The small-town feel-good fundraiser Walking in Faith that has become one of Nutley's secret weapons in not only raising money for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society but also responsible for joining hundreds of residents in one spot to celebrate and honor their loved ones with cancer was once again a packed, upbeat and successful event.
Held in the Park and Rec building, under the charitable eye and guidance of Nutley Commissioner Mauro Tucci, the brainchild of Tammi Trible, who lost her young husband to a rare form of cancer, truly captured the spirit of this year's Nutley Relay for Life: We can be Heroes.
Children as young as babies were carried along the runway, held by their proud mothers. Toddlers held hands with older siblings and sometimes, were guided from the sidelines by their parents; tweens and teens and adults all proudly walked in their eclectic fashions to make the point loud and crystal clear: they were there to fight cancer and raise money and awareness to help find a cure.
The entire gym was transformed into a DJ playing, lights flashing high energy celebration, complete with an enormous table laden with donated gifts to take chances on, and another room filled with art.
"My group is here because I lost someone to cancer, and this is important to do, to fight back, and to stand up," said 7th grader Coleen Mcenery, who teared up as she spoke to this reporter.
Her friends alongside her instantly surrounded her, hugging her.
A middle school team called "Cancer Cops" explained that to them, cancer is the villain and they were there, just like the police, to stop it in its tracks.
Exuberant middle school girls, all part of the Nutley Soccer Club team
U-11, showed off their "kicking for a cure" tees and sported lovely tiaras.
About 500 people were there, cheering as every walker took a turn on the runway.
With over $700,000 raised by Nutley Relay for Life over the past few years, this is one of the many successful events that have become not only part of the fundraising part, but also an important part of this close knit community.
Updates to follow.
