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‘enfant terrible’ 

     Alexander McQueen’s public nomenclature is ’enfant terrible’ for always surpassing expectations.  By taking a brief glimpse into his world, you too will agree that Alexander McQueen was a …

 “young and successful person who is strikingly unorthodox, innovative, and avant-garde.”

     McQueen, we celebrate you, your life, your vision, and your invaluable contributions to fashion.  Alexanders life was as deep and meaningful as the meticulously place color splashes which adorned his black and white fabrics.  His memory will forever prosper RL, and SL, through inspiration and interpretation.  

     Ironically,  his demise brought life to RFL commencement festivities.  Alexander McQueen was known for his unconventional designs and shock tactics.  Who else is known for untraditional shock value?  None other than ‘Frolic Mills’, who brought us not one but four artistic and innovatively styled stages featuring unconventional Alexander McQueen inspired designs.  

     McQueen’s designs were worn IRL by celebrities including Bjork, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.  The SL inspired McQueen designs were worn by various models and designers, including, Mimi Juneau, Miaa, Ashoka Eales, and Melanie Sautereau.

Frolic Mills: LADIES AND GENTS, BEFORE WE START THE AUCTION, PLEASE WELCOME OUR BEAUTIFUL BOULEVARD AGENCY MODELS PAYING THEIR TRIBUTE AND RESPECTS TO ALEXANDER MCQUEEN!

     This statement marked the start of SL’s relay for life event with a tribute to the late and great Alexander McQueen!  It was quit fitting to mark such a memorable event with such memorable fashions.  Opening the festivities was MC Anastacia Markova.  As the show began, the stage rotated displaying four individual stages featuring Boulevard Models in their eccentric McQueen styled attire.  The Boulevard models showing off “their McQueen”, were Sora Tatham, Miaa Rebane, Kay Fairey, dancer Dallagio, Melanie Sautereau, Alexia Speizer, Florentine Rau, skylei Caproni, Sabine Blackburn, and Katerine Comet. 

Frolic Mills: ALL RIGHT THANK YOU BOULEVARD AGENCY MODELS.  YOU ALL LOOK GREAT!  NOW FOR OUR MAIN MISSION … LETS BEGIN THE AUCTION TO BENEFIT RFL!

     With enthusiasm, MC Anastasia Markova opened the event by encouraging all to give not only for the sake of fashion, but also for an amazing cause

“Let’s dig out those wallets and purses .Take a Good Look Around!  We all know either ourselves or someone we love would look fabulous in these one of a kind creations by some of SL’s Top Designers.” 

     When it was time to begin not only did we have Anastasia encouraging us to dig deep but also lovely Boulevard Director Kay Fairey came to the forefront as our 2^nd MC of the night.  She reiterated that we were there not only for RFL but also for Alexander McQueen!

THE DESIGNS…

1.  It appeared as if an Angel had appeared from heaven.  Peaceful and serene, the stage opened to a beautiful and twirling Ashoka Eales of Phoenix Rising.  She appeared as innocent and graceful as a ballerina.  This dress was inspired by the dress modeled IRL by Kate Moss.  The first winning bid went to Thalia Heckroth for $20,000L! WOW what a great way to start an auction!  Inspiration for the opening design. Great job by Ashoka of Phoenix Rising

2.  “Amore (Blue)” by Thea Tamura Fashion

Thea Tamura made a one of a kind creation for the auction.  A gorgeous blue outfit which also came with hair and a hat.  Frolic Mills got so excited over this unique number and bid $5,000L taking home the prize.  Do not forget to shave Frolic!

3.  ”Fashion Rebel” by Gems and Kisses

This stunning design was modeled by Deliziosa Vendetta  Not sure whether the dress was for auction or Deliziosa, “Franco Bloch shouts: Deliziosa, I love you!”  “Franco Bloch shouts: 15K for dely ehm for the dress” Yes Franco, ehm … the dress.  This was simply and amazing creation.  MagicMirror Fayray called it “A Masterpiece”.  Barbarella had to remind the guest that the model did not come with the winning bid.  Can you guess who won the dress…?  Yes, Mr. Franco had a winning bid of $15,000L.  Thank you Franco for winning the girl, I mean, thank you for your generous contribution to RFL.

4. “Tribute to McQueen” by Jador Fashion

Designer Jiamela Loon created and unique spin on her “McQueen”.  This was a bold and innovative design which Queenmystic Held could only exclaim “wow”.  The Jador design was modeled by designer Mimi Juneau.  The dress went to Candylicious Forster for $7,000L.  Thank you Candylicious!

5.  “McQueen Gown” by Bliss Couture

Designer Amutey Decuir brought us a great McQueen inspired design modeled by Miss Bliss Couture 2010.  This exciting number went to the highest bidder for $11,000L.  Thank you Carilynn OHare.

6. “Radiant” by Sonatta Morales

Designer Sonatta Morales created an outfit, which caused excitement in the pockets of many.  This “Radiant” design went to Thalia Heckroth for $17,000L.  Thank you Thalia!

7.  ”Zen” by Anubis Style

Anubis Hartunian created balance in this fun event with her Zen design.  Zen went to Enzo Champagne who promised to shave his legs prior to wearing.  The dress bid was $9,000L!  Thank you Enzo!

8.   ”Explosion” by B!

Want to cause excitement at an auction?  Name a design Explosion!  That is what designer Barbarella Cioc presented to us with her gorgeous design.  The bid started at $2,000L and quickly escalated to a winning bid of $11,000L.  Thank you Alelan Cortes for contributing to RFL.

9.  “Pixivor Allen” by la folie

This stunning design was modeled by Nola Huldschinsky.  Even our MC Kay had to get in on the bidding; however, the winning bid went to PepperPicaboo for $7,000L. 

10. “Remembrance” by Divine Couture

What a fitting name for such a memorable event.  Christy Hamer brought us a beautiful design, which was won by auctioneer FOX Andretti for $5,000L.  Thank you Fox!

11.  ”Melissa”   By Morea Decosta

Talk about exciting… talk about catfight… but all in good fun!  This dress created quite a stir amongst auctioneers.  Barbarella Fuosing and Thalia Heckroth went back and forth battling over this one of a kind design.  Hey Thalia, didn’t you already win one?  Wow talk about supporting a great cause!

Barb vs. Thalia ROUND 1

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 8K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 10K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 11K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 12k

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 13K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 15K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 16K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 17K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 18K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 19K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: 20K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 21K

Barb vs. Thalia ROUND 2 – TKO or shall I say “TFW”

(Total Fashion War!)

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: Thalia I hate you lol 22K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: hugs back Barb…25K

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: lol hugs it is yours

Wysnhymr Beaumont: go girls

Thalia Heckroth shouts: XOXO

Kay Fairey: 25K to Thalia…2nd call…

Kay Fairey: 25K to Thalia GONE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: wtg Thalia

 12. “Magic Umbrella” by Orage Creations

 Elettra Gausman of  Orage Creations presented us with a lovely design, which came with not one but two skins!  This stunning design went to the highest bidder to support RFL.

 13 “Fly With Me” by Divine Couture

Another fittingly named designed modeled by Arialee Miles.   This lovely design started at a $2,000L bid.  MC Kay Fairy kept commenting about the gorgeous outfit and she  couldn’t bear to part with this one.  In a solitary bidding, war, Kay won this design for $6,000L.  Thank you Kay

Kay Fairey shouts: 6K for me!! CONGRATULATIONS MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

 14.  “Fractured Spring Turq” by Kimmera Maddison 

This design was truly McQueen inspired featuring unique texturing, and large shoulder pads.  This outfit was out of this world with Cyberpunk styling.  The winning bid was for $13,100L to Shae!

15.  RFL Gown by RFrye

Raven Pennyfeather is known for quality and attention to detail. Tonight Raven gave us an amazing Victorian styled gown modeled by Marry Eel, Miss RFyre.  The winning bid went to Thalia Heckroth for $10,000L!

 16. “Egretta RFL” by Azul

Stunning us repeatedly with her amazing designs, Mami Jewell presented us with intricate texturing and wonderful styling.  This one went into overtime with yet another bidding war…

Barbarella Cioc vs. Thalia Heckroth

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 27k

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 28K

Miaa Rebane shouts: 30K

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 29k

Barbarella Cioc shouts: 31k in a bidding war

Winning of yet another – Kay Fairey shouts: 40K for Thalia GONE!! CONGRATULATIONS THALIA!!!!

 17.  “RFL McQueen” by Champagne

Designer Enzo Champagne continues to contribute to the fashion world and today was no different with his contribution to RFL.  His amazing design was modeled by the one and only MVW Miaa Rebane.  The winning bid was for $7,000L by Caine Elcano.  Thank you!

 18. “Never Enough ( in red/black/white)” by Violator

Designer Soraya Vaher of Violator named her design Never Enough, and it didn’t seem like there was enough time because this bidding war went on, and on like the energizer bunny.  Bidders even called up their credit card company for advances to bid on this “Never Enough” design. 

Caine Elcano vs. Petra Messioptra vs. Thalia Heckroth

(YES Thalia again!)

Caine Elcano shouts: 21k and a half

Petra Messioptra shouts: 25K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 26k

Petra Messioptra shouts: 27K

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 28K

Minx Glaz shouts: SHOES AND UMBRELLAS ARE PART OF IT!  *scream

Kay Fairey shouts: 29K for Caine!

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 30K

Caine Elcano shouts: 31k damn it and a half too

Petra Messioptra shouts: 32K

Caine Elcano shouts: wouldn’t I look fab in that dress?

Kay Fairey: omg 32K!!!!

Petra Messioptra shouts: 33.5

Thalia Heckroth shouts: 35K

Petra Messioptra shouts: 47.5 grrrrrrrr

Kay Fairey shouts: 47.4K…no 47.5K from Petra!

Caine Elcano shouts: .667k … lol

Petra Messioptra shouts: 47.9

Caine Elcano shouts: calling my ppl again…one sec

Petra Messioptra shouts: caine…stop it …I need minx…I mean the gown!

Kay Fairey shouts: that will be 17.9K for the gown and 30K for Minx.

Caine Elcano shouts: you can have Minx…  I want the dress!

Kay Fairey shouts: Caine at 56K! 

Petra Messioptra shouts: 57…drink up Caine

Caine Elcano shouts: don’t take this personal Petra… 60K bish

Petra Messioptra shouts: u really need to rest lol….n walk ur dog…hurry!

Minx Glaz shouts: throwing some drinks around.

Caine Elcano can you grab me a double shot of whiskey Minx

Alexia Speizer pulls out the popcorn, damn this is better than a soap opera

Kay Fairey: LOL Alexia!

Caine Elcano shouts: I am… but it is a gift for a good friend

Kay Fairey shouts: ok Minx going for 60K…1st call!

Apollo Call shouts: OMG!  Caine!

Minx Glaz shouts: APPLAUSE TO BOTH!

Barbarella Fuosing shouts: Yes, Caine you got it

Kay Fairey shouts: CAINE WINS MINX FOR 65.55K!

Caine Elcano shouts: PETRA!  TYTYTY, you are truly a doll

Petra Messioptra shouts: I need ambulance…

Alexia Speizer exhales… now that… that was a dressgasm

Kay Fairey shouts: omg that WAS a dressgasm!!!!! and a Minxgasm!!!!!

 19.  ”Acure Limited” by Bare Rose

Designer June Dion bought us this great outfit to bid on modeled by Tori Heart – CEO, Model Coordinator and web manager of Bare.  The bidding quickly escalated on this one.  The winning bid was for $35,000L to Akasha Divisadero!

 20  “Entertainment”

The first and last male outfit of the night modeled by Danielle Guisse was also auctioned off in great fun to the highest bidder..  

 21.  ”Sparkle Skye” by Sparkle

Designer Sparkle Skye donated a limited edition dress. This design came with the complete Tsarina set which gave the designer her inspiration.  The winning bid went to Miaa Rebane for $9,000L!

THE END SIGNALS A BEGINNING!

     What and amazing event and beginning for RFL 2010 fundraiser.  Every one of us will be affected by cancer personally or through a close loved one.  It is only through events such as this where funding can be raised to heighten awareness, advocacy, research and ultimately a cure for this disheartening disease.  

Thank you RFL for choosing one of the most amazing venues in SL, Patch Thibaud Auditorium @ BOSL.  There was a plethora of designs, designers, models, and supporters to kick off such an important event. 

RIP Alexander ‘17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010′.  Now let us celebrate new Life and new hope during RFL!

Thank you to all contributing designers: Ashoka Eales of Phoenix Rising, Deliziosa Vendetta of Gems and Kisses, Ziamela Loon of Jador Fashion, Amutey Decuir of Bliss Couture, Thea Tamura of Thea Tamura Fashion, Anubis Hartunian of Anubis Style, Elettra Gausman of Orage Creations, morea Decosta of Morea Decosta, Sonatta Morales of Sonatta Morales , Barbarella Cioc of B! Fashion, pixivor Allen of a la folie,  Christy Hamer of Divine Couture, Christy Hamer/Anna Rokocoko of Divine Couture, soraya Vaher of Violator, Enzo Champagne of Champagne, Danielle Guisse, Kimmera Madison of Tres Beau, Raven Pennyfeather of RFyre and RP Couture, Mami Jewell of AZUL, Sparkle Skye of Sparkle Sky , and  June Dion of Bare Rose.

There can’t be many of us in second life who haven’t experienced the very real life specter of cancer.  Whether it’s been a personal battle, supporting a friend or co worker through intensive treatment or watching a loved one succumb to the disease, each of us has our own story to tell. Cancer is the great leveler -showing no regard for age, race or social background and last year, in the USA alone, there were 1,479,350 new cases diagnosed,  with cancer accounting for one in four deaths. Massive and humbling statistics. In an effort to fight cancer and to help financially and emotionally support the victims of this most cruel of diseases, ‘The American Cancer Society’ hold annual ‘Relay for Life’ events across the country and millions of people give their time and money to help raise funds.

Since starting in 1985, when surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to run continuously for twenty four hours to raise funds for cancer research, International ‘Relay For Life’ has been embraced by people across the globe, with events held in 20 countries outside of the United States and in Second Life, the community gathers together each year to help the cause too. In fact, ‘Relay For Life’ events have found strong supporter networks in SL, with hundreds of residents donating their time, talent, skills and experience to help fundraise. In 2008, ‘Relay For Life of Second Life’ raised $215,000 – surpassing its total for the previous three years combined, and now in its 6th year, it’s hoped that this figure will be exceeded with a goal target of $300,000. With 93 teams taking part in the actual relays this year, it looks set to be a record breaking year.

This year’s key theme is ‘Wishing On A Cure’ and to kick start the four month long fundraising season off in style, the glamorous surroundings of the Patch Thibaud Auditorium played host to a glittering opening ceremony. Addressing the large audience, RFL Event Chair, Tayzia Abattoir, welcomed us all with an impassioned   speech that had many in the crowd in tears. “Everyone has personal reasons why they Relay.” She told us. “Whether they have been directly touched by cancer, indirectly touched, or just know what a horrible disease it is and pray that people do not have to face it and want to help in any way they can. We are all one family here. We fight the same battle.”Following Tayzia, other members from the 60 strong in world RFL committee explained how all the proceeds from 2010’s RFL will be used to benefit the millions of people and their families affected by cancer each year. All speakers received rapturous applause from crowd, proving that the residents of SL are some of the most caring citizens on earth.

Cancer may be a very serious issue, but the RFL team and all its supporters in world are determined that hope, love and a whole lot of fun, are the biggest weapons in the war against cancer. Over the next few months, thousands of events and attractions will take place in SL to help highlight the cause and everyone at the opening ceremony was certainly in the mood to party! Following a standing ovation from the crowd for venue owner and BOSL CEO Frolic Mills, singer ScarlettLa Roux took to the stage, officially launching proceedings with a superb rendition of a Melissa Etheridge song called ‘I Run For Life’. The combination of heartfelt lyrics and ScarlettLa’s blues infused, sweet voice struck a chord with the audience.

After her thirty minute set, which was well received by the audience, next to take place under the spotlights was singer Damian Carbenell, while glamorous dancers from Dazzlers Inc accompanied him with a delightful routine. Then, to shouts and wild applause from the excited crowd, SL’s premier rock singer, Mankind Tracer, strode onto the stage bringing the audience to fever pitch with his usual mix of original songs, charisma and undeniable vocal talent. Mankind explained why, despite his busy schedule, he is so committed to lending his talents for this cause.

“The events that RFL put on are always fun, bringing in a lot of people who share a common cause.” He confirmed “And year after year, Relay For Life have shown themselves to be consistent in putting on benefits to raise much needed money. People know they can trust that the money raised will be handled properly by the good people running the events.”

The unity and camaraderie of everyone involved in the opening party was evident to see and donations flowed in from people reaching into their virtual wallets to donate to the cause. With a tribute to the work of RL fashion designer Alexander McQueen following the initial ceremony featuring unique couture made especially for this event, RFL  2010 has got off to the best possible start.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

FLPR 2010.01
PRESS RELEASE – IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: TRADER1 WHIPLASH (trader@t1radio.com)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Life in Second Life — Its Relay Your Way!

In its continued effort to raise awareness and support for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life Second Life has taken a lead from it’s real life counterpart and is beginning a new series of focused fund raising events. We are therefore pleased to announce the inauguration of the For Life in Second Life program.

For Life events are intended to focus on specific interest areas and allow their followers to plan and hold an approved event to support the Relay For Life of Second Life. For Life events are not intended to be team related, but instead are festival events in support of Relay For Life of Second Life. With the diverse nature of the virtual communities in Second Life and the abilities of the platform, the scope of For Life in Second Life events is limitless.

For Life events such as Bark For Life have been held in Relay communities across the United States. Bark For Life celebrates, in a Relay format , the companionship, comfort and therapeutic benefit provided by pets. With the addition of For Life the American Cancer Society is able to reach a new or expanded audience for its programs and resources, and the fund raising that helps support them.

The first of these For Life events planned is Sail For Life. The event, chaired by Chad Swanson and Aislyn Keynes, will center around Second Life’s vibrant sailing community. Sail For Life will include Regattas, Sailing displays and lessons, auctions and social events. The Yacht Clubs and other communities around the Blake Sea area of the grid will all be welcomed to participate. The event is scheduled to take place in June. Other events are currently being planned, including the building and live music communities.

Trader Whiplash, who is well known for his many roles in Relay For Life of Second Life is the 2010 Chair of For Life. The former Mission and Corporate Chair and 2009 Spirit of Relay Award co-recipient is very excited about the new opportunities presented by For Life . “Second Life presents so many different areas with in which we can work to support the American Cancer Society and with this new format we are given a new avenue with which to approach and encourage participation. ” Trader, a leukemia survivor, states. “I look forward to working with the many groups who make up this amazing community. We hope that with the addition of For Life events the Relay For Life of Second Life will increase not only its all important fund raising results, but will bring more and more members of our community in contact with the efforts and programs of the Society and its continuing fight for a cure for cancer”.

Stingray Raymaker, the American Cancer Society Staff Partner for Relay for Life in Second Life agrees. “We are so very excited introduce this new fund raising opportunity to Second Life. We are fortunate to have a great volunteer, Trader Whiplash to spearhead this venture into new horizons, and this is a great step forward for both Relay For Life and Second Life. We hope that the For Life concept will help to open new doors for various communities and groups within Second Life to learn, participate and feel welcome to the world of Relay For Life. This demonstrates that there are ways for all types of different communities in Second Life to join the Relay Nation in the fight against cancer. “

The American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Second Life recognize the capacity of the For Life program to engage new participants and capitalize on the unique ability of Second Life to host these For Life events. For Life in Second Life welcomes any interest group in Second Life to explore the possibility of hosting their own event. Interested groups can contact Trader1 Whiplash in Second Life (trader@t1radio.com) for program requirements and standards, and additional information.

Press Release
Thursday February 25, 2010 – for release on March 2

RFL of SL kicks off on March 13!

Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) is all set to start fundraising on March 13. For the last few weeks, the teams have been busy recruiting, registering, training, and planning events… and now they’re ready to KICK OFF!

Wishing On A Cure

This year’s theme is Wishing On A Cure. Because Relay For Life represents the wish that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. After 16 weeks of fun and fundraising, the teams will build campsites for the main event which will take place on July 17 and 18. Team members, volunteers and members of the SL community will walk a track for 24 hours to Celebrate survivorship, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back to save lives by making a personal pledge to fight cancer.

In 2010 the fundraising goal is $300,000.

This year’s Event Chair is Tayzia Abattoir, supported by two Event Co-Chairs: Nuala Maracas and MamaP Beerbaum. The American Cancer Society’s representative in Second Life is Stingray9798 Raymaker.

From March 13 onwards, look out for the distinctive RFL of SL kiosks, vendors and event boards … and go RELAY!

About Relay For Life of Second Life

Relay For Life (RFL) is the signature fundraiser of the American Cancer Society. RFL of SL is an annual activity that takes place in Second Life in July each year. It is the largest, most successful fundraising event in the virtual world, raising more than $650,000 since it started in 2005. Volunteers form or join teams to have fun while fundraising and raising awareness about cancer from mid-March through mid-July. The funds raised go towards the American Cancer Society’s research, support and education programs, with 12-15% going towards international projects.

In 2009, RFL of SL raised $274,000 for the American Cancer Society and was ranked the 112th highest fundraiser out of more than 5,000 relays in the United States. There were 125 teams taking part. At the main event, 1913 avatars walked a track of 11,907 meters across 36 sims.

RFL has become an international movement. Since 1996 the American Cancer Society has partnered with international organizations to hold relay events all around the globe. In 2009 RFL took place in 21 countries. RFL of SL is international, too – participants from over 26 countries took part in RFL of SL in 2009.
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FOLLOW US on:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RelayForLife_SL
Avatars United: http://www.avatarsunited.com/groups/relay-for-life-of-second-life
Facebook: ‘Relay For Life of Second Life 2010’ on http://www.facebook.com
RFL of SL Updates: http://rflofsl.blogspot.com/

For background information and the history of RFL of SL see:
SL Wiki: https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Relay_For_Life_of_Second_Life and
Official RFL of SL website: http://www.relayforlife.org/secondlife

For more information please contact:
Poppy Zabelin (RFL of SL PR Chair poppy_zabelin@yahoo.co.uk) or
Breezy Carver (RFL of SL PR Co-Chair seabreezegal@gmail.com).

For Life in Second Life — Its Relay Your Way!

In its continued effort to raise awareness and support for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life Second Life has taken a lead from it’s real life counterpart and is beginning a new series of focused fund raising events. We are therefore pleased to announce the inauguration of the For Life in Second Life program.

For Life events are intended to focus on specific interest areas and allow their followers to plan and hold an approved event to support the Relay For Life of Second Life. For Life events are not intended to be team related, but instead are festival events in support of Relay For Life of Second Life. With the diverse nature of the virtual communities in Second Life and the abilities of the platform, the scope of For Life in Second Life events is limitless.

For Life events such as Bark For Life have been held in Relay communities across the United States. Bark For Life celebrates, in a Relay format , the companionship, comfort and therapeutic benefit provided by pets. With the addition of For Life the American Cancer Society is able to reach a new or expanded audience for its programs and resources, and the fund raising that helps support them.

The first of these For Life events planned is Sail For Life. The event, chaired by Chad Swanson and Aislyn Keynes, will center around Second Life’s vibrant sailing community. Sail For Life will include Regattas, Sailing displays and lessons, auctions and social events. The Yacht Clubs and other communities around the Blake Sea area of the grid will all be welcomed to participate. The event is scheduled to take place in June. Other events are currently being planned, including the building and live music communities.

Trader Whiplash, who is well known for his many roles in Relay For Life of Second Life is the 2010 Chair of For Life. The former Mission and Corporate Chair and 2009 Spirit of Relay Award co-recipient is very excited about the new opportunities presented by For Life . “Second Life presents so many different areas with in which we can work to support the American Cancer Society and with this new format we are given a new avenue with which to approach and encourage participation. ” Trader, a leukemia survivor, states. “I look forward to working with the many groups who make up this amazing community. We hope that with the addition of For Life events the Relay For Life of Second Life will increase not only its all important fund raising results, but will bring more and more members of our community in contact with the efforts and programs of the Society and its continuing fight for a cure for cancer”.

Stingray Raymaker, the American Cancer Society Staff Partner for Relay for Life in Second Life agrees. “We are so very excited introduce this new fund raising opportunity to Second Life. We are fortunate to have a great volunteer, Trader Whiplash to spearhead this venture into new horizons, and this is a great step forward for both Relay For Life and Second Life. We hope that the For Life concept will help to open new doors for various communities and groups within Second Life to learn, participate and feel welcome to the world of Relay For Life. This demonstrates that there are ways for all types of different communities in Second Life to join the Relay Nation in the fight against cancer. ”

The American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of Second Life recognize the capacity of the For Life program to engage new participants and capitalize on the unique ability of Second Life to host these For Life events. For Life in Second Life welcomes any interest group in Second Life to explore the possibility of hosting their own event. Interested groups can contact Trader1 Whiplash in Second Life (trader@t1radio.com) for program requirements and standards, and additional information.

Press release
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 – For immediate release

Relay For Life of Second Life releases new-style event boards

Moonshade Pastorelli writes:
Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) is about to hit the grid. A new event board makes it easier than ever to list, promote, and discover events during the 16 weeks of fundraising. The RFL of SL 2010 campaign kicks off Saturday, March 13.

Some of the events to look out for during the campaign are races, DJ parties, live music marathons, fashion shows, and rodeos. A popular event is “Bid Me Bald.” For every L$5,000 a team member raises, she or he must go bald for one day.

“I want everyone to be aware of the event boards–to touch them, to enjoy the fantastic events that the RFL teams put on,” said Panza Eilde, RFL of SL teams chair. “There’s joy in sharing the conviction to raise funds for research that will help people overcome cancer. We want people to come to events, socialize with others, and raise funds for a good cause. We want to hit that $300,000 US donation mark this year.”

An example of a six-face RFL of SL event board

 Event boards were created to publicly display images of upcoming events that support RFL. Clicking any image on the event board will provide a note card with information about the event, when it will be held, where it will be held, and who’s holding the event. With a possible 40 events per week over 16 weeks, the event boards will be able to cycle through a series of images. The American Cancer Society (ACS) logo or mission posters will also randomly appear on faces of the displayer. Click these images, and the viewer is taken to a web page for more information about ACS and RFL.

Click on the banner at the top of the displayer and a blue menu appears with options that the owner can set, such as change the speed of the texture cycle, remove events that conflict with the owner’s local events, and offer a copy of the displayer itself.

“One of the neatest things about the event boards is that the team captains can post their events in one location and with continuity,” Eilde said.

To place an event in the displayer, RFL team members visit the middle floor of the warehouse at ACS Island. An in-box on a desk accepts a square, full-perm texture and a copy and resell/giveaway note card that contains particulars about the team event. The event image hits the displayer within one to two hours, and an e-mail is sent to the public relations team to get news about the event to various SL media. The event is also shown on the RFL of SL web page. When an event is over, it is automatically deleted. Teams are asked to place an event in the in-box no more than 10 days before it begins.

The new event boards were created by Charlene Trudeau, RFL of SL design committee chair, and the board itself was conceived and created by Dwen Dooley, RFL of SL survivor/caregiver chair and himself a cancer survivor.

Dwen Dooley sitting atop the new-style event board

“The idea of the design is that the displayers should all have the same look and feel so they’re not confused as being anything other than an official RFL of SL event board for the ACS,” Dooley said.

Event boards can be set up anywhere on the SL grid and are available in a variety of styles and sizes: a two-prim one-face displayer, a four-prim three-face displayer, a six-prim six-face displayer, and a 10-prim nine-face displayer. Most of the displays come in small, medium, and large; however, the one-face event board is also available in tiny. The largest displayer, with nine-faces, stands 6.5 meters tall and 5 meters wide. The six-face event board has three faces on each of two sides and is ideal for locations, such malls or outdoor settings. The other event boards can be easily set up on a wall.

An example of the new-style nine-face event boards

“Even amidst the competitiveness of Relay For Life, there’s a camaraderie,” Dooley said. “We’re all fighting cancer in one way or another. Celebrate, remember, and fight back. I think that’s the best feature of this event board. A team associated with a venue will put out one of these displayers, and it will stay there and show the events for all teams, not just one. It will display events at different places and different times. It will improve fundraising for everyone. People will start coming to more events, and those people who don’t know about RFL of SL will come to the events.”

Tayzia Abattoir, event chair, said: “I am excited about new technology and whenever we can find uses for it to better our in-world program. This is a wonderful new informational outreach opportunity created by Dwen. He has worked many hours perfecting the event board and it is an exciting new tool for our RFL of SL program. It will make it much easier for team captains to get the information about their events out, not only from the listing on the event board itself, but also as the information fed into the system about their events is generated to our PR group to release to media outlets and list on our google calendar etc.”

Distribution of the event boards directly to RFL of SL groups began on February 21. Displayers may be obtained by others in one of three ways. Go to any current displayer and click the banner on the top. Select “Get a Copy” from the menu, and a boxed kit of all 11 displayers will be sent. These kits are no transfer. A free copy of the kit may also be found at ACS Island at http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/151/162/51.

Xstreet SL lists the event board kit for L$1, which is distributed to ACS.

For more information about the event boards, e-mail Dwen Dooley at dwendooley@gmail.com.

For more information please contact one of the following people: Poppy Zabelin (RFL of SL PR Chair poppy_zabelin@yahoo.co.uk) or Breezy Carver (RFL of SL PR Co-Chair seabreezegal@gmail.com)

FOLLOW US on http://twitter.com/RelayForLife_SL and http://rflofsl.blogspot.com/

As we all know now, one of the best Fashion Designers in the world, passed away last week, which saddened many, if not all, in the fashion world.

Here in Second Life, on March 13th, Some of the BEST designers and fashion creators will come together, and put on an amazing show, to remember Alexander McQueen, and to benefit Relay For Life, which launches on the same day.

Nearer the time, notices will be sent out in the Best of SL Magazine Readers group, and another blog post to get the final line-up of Designers taking part in the show. Below, are a list of people, who are already confirmed:

Ziamela Loon
Kimmera Madison
Amutey Decuir
Ashoka Eales
Joy Fellini
Anubis Hartunian
Raven Pennyfeather
morea Decosta
Sonatta Morales
Barbarella Cioc
pixivor Allen
Mami Jewell
Sparkle Sky
Thea Tamura
Enzo Champagne
soraya Vaher
Applonia Criss

More are expected to take part also! This is going to be an amazing show, and many are excited for it. Second Life Residents are welcome to the event, which location and time are listed below. See you there!

A TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER McQUEEN TO BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE
March 13th
4:00 pm SLT
Patch Thibaud Auditorium

PRESS RELEASE

January 23, 2010 – For immediate release

Wishing On A Cure – teams’ registration for Relay For Life of Second Life opening soon!

RELAY FOR LIFE OF SECOND LIFE is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! This year’s theme is ‘Wishing On A Cure’. Teams’ registration opens soon in preparation for fundraising from March to July, culminating in a 24-hour walk on July 17-18 around a virtual track.

To register your team, please go to: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/slregistration. Registration opens on February 1.

Don’t worry if you haven’t taken part in a relay event before. There will be an opportunity to learn more at a series of informational meetings on February 12 and 13 where the incoming Event Chair Tayzia Abattoir , together with the American Cancer Society’s official representative in Second Life, Stingray9798 Raymaker, will present an overview and hold a Q&A, supported by the Event Co-Chairs MamaP Beerbaum and Nuala Maracas. Each team will also be assigned a mentor who will coach the team, brief them on new developments and answer questions.

‘This year we’ve paid special attention to training’ says Tayzia. ‘During the informational meetings we’ll explain what goes on at Relay, how to form teams, and how people can get involved in the event.’ She added: ‘Each team will be assigned a mentor as well. We have a great group of enthusiastic mentors this year who have already been busy training for over a month so that we’re ready to go as soon as registration opens.’

For more information please contact one of the following:

Tayzia Abbatoir (RFL of SL Event Chair tayziaabbattoir@gmail.com), 

Stingray9798 Raymaker (ACS Staff Partner Jeffrey.Montegut@cancer.org),

MamaP Beerbaum & Nuala Maracas (Event Co-Chairs, mamapbeerbaum@gmail.com or nuala.maracas@gmail.com).

About Relay For Life

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Cancer knows no boundaries. The American Cancer Society partners with 20 cancer organizations globally to license and support Relay For Life programs in other countries.

About Relay For Life of Second Life

Relay For Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) is a division of Relay For Life in an online virtual world. Relay For Life teams fundraise from mid-March through mid-July. On July 17 and 18 we will walk a track for 24 hours, just like in a real world Relay For Life. Team members build and gather at their team campsites, enjoy live music, participate in fun events, and explore the many Relay sims and the incredible builds by some of Second Life’s top designers, as the event runs overnight and into the next morning.

Last year’s Relay For Life of Second Life attracted more than 120 teams with participants from over 26 countries, held over 300 team fundraising events between March and July, and raised over US$275,000 (that’s REAL US dollars) for cancer research and education.

Key dates

Please note these key dates:

February 1 – Teams’ registration opens

February 12 – information sessions at 6am and 4pm

February 13 – information sessions at 8am and 6pm

March 13 – Kickoff Party and start of fundraising!

July 17-18 – GO RELAY!

________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA NOTES

For more information please contact one of the following people: Poppy Zabelin (RFL of SL PR Chair poppy_zabelin@yahoo.co.uk) or Breezy Carver (RFL of SL PR Co-Chair seabreezegal@gmail.com)

FOLLOW US on http://twitter.com/RelayForLife_SL and http://rflofsl.blogspot.com/

NOTE- we plan to hold a press conference in Second Life on March 6 at 11am so that everyone is briefed before the Kickoff on March 13. Invitations will be sent out closer to the date. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars!

PRESS RELEASE Sunday, 20 September, 2009
===== for immediate release =====

Spreading the Hope – RFL Hope Hunt + Race begins Sunday, September 27

Starting Sunday, September 27, the Relay for Life of Second Life Hope Hunt + Race will be taking place throughout Second Life. The Hunt will last for three weeks from 10am SLT on Sunday, September 27 through Saturday, October 10. All proceeds go to Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature activity.

This is a treasure hunt in Second Life. It was conceived by the ‘All-Stars’ Relay for Life team who originally organized a hunt in June, but had to close down the hunt due to technical issues. They have now resolved the issues and are looking forward to a successful event!

So how does it work? Over 200 participating merchants will hide pink Hope roses at their locations. Like most hunts, many of the merchants will be putting give-away items – ‘swag’ – in the roses. There will also be 100 roses on the American Cancer Society sim. Unlike many hunts, merchants can place as many roses as they choose at their location – there is no limit. The rose represents hope for a cure, and the organizers chose pink for this event because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is also a ‘race’. Cash prizes have been donated and will be awarded to the winners at the conclusion of the event, as follows: first prize: L$45,000; second prize: L$25,000; and third prize: L$10,000. The prize money has been donated anonymously, in honor of a loved one who lost the battle to cancer.

To take part, hunters click on a sign to receive a free Hud, which they can wear, which will track the number of roses they find. The signs are set out at participating merchants and there is no entry fee. The leaderboard will be displayed on the Hope Hunt website: http://thehopehunt.blogspot.com/ and will be automatically updated every three hours.

The merchants will purchase the roses they place at their location(s). All proceeds from the sale of roses go directly to Relay for Life. There will also be a website that provides merchants with ‘traffic reports’, showing the number of avatars who have found roses at each of their locations.

Says Sidda Jubilee of the All-Stars team: ‘Each and every one of us at one time or another has been touched by cancer. It has destroyed so many lives and Relay for Life enables our avatars to participate in defeating this enemy. We want to stamp cancer out of our lives now and forever. With hunts being so popular in Second Life, there is no better way to spread cancer awareness across the grid; it will also spread this awareness to each and every avatar’s real life as well.’ She continued: ‘Special thanks are due to Arete Diplomat whose wonderful scripting made it work.’

Tayzia Abattoir, Relay for Life of Second Life Event Chair for 2009-2010 says: ‘I am excited to have it utilizing the American Cancer Society sim so more people can see the services we have here It is a wonderful idea, and the way it was thought out and put together took a lot of work and dedication. Kudos to everyone involved with such a creative fun event to raise funds for the ACS!’ She added, ‘I plan to look for some roses when I find time to quit working LOL!’

Happy hunting! And if you would like to volunteer for Relay for Life 2010 please join the ‘SL’s RFL Volunteers’ group and look out for the announcements.

For cancer information 24/7, please visit http://www.cancer.org or call 1.800.227.2345 in the USA.

Briefing for Press and bloggers:
Please contact: Poppy Zabelin (poppy_zabelin@yahoo.co.uk), PR Chair for Relay for Life 2009-2010, or Sidda Jubilee or Areta Diplomat on behalf of the organizers. Or visit http://thehopehunt.blogspot.com/ for the latest information.

Relay For Life of Second Life set a new fundraising record this year, raising over $270,000. The American Cancer Society and the planning committee would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s event a success: the teams and corporate sponsors, the venues who put out our posters and donation kiosks, the venues who hosted the team’s fundraisers, the individual fundraisers and everyone who gave during the many fundraising events.

Spirit Of Relay Award 2009

This year the spirit awards were given to two individual that received an overwhelming amount of nominations. This year the spirit award went to the 2009 Chair Fayandria Foley and our mission chair Trader Whiplash. Both of these deserving individuals are cancer survivors themselves and have exemplified the Spirit of Relay for over 4 years by embracing the need to spread awareness of cancer prevention in Second Life.

Spirit of the Relay Day Award for 2009: Awarded to the team and individual that embodies the “Spirit of the Relay”. “Spirit of the Relay” includes an overall performance of the team & Individual, not simply the amount raised. This includes the Relay activities and embodying the One World, One Hope…Relay for Life theme.

Spirit Of Relay – New Team – Relay for Hope
Spirit Of Relay – Returning Team – Passionate Redheads

During the event awards were handed out to different teams and individuals as a way of saying thank you for all their hard work. The following are the teams and individuals who won awards:

2009 Relay For Life Of Second Life Awards

Most Inventive Campsite Fundraising Award
Awarded to the most unique and creative way of fund raising at a Relay campsite

1 Armada Fights Back
2 United Forces Against Cancer
3 New Babbage RFL

Best Theme Decorated Campsite Award
Awarded for all-round design interpretation of the One World, One Hope…Relay for Life theme and sub themes for each Region

1 V-Innovations
2 New Babbage RFL
3 Eternal Beacon

Designer Sim Build – July 18 Relay
Awarded for the design that captures the essence, the reality and scale of the real or imaginary worlds they represent, and truly give us a world to call our own for a brief and unforgettable moment in time.
For over-all atmosphere, ambiance and detail
For the clever way they took difficult requirements and made them into a center piece
For the tasteful and enlightening way of incorporating cancer awareness into at theme
For the best storytelling One World, One Hope…Relay for Life theme

Mars Sim
Build Team Headed by Reitsuki Kojima
Design Team members
Greg Merryman
Elfod Nemeth
Doctor Obolensky
Rip Wirefly
Aeolus Cleanslate
Kaylee Frye
Beq Janus
Kandace Commons
Canolli Capalini
Skusting Dagger

Most Laps walked
Awarded to the person who walked the most laps during the actual 24 Relay hours, as declared on the official Relay Lap Counter

Jaraziah Lowell (23.54 laps)

This year we introduced the Convio fund raising website. This site was an area very similar to the real world relay online donation sites. It gave us the ability to reach beyond SL to our friends, family and co-workers who may want to contribute to your individual or team fund raising.

Top Individual Website (Convio) Fund raising
Jaelle Akula $1,744.38 US dollars

Top Teams Website (Convio) Fund
1) Relay Rockers $3,780.38 US dollars
2) Circle Of Life $2,302.00
3) Eternal Beacon $1,345.53 US dollars

Team Fundraising Club Banners

The Team Fundraising Club has been adapted from the RL Relay’s for Second Life and was used in previous SL Relay’s in 2005 & 2006. It is based on the total linden dollars a team has raised as of opening ceremonies, and continuing as levels increase during the July 18 & 19, 2009 Relay. This year’s winners we had 17 teams that reach the diamond level by raising over L$1,000,000; they were:

Relay’s Raiders
Goreans for Relay For Life
Relay for HOPE
The All-Stars
Relay Rockers
Friends Fighting Cancer
Passionate Redheads
Indie Rock for RFL
Team Caledon
BOSL Relay Team
Eternal Beacon
Eshi Otawara
The Quest for a Cure
Sail for Life
Relay Hope
The lands of Nor
Relay Wizards for Spunky

We also had 15 teams reach the gold level (L$500,000 – L$999,999); 30 teams reached the silver level (L$100,000 – L$499,999); and 61 teams who reached the bronze level (L$1,000 – L$99,999).

For a full list of the 125 plus teams and their total Linden dollars raised.please go to www.relayforlife.org/secondlife and click on the teams totals on the left side.

For further information on how you can join us next year for the 2010 Relay For Life of Second Life please visit the websites at www.relayforlife.org, www.cancer.org or call our 24/7 phone line, 1-800-227-2345.