Cancer Society, the high point being the Relay Weekend in mid-July. And now, it was time to bring the season to a close with one last event.

The location of the event was located down a walkway leading from the entry point of the sim, decorated on both sides with trees filled with pinkish-red leaves. Getting to the area where the event was held, most of the people were on a brick patio with a few on seats at the back end. In the front was a stage done in shades of pink and purple, with the "Once Upon a Cure" logo in the back. On the stage were four stools for members of the Committee, but only three people: Nuala Maracas, Leala Spire, and Random  Padar. In front of the fourth was a cardboard cutout of Stingray Raymaker, whom was talking over the radio stream.

There were a number of announcements made at the Wrap-Up, of which the transcript and a video went up on the Newser on Monday. The total amount raised this season was announced: 59,584,580 Linden dollars, or $238,338 USD. The theme for next year was also announced: "Passport to Hope." Confidence was expressed that the teams would have no trouble coming up with events and builds to reflect the theme next year.

Several teams had moved up  a level in fundraising since the Relay Weekend.

 Rising Star: Relay Pranksters

Bronze: Frank Sinatra and Company, Team Mingan-For Relay For Life Of SL, Eureka High RFL, Dragons for a Cure, RadioActiveAir, Giant Snail Relay

Silver: Dreamin' in Purple, Team Live Wire

Gold: CyberNuts RFL, Walking Tall For A Cure, Friends For A Cure, Madd Vibes, Too Tough To Die, E&S Breedables, The Quest for a Cure

Platinum: Fighting Sunflowers, Circle of Life, Second Life Cheerleading Squad, Sunbeamers

Jade: Meli's Maniacs

Sapphire: Purple Tears, Sail For Life

The winners of several awards were also announced.

Top Team Fundraising Award - Overall:

1st: Relay Rockers - 2,834,856 Lindens / $11,339 USD

2nd: Goreans In Relay For Life - 2,079,125 Lindens  / $8,317 USD

3rd: Harmony Of Hope - 1,927,177 Lindens / $7,709 US

Top Team Convio Raising: 1st - Harmony Of Hope $4,390 USD, 2nd -  Two Moon Paradise $3,924 USD, 3rd - Relay Rockers $2,610 USD

Top Individual Convio Raising: 1st - Sunshine Zhangsun and Cathy10 Longoria $1,400 USD each, 2nd -  TS Darrow $1,290 USD, 3rd -  Trader Whiplash $1,090 USD,

Beacon Award : Individual - Shiran Sabra, Team - Aether Chronoauts Tiny Steps

Gordy Klatt Award: Nikki Mathieson

The Spirit of Relay Award, Team, went to the Cure Chasers

"This team goes out there, year after year, and not only work steadily to raise funds at their own events, but help energize and inspire this entire Relay.  The team remains above the fray and is always assisting other teams and individuals.  They reach outside their team and outside of Relay to hold fundraising events and raise awareness of the American Cancer Society. This team took a new team under their wing this year, made them feel welcomed and supported and always had a team member at one of that team's events.  This team also stepped up and helped host an event for a team when that team was unable to be in world due to travel and family commitments. They cheered all teams in the volunteer group as each team met a goal.  Their constant cheering trackside for people walking the track helped keep everyone awake on Relay weekend.  For 9 years this team has been one of the most consistent in fundraising, participation, support and outreach. Attend an event anywhere and you will find Seinna, Alexia and other team members in attendance. They exemplified the the one team spirit. They are truly one of the foundations of this Relay."

Friends For a Cure received an Honorable Mention.

"A new team who wrapped themselves up in our Relay and carried an amazing bright torch as their part in the crusade. Friendly, so kind and loving within the group and outside of it. They represented our Relay with a spirit that showed the EXAMPLE of what the Relay spirit is. Amazing team! They attended every class, every Town Hall and if you went to any team event you could find them there!  They have ties to the live music part of SL and were able to spread the word further than ever in that genre and we thank them for that.. deeply. I'm so glad they've joined our group and am proud to call them Relay Family."

The Spirit of Relay Award, Individual, went to Dianna Wycliffe

"This year's winner is well known in Relay for her generosity of spirit and her abundance of relay passion.  With tireless effort, she helps literally every single person who asks for or needs help with anything, from finding their way to events, to setting up convio, or just helping run team events.  When teams needed event ideas, she was there  to offer some, when a relayer was feeling down, she was there to lift their spirits.  She led her team to success in both convio and linden fundraising donations. Whether getting eggs ready for Easter, scaring the bejeebies out of everyone in an early Halloween event, or introducing relayers to a special  Pet Relay event, she never stopped.  She volunteered as a Fundraising Advisor this year to help new teams learn the ropes.  And with all this going on, she still found time to be a familiar face at almost all the other relay teams events with words of encouragement and praise. She has been a fervent supporter of RFL in SL for years, talking on leadership responsibilities and providing a continuing vision for her team, Harmony of Hope."

There were two new awards given out this year. One was "Change Makers."

"The Change Makers Award Is a celebration of individuals who have made a difference to Relay weekend. They did something during Relay weekend that grabbed attention. An outstanding act of kindness or a remarkable contribution, memory or laugh to the Event Day. Persons who brought humor, understanding, camaraderie, dedication and a strong sense of Relay Spirit to the event. These individuals will bring new guests to share the Relay weekend experience, they’ll promote unity and spirit throughout."

Those awarded "Change Makers" were Eclair Martinek, Ricka Deerhunter, Fuzzball Ortega, Gem Sunkiller, Secret Rage, Madonna Daehlie. There was also an honorable mention to Sue Peregrine, "Her name has come up many many times for what she took AWAY from Relay weekend…...lag!  The nominations sum it up best…'lag free for the first time in the history of Relay.'”

The other new award was "Community Champion," which went to two individuals and a group. OD Designs was given the award as although they formed Relay teams in the past, "This year that team chose not to make a team but instead play host to a number of team events." The first individual was Zander Greene, "He is influential in the amazing success of The Fantasy Faire.  He has served on the telethon team that covered our Relay for years.  He has used his building skills in making ACS Island what it is."

The second individual given the award was a surprise, "Our second award goes to BIXYL SHUFTAN and the SL Newser.  Bixyl is a member of the Sunbeamers team but outside of the team Bixyl has been blogging since 2010  about RFL of SL throughout the years with his SL Newser. Bixyl we appreciate all the time you devote to highlight RFL of SL in your Newser."

The list of winners can also be found on the RFL of SL awards page.

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Over the past few days, I've gotten no shortage of congratulations for the Community Chamption award, including from real-life friends and family who found out. I've very proud and thankful for the award. But a couple things should be noted. One is that the award wasn't just to me, but also the Second Life Newser: a team of reporters. A number of members, such as Gemma Cleanslate whom has been part of the Relay for years, and Becky Shamen whom has become part of my team the Sunbeamers, have helped out in coverage of the Relay in ways large and small.

And then of course is the first part of the award's title: community. The Sunbeamer's community, the Sunweavers, have been supporters of the Relay of Life in Second Life for years. Members such as Alleara Snoodle, Lomgren Smalls, Dusk Griswold, Shockwave Yarreach, Cynthia Farshore, Skylark Lefavre, the late Artistic Fimicloud, our chieftess Rita Mariner, and others have contributed much season after season. It's a community in Second Life which I feel proud to be a part of.

With another year behind us, the Relayers can look back fondly at the events, and take pride in helping fund more and better cancer treatments, and bring the day when finally there's a cure for all cancers a little closer.

"Go Relay!"

Bixyl Shuftan

Scenes From the Relay for Life 2016 Kickoff

By Bixyl Shuftan

On March 6 at 10AM SL time, the official Relay for Life in Second Life fundraising season began with the start of its Kickoff event. Although there are spinnoff events over the year, such as the Christmas Expo, what the Relayers look forward to is the official season, in which various teams raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

 I myself was there representing my community's team, Team Sunbeamers, with our team flag in hand.

There were many other Relayers in the four sims set up for the Kickoff, the avatars meeting up in the middle. I never heard a total, but there were many dozens, over a hundred.

Among the noteable personalities there were RacerX Gullwing, the head of Team Giant Snail Racers.

Madonna Daehlie, the Relay DJ noted for her rubber suits.

Bain and Panza Finch. Following some personal tragedies, Bain is getting involved in the Relay again, describing his "Relay Journey" in this blog post (Click here).

Another around was photographer Wildstar Beaumont.

Southpaw Sommers of the Steelhead Salmons, her mesh outfit refusing to completely rezz.

 Looks like someone had a camera.

My friend ShadowRene Ivanova showed up. Looks like she wanted a perch for a better view.

I ended up crashing a few times, and coming back things had to rez all over again. Fortunately I could catch the audio stream via the T-1 Radio website.

The Relay Committee took a while to come into focus.

Eventually, the majority of the Committee rezzed.

This year there was a new, and small, presence in the big chairs: Lomgren Smalls.

A "Star Trek" redshirt was among those there. Fortunately there was nothing around to blast, fry, beat, slime, or otherwise render onto him a horrible death.

 Eventually, the Kickoff ceremony was over. But that wasn't the last of the events. At 11 AM, Maxmillion Kleene performed live for the crowd, making music for donations instead of tips.

After that and an hout of Trader Whiplash DJing, the stage was for various team parties, 1PM - Gorean Team, 2pm - Fighting Sunflowers, 3pm - Team Bobbi Sue, 4pm - A Stand For Hope, 5pm - Bonanza Country RFL TEAM, 6pm - Harmony of Hope, and  at 7pm - Aether Chrononauts Tiny Steps.

For more pictures, check out IshtarAngel Micheline's and Wildstar Beaumont's Flickr pages. For those whom missed the event, a soundtrack has been made available (Click here).

Bixyl Shuftan

The 2015 Relay for Life Kickoff

By Bixyl Shuftan

It was Sunday March 8 that the Relay for Life fundraising season offocially begun. At 10AM, close to 150 avatars had gathered at the two sims RFL Kickoff and RFL Kickoff2, both which were south of the permament American Cancer Society sim. This year's sim. This year's theme, "The Future is Now." This marks the eleventh year the Relay has taken part in Second Life.

The landmark I was given took me to a spot some distance away from the stage. Getting there required me crossing a lightbeam bridge. Then approaching the stage.

Over the radio, Trader Whiplash of T-1 Radio would stream inspirational songs and speeches. "Everyone's been busy, we have 134 teams ... Registration Day's been something of an event in itself." And in the audience were various members of those teams. I counted about 140 avatars in the two sims, and someone stated the number at one point was 170.

On the stage were the members of the 2015 Committee. There were a few new faces on it.

"Another change is ACS Island," we heard on the radio. There had been some changes on it, which Gemma wrote about in her story about the location. Places about Breast Cancer and an International area would be added in the future.

 A number of teams for the Relay were represented at the Kickoff. For the Sunbeamers, the team of the Sunweaver Estates where the main Newser office is located, there was me and Cynthia Farshore.

The Newser's DrFran Babcock was there representing the Relay Wizards for Spunky.

 Gemma Cleanslate was also there, though under a Relay-wide title.

There were a number of noted Relayers present such as the Dark Unicorn Avariel Falcon.

So were Panza and Bain Finch.

IshtarAngel Michaeline, the official Relay photographer, was there in an orange tiger neko look, instead of her normal white.

Wildstar Beaumont, sporting his team's flag.

Noted blogger Daniel Voyager was also there (click here for his article).

There were many others there, some standing out in their own way.

The captain of a Klingon Team.

Over the radio, Stingray talked about a number of things, such as the radio sponsors which began appearing last year, ""whatever we did last year, it was good enough so they came back." Also listed were some accomplishments by those doing cancer research over time, such as new treatments and new ways to test for cancer earlier and more accurately. There were also improvements just for the quality of life, "We've created a world in ... where so many people survive cancer, it's not if but when you survive." Overall, the survival ratio has improved from 1 in 10 to two in three.

Also mentioned was how much has been done by the Relay for Life's chapter in Second Life, having raised $5,000 USD in it's first year to over $400,000 last year. Then came someone singing "No Time Like Now." Finally, the season was declared open with the list of teams, large and small.

Besides the kickoff, there were other events that weekend, plus the exhibits on the track around the kickoff stage. Those will be in the next article.

For the recording of T1 Radio's stream, Click Here: https://archive.org/details/2015RelayForLifeOpening .

Bixyl Shuftan

The Relay Wrap-Up: The RFL 2014 Season's Official End

Sunday August 31st marked the official end of the Relay for Life season in Second Life. Since March 7, the Relayers have had numerous events raising funds for the American Cancer Society, and having fun doing so. The season's peak, and the second to last big event was the Relay Weekend on July 19 and July 20, after which most teams ceased activity or held just one more event. Finally at 10 AM Sunday, the Relayers came together for the last time for the 2014 season.

Unlike the Relay Weekend, not so much grey showed up in my pictures, so I was able take clearer ones. This was despite the more than 45 avatars present, according to Daniel Voyager. I was in my skunk avatar, as both a tribute to "Stinky the Skunk" and a reminder of the "Bid Me" events my team the Sunbeamers did. Dr Fran Babcock was there along with her team captain Shawna Montgomery of the Relay Wizards.

On stage was the Relay Committee, speaking to the crowd over the radio. They gave their congratulations for a job well done, and announced various awards. And there was reason for congratulations. A whopping $415,422 US dollars had been raised. This amount made the Relay for Life in Second Life not only the top charity in Second Life, but a leading one worldwide.

Of the awards, there were many.

The Gordy Klatt Award: Dwen Dooley

Community Champion Award Recipients: Wildstar Beaumont, Saffia Widdershins, Daniel Voyager, Stingray9798 Raymaker

The Spriti of Relay Award (Team): Tribute City Relayers

The Spirit of Relay Award (individual): Cuddle Waffle

Top Team Conventional Fundraising: 3rd Place Relay Rockers, 2nd Place Circle of Life, 1st Place Harmony of Hope

 Top Individual Conventional Fundraising: 3rd Place Cesta Franizzi, 2nd Place TS Darrow, 1st Place Blynn Heron

Conventional Website Participation Award:

3rd Place--Unmasking a Cure, placing second with the number of team members registered (15), along with an average of 5 gifts per email.
2nd Place--Harmony of Hope, registering the most team members (20) and sending the second highest number of emails (59)

1st Place--Relay Rockers, sending the highest number of emails (107), and receiving 17 gifts.

Top Team Fundraising Award:  3rd Place Goreans in Relay For Life, 2nd Place Relay Rockers, 1st Place Amaretto Ranch Breedables

Best Man and Maid of Honor Recipiants:

Ahoffman Philly
Ava Jhamin
Bainfinch Resident
Cashew Writer
Chevelley Resident
CiaraNiamh McDonnell
Chipmunk Foxtrot 
CodyPason Resident
Cuddly Waffle
Daiseze Dahlstrom
Dawnbeam Dreamscape
Debi Dastardly
Dianna Wycliffe
Dwen Dooley
Eugenia Burton
Fizban Underwood
Fuzzball Ortega
Gem Sunkiller
Henrietta Demina
JIhan Wonder
johannes1977 Resident
Kaila Mahoney
Lanai Jarrico
Mackenzie Metall
Madonna Milena
MamaP Beerbaum
Mary Teodosio
Nikki Mathieson
Oldesoul Resident
Panza Elde
Prettykitty Gumbo
Rob Fenwitch
Rowena Dubrovna
RoxyLee Rayna
Sarandel Llewellyn
Sasha Fairywren
Sidonie Carlberg
Sienna Thor
Sigh Underwood
Sue Peregrine
Suzetta Moonites
Sylisan Resident
Tiviyah Resident
Trader Whiplash
TS Darrow
Valkyrie Twine
Vickie Maidstone
Zaphara Cazalet

The Clown Awards Recipients:

Twerking for a Cause--Saffia Widdershins
Most Drenched Dragon Rider--RoxyLee Rayna
Sit on a Tack Award--Dawnbeam Dreamscape
It’s Not Always Fuzzball’s Fault Award--Sigh Underwood
Keeping You in Stitches Award--Cody Pason
7Seas JailBird Award--Dallas Russell
Strange World Award--Rowena Dubrova and Cuddly Waffle

Finally the theme for next year was announced: "The Future is Now."

Following the announcements, there was music and dance. At 11:30 AM Singer Max Kleene performed live for the crowd, and at 12:30PM, Trader Whiplash DJed a set of tunes.

And so another Relay season had come to a close. But in the next few months there will be other cancer fundraisers, such as "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Across Second Life," "Relay for Life in InWorldz," and the "Xmas Expo and Breedables Fair." And of course the Relayers anxiously await March 7, 2015, when the next Relay for Life season begins.

Bixyl Shuftan